Dozens of North Lake College students joined hundreds of volunteers across the Dallas–Fort Worth area for the 34th Annual Irving Trash Bash on Sept. 27 at T.W. Richardson Grove Park. Hosted by Keep Irving Beautiful (KIB), the cleanup event took place along the northern Campion Trail to prevent litter from reaching the Elm Fork of the Trinity River.
According to Cristian Henriquez, president of North Lake’s Student Government Association, this year’s turnout from Dallas College students grew significantly.
“In 2024, North Lake had a total of 15 students attend the event. This year, we had a total of 40,” Henriquez said. He added that the experience was both rewarding and enjoyable.
“Being outside sweating, getting your hands dirty, picking up trash on a Saturday morning was so fun. The food, drinks, snacks, giveaways, and face painting were amazing.”
Trash Bash is held each year in celebration of National Public Lands Day, the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event focused on public lands and environmental awareness. Volunteers of all ages were welcome, with KIB providing litter pickers, trash and recycle bags, gloves and free refreshments.
Participants roamed through the park, forest, lake, bridges and surrounding streets, picking up litter and recyclable materials. Local community vendors also tabled at the event, sharing environmental resources and handing out free items, while younger volunteers enjoyed face painting and other family-friendly entertainment.
Henriquez also reflected on how the event fostered community connections.
“[I] met new people from the community of Irving and grew relationships with students from North Lake who went on behalf of our student organizations on campus. I met a local karate instructor who was previously a microbiology professor for North Lake for 30 years.”
He emphasized that volunteering brings people together regardless of differences.
“Volunteering can be really fun and worth it with the right people. Regardless of your college major, ethnicity, background or anything really, you can still come together to help the community,” said Henriquez.
Although data from the 2025 Trash Bash is still being collected, last year’s event showed impressive results. In 2024, volunteers donated 1,289 hours of community service, collected 2,120 pounds of trash, recycled 420 pounds and donated 521 pounds of food to Crisis Ministries.
The Trash Bash continues to be one of Irving’s most successful environmental events, drawing people from across the Dallas–Fort Worth area. From toddlers to seniors, everyone contributes to keeping the community clean. For many, it’s more than just picking up trash it’s a way to make a difference, spend time outdoors, and meet people who care about the environment.
