I recall seeing notices of the "Annual Clear Creek Clean-up" in various publications in the Clear Creek/Houston Bay Area of Texas for years although I admit I have never participated. Today I heard Rex Ward speak at a local club meeting. He is Chairman of the Board of Clear Creek Environmental Foundation, an amazing, all-volunteer, organization. He started the foundation in 1999, and today they are into their eleventh year.
Calls for volunteers are answered by community members and community business partners. The volunteer efforts benefit the health of the inland waterway called Clear Creek and the Clear Lake environment. Board members are also volunteers, and since the beginning over 5000 volunteers have participated.
The Foundation seeks to clean-up and restore Clear Creek. 
The creek runs through several counties, including Galveston and Harris counties (Houston).
When speaking to a group, Rex Ward does not solicit financial donations, he simply speaks about the efforts made by the volunteers. However, the Foundation's efforts require funds to cover expenses such as insurance, gas and rental of heavy equipment like barges, cranes and other vehicles. (large items get dumped in the creek or nearby environment). Contributions are obviously greatly needed and appreciated to continue the work.
According to Rex Ward after Hurricane Ike the Creek was in surprisingly decent shape, the debris that washed in was largely washed back out again. However the city of Kemah asked for support to remove mountains of storm debris. Rex answered the call, managing to rent the necessary heavy equipment even though rentals were in short supply and rental costs were at a premium, and also organized the volunteer manpower for several weekends of intense clean-up. The need was there and the foundation offered its support.
Volunteers Needed: ADOPT-a-BEACH .
September 26, 2009
Seabrook-Galveston clean-up
2010 Volunteers Needed:
Every Saturday and Sunday in January & February CCEF needs volunteers to help clean the creek.
February 20, 2010
2010 Clear Creek Annual Clean Up.
CCEF website : click for more information
on these volunteer opportunities and other details about the foundation.
SARA GOSS, REALTOR®
HatmakerGroup.com GMAC Real Estate
Search Listings: www.har.com/saragoss
Helping home buyers and home sellers in the greater Galveston/Houston area of Texas.
Live well! Use chemical fertilizers and pesticides with care. Enrich your soil with organic soil amendments such as composted plant materials and composted manure.
Comments(0)