This month, we’re celebrating the many ways Texans are turning care for their communities into action—from one student’s idea gaining national recognition to growing efforts that are shaping how we understand and prevent litter across the state.

Youth Leadership in Action

Young Texan Ambassador Daniel Jackson Recognized Nationally

We’re proud to share that Young Texan Ambassador Daniel Jackson of Flower Mound has been recognized by Keep America Beautiful with a Youth Engagement Recognition Award for his innovative EcoBike project.

Daniel founded EcoBike to encourage young people to take an active role in environmental stewardship while promoting sustainable transportation. What started as a local initiative has grown into a meaningful way for youth in his community to connect their daily choices with a cleaner, greener future.

His work reflects what’s possible when young Texans are given the tools, mentorship, and support to lead. Through the Young Texan Ambassador program, students like Daniel are not just participating—they’re creating solutions.

Scaling Impact

Advancing Citizen Science for Litter Data

What happens when individual action meets thoughtful design? It scales.

At the 2026 Plastic Pollution Symposium, KTB’s Senior Program Manager of Research and Cleanups, Kirsten Sorensen, shared how we’re evolving our approach to litter data collection through citizen science and the Texas Litter Database.

Historically, litter data collection has been limited by time, capacity, and geography. By simplifying tools, refining training, and integrating data collection into existing cleanups, we’re making it easier for individuals to contribute meaningful, high-quality data.

This work—supported in part by our EPA grant—is helping expand participation, improve data consistency, and build a growing network of trained volunteers. The goal is simple: make it easier for more people to contribute to a clearer picture of litter in Texas, and to turn that data into action.

Barbara Quattro’s Lasting Impact in Alief

Weathering Texas Series

Change doesn’t always happen quickly—but it can take root and grow over time.

In our latest Weathering Texas story, we highlight Barbara Quattro of Alief, whose years of dedication to tree planting and community greening have helped shape a more resilient local environment.

Her work is a powerful reminder that environmental stewardship is often a long game—one built on persistence, care, and a deep connection to place.

Lessons from the Field

El Paso Historic Cemetery Cleanup

Last year, KTB partnered on a cleanup at a historic cemetery in El Paso—an effort that brought together volunteers, partners, and community members to care for an important cultural site.

Beyond the immediate impact, the project offered valuable insights into the power of partnerships and the role of education in cleanup efforts. It also provided an opportunity to conduct a litter sample, helping participants better understand not just how much litter is present, but what it consists of and where it comes from.

These kinds of experiences deepen the impact of cleanups—transforming them from one-day events into opportunities for learning, connection, and long-term change.