Volunteers clean river ahead of holiday crowds

Volunteers pulled a grown man’s weight in cans and trash out of the San Marcos River upstream from Martindale on July 4.

The Eyes of the San Marcos River, a volunteer organization that frequently organizes river cleanups, reported that volunteers retrieved 96 pounds of cans — about 3,000 cans — and about 80 pounds of plastic and trash from the water at the San Marcos River Retreat. Another cleanup — a service project for State Senate District 25 candidate Steven Kling’s campaign team — was scheduled for Saturday, and another is scheduled for Labor Day.

The volunteers will also be out during Float Fest, July 21-22, to document and test water conditions and track debris. Float Fest organizers hired Zach Halfin of the Eyes of the San Marcos River to manage litter prevention and pickup during the festival, and Halfin said he hired his staff from the volunteer group. In the past, according to the group, Eyes of the San Marcos River cleanups have netted more than 10,000 aluminum cans and more than 300 pounds of trash, including flip-flops, tubes and coolers.

Float Fest has publicized its partnership with the Eyes of the San Marcos River, Don’s Fish Camp and Texas State Tubes to help keep the river clean and encourage guests to float responsibly. A deep river cleanup is also scheduled to take place.

The Eyes of The San Marcos River is a grassroots-driven volunteer group in the San Marcos area. The organization thrives on community members who love and respect the river. Those who volunteer with many cleanups throughout the year know the importance of keeping the river clean and being a respectful outfitter to the precious resources in Central Texas. The Eyes of The San Marcos River is currently taking monetary donations to formalize the organization. Donations can be made online. For more information go to the group’s Facebook page.