Shangri La to host Community Trash-Off

For the 17th consecutive year, the Orange community is invited to work together on beautifying the streets of Orange and the banks of Adams Bayou by picking up litter during the Annual Community Trash-Off. This event, sponsored by Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, will be held Saturday, Feb. 4, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., at Orange Lions Park, which will serve as headquarters for the Trash-Off.

The Community Trash-Off began in 1995 as an effort to clean Adams Bayou and has expanded to include more than 60 streets throughout Orange, Pinehurst and West Orange. In 2011, this program collected over 16,000 pounds of trash from roadways and waterways. With much of our area ultimately draining directly into Adams Bayou, cleaning the streets helps keep Adams Bayou free of litter.

Individuals, organizations, businesses and families are encouraged to sign up their teams early for the Trash-Off. Teams consist of 3-5 participants and are limited to adults and children age 12 and older. All stations must be supervised by an adult. Volunteers may bring gloves; however, gloves will be provided at the event. Shangri La will provide trash grabbers and garbage bags for all volunteers, and volunteers with small personal boats are needed to help pick up trash out of Adams Bayou. Those working along Adams Bayou in personal boats may receive, if desired, a disposable suit to help them stay clean.

After the trash pick-up, all volunteers will regroup to enjoy complimentary pizza and soft drinks for lunch at Orange Lions Park, where prizes donated by local businesses will be awarded to teams for their efforts. If your business or organization would like to make a donation for this event, contact Christin Hutchison at 409-670-0803 or [email protected]. Items may also be dropped off at the Shangri La Admissions Window.

For more information on participating in the Annual Community Trash-Off, call 409-670-0803 or visit http://www.shangrilagardens.org to download a participation form. Forms may be returned via email to [email protected], via fax at 409-670-9341 or in person at the Admission Window at Shangri La.

Located at 2111 West Park Avenue in Orange, Texas, Shangri La is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information about Shangri La, call 409.670.9113 or visit http://www.shangrilagardens.org.