Calcasieu Parish is home to a wide network of rivers, lakes, bayous, and Gulf Coast shoreline—and keeping them free of litter protects wildlife, water quality, and the outdoor spaces our community depends on. Litter that starts on land doesn't stay there. Wind and rain carry it into ditches and storm drains, and from there it flows into our waterways and, eventually, the Gulf.
Calcasieu Parish's waterways aren't just recreational—they're central to how the parish lives, works, and plays:
Litter in our rivers, lakes, and along shorelines doesn't just look bad—it harms fish and wildlife, clogs drainage systems, and affects the recreational and commercial value of the water Calcasieu Parish depends on for fishing, boating, and tourism. A single cleanup event can remove thousands of pieces of litter before they cause lasting damage downstream.
Pick It Up Calcasieu is joining the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, Team Green, and the City of Lake Charles for Love Our Waterways, a statewide cleanup initiative supporting Keep Louisiana Beautiful's efforts across the state this September.
Dates: September 12 & 19, 2026
Choose a cleanup location and date—bags, gloves, and supplies are provided.
Litter that isn't properly disposed of is often carried by wind and rain into ditches and storm drains, eventually reaching our bayous, lakes, rivers, and the Gulf—harming wildlife and water quality along the way.
Litter tends to collect anywhere water flows—the Calcasieu River, Lake Charles, Prien Lake, Contraband Bayou, and the Gulf shoreline are all common areas for cleanup efforts.
You can adopt a shoreline or waterway location through the Adopt-A-Spot program, join an organized cleanup event, or report illegal dumping near a waterway.
Closed-toe shoes, gloves, water, and sun protection are recommended. Pick It Up Calcasieu provides bags, gloves, and safety vests for organized events at no cost.
Yes—check this page for the latest event, including Love Our Waterways, a statewide cleanup effort happening throughout Calcasieu Parish this September.
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