Austin is highly urbanized, yet abundant with natural spaces. The Barton Creek Greenbelt, located just 10 minutes from downtown, is a prime example of an outdoor oasis in the heart of the city. The greenbelt spans over 800 acres of lush greenery, limestone cliffs, and flowing water for a majority of the year. On any day, visitors can be seen hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, and swimming in and along Barton Creek.
Spotting litter on the trail or in the water can quickly turn a relaxing hike or splash into a disappointment. A beautiful and enchanting city begins with cleanliness, which takes much more than the efforts of a few people. It’s often a group of neighbors, friends, and coworkers who decide to clean an area and take pride in their green space that makes the most difference. And they’re not just improving how an area looks, they’re also defending the environment and protecting the watershed by removing trash and debris.
Community members have made environmental projects realities by dedicating themselves to working hard. The Keep Austin Beautiful Litter Abatement Award spotlights organizations who have rolled up their sleeves to tidy an area that matters to them. A frequent volunteer of all things litter-related, and the 30th Annual Litter Abatement Award Winner, CTA Architects Engineers’ team members can be found with Keep Austin Beautiful trash grabbers (and furry friends) in hand, removing litter from the Barton Creek Greenbelt to the surrounding road and everywhere in between.
Their commitment goes beyond this year, dating back to 2008 when the CTA Group first became an Adopt-a-Creek participant. They like to say that by regularly organizing team cleanups, CTA team members have had the opportunity to have fun with family and friends while keeping the greenbelt enjoyable for both Austinites and wildlife alike. I recently visited the greenbelt and can attest that the area was pristine and litter-free; proof of the astounding 830 pounds of trash CTA removed in 2015. Their dedication continues into the New Year, where they aim to match the 70 volunteer hours contributed in 2015.
There is no doubt that initiatives supported by the community make the biggest impact. Congratulations CTA Architects Engineers for being the 30th Annual Litter Abatement Award Winner! The CTA Group is just one of many Keep Austin Beautiful Adopt-a-Creek members who contribute toward making Austin a cleaner, more beautiful city. You, too, can help make a difference and organize a group cleanup. Sign up here.
