Pack 4545 led way at Palacios Adopt-A-Beach cleanup

   Sunshine, teamwork, and a strong sense of stewardship defined this year’s spring Adopt-A-Beach cleanup in Palacios, with a special spotlight on the leadership and service of the Bay City Cub Scouts Pack 4545.  
  On April 18, 2026, 50 volunteers gathered along the shoreline of Palacios Bay Beach, working together to remove nearly 200 pounds of trash and filling 43 bags in the process. 
  Cub Scouts Pack 4545 played a central role in the effort, with scouts and their families showing up ready to make a difference.  
  Their enthusiasm and teamwork set the tone for the day, demonstrating how even the youngest members of the community can take meaningful action to protect local natural resources. 
  Working side by side with other volunteers, the scouts helped tackle debris of all kinds, gaining hands-on experience in environmental responsibility. 
  Students from Roberts Middle School in Lamar ISD and Matagorda County 4-H members also contributed to the cleanup,  
  After the cleanup, students took part in seining activities along the bay, giving them a close-up look at marine life that depends on clean, healthy waters.  
  A water quality lesson followed, helping them connect with what they had just done - removing trash from the shoreline - to the overall health of the ecosystem.  
  Among the more unusual items collected during the cleanup was a sink discovered along the shoreline, earning recognition as the day’s most interesting find. 
  Discoveries like this highlight the unexpected nature of marine debris and the importance of continued community efforts. 
  The event also brought together volunteers from beyond the immediate area, including a couple who chose to celebrate their 28th wedding anniversary by giving back through service - adding a personal and heartfelt touch to the day. 
  Support from local partners helped ensure the event’s success. 
  Palacios Prairie Wetlands provided water to keep volunteers hydrated, while the Mid-Coast Texas Master Naturalists assisted with coordination and education efforts throughout the event. Additional support came from Brad and Debbie Dorff, whose donation of trash grabbers made the work more efficient and accessible, especially for younger volunteers like the Cub Scouts. 
  Overall, the cleanup was not just about removing trash - it was about building awareness, reinforcing education, and empowering the next generation of coastal stewards.  
  For Cub Scouts Pack 4545 and all who participated, the day served as a reminder that caring for the Texas coast is both a shared responsibility and a rewarding experience. 
  The coastwide Adopt-A-Beach Fall Cleanup is scheduled for Sept. 19, 2026.  
  For more information, visit https://www.glo.texas.gov/coastal/adopt-beach/cleanups.