HOUSTON – Stopping Plastics and Litter Along Shorelines (SPLASh) is inviting the community to mix a little Halloween fun with doing something good for the environment. Their annual Spook-A-Clean brings volunteers together for a bayou cleanup, educational activities and a Halloween costume swap—all while helping protect Houston’s wildlife habitats.
Fall is a crucial time for local wildlife, especially as millions of birds migrate through Houston to rest and refuel. Other animals are also preparing for winter, relying on clean bayous and shorelines as essential habitats. Keeping these areas free of litter ensures that birds and wildlife can thrive during this busy, and often stressful, season. It also means a cleaner, safer environment for all Houstonians to enjoy.
Guests can look forward to Halloween-themed bird feeders, face painting, and an educational comic book. The Houston Zoo will host wildlife-themed activities, and Mermaid Megan will share tips on reducing marine debris and pollution. Plus, attendees are encouraged to bring a gently used costume to trade for a “new-to-you” outfit—a fun, sustainable way to celebrate the season.
The event will also showcase bird-friendly holiday décor ideas and raise awareness about decorations that can harm wildlife. For example, fake spider webs and upward-facing lights can confuse or trap migrating birds, while toxic paints and microplastics in fake snow can pollute natural habitats.
The free, family-friendly event takes place Saturday, Nov. 1, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Arthur Storey Park in Houston.
To learn more or sign up to volunteer, visit splashtx.org/spookaclean or watch the video above.