On the heels of the third annual Tour du Teche marathon canoe race and its sister petit' Bayou Teche tour slated for this fall, Cajuns for Bayou Teche needs volunteers with motor boats to help clear the bayou of debris and other unsightly trash. A group committed to all things Bayou Teche is asking for volunteers with motor boats to step up Saturday and help clear the bayou of debris and unsightly trash.
Saturday's bayou clean-up is being organized by Blake Couvillion and Cajuns for Bayou Teche, which works to bring Bayou Teche to its healthiest possible state through a network of volunteers and collaboration with public agencies.
Since the group came together four years ago, Cajuns for Bayou Teche has lifted almost 50 tons of trash and has played an integral role in the success of the annual Tour du Teche, a 135-mile marathon race along the Teche from Port Barre to Berwick. This year's Tour du Teche is scheduled for Oct. 5-7, with an inaugural "petit" Tour du Teche slated for Sept. 8 and 9.
Not only does the annual race attract canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts from around the globe, it also gives a boost to the slew of small Cajun towns that line Bayou Teche and play host to numerous activities in correlation with the annual event.
"Cajuns for Bayou Teche and its volunteers have been able to significantly clean the banks of Bayou Teche over the past several years. It is very important that we keep the banks in good order," says Couvillion. "The area has been enjoying more recreational activity, and our volunteers are the reason for our current success. Please help us to conserve this historic bayou in Cajun Country."
Cleanup volunteers are asked to meet at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Arnaudville boat launch. Motor boats are needed, though kayaks and canoes are also welcome. Volunteers are asked to bring their own gloves, while drinks and garbage bags will be provided.
All volunteers will receive a complementary 2012 Tour du Teche Race poster. The poster is also available for purchase through the Tour du Teche website, with proceeds benefiting Cajuns for Bayou Teche and TECHE Project for Bayou Teche education programs.