JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
Due to expected rainstorms and the possibility of flash flooding, the 20226 Basura Bash cleanup at Salado Creek Park at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston has been postponed from March 7 until Saturday, March 21.
On Saturday, March 21, 2026, the Joint Base San Antonio community will have the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and make a significant impact on our local environment.
Volunteers are called to gather at Salado Creek Park at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston for the annual Basura Bash, our community’s largest and most impactful single-day cleanup event.
This year marks the 31st anniversary of the San Antonio Basura Bash, an event dedicated to cleaning the San Antonio River watershed. For 14 of those years, JBSA has proudly hosted our cleanup site.
Why it matters
Every time it rains, trash, debris, and pollutants from our streets and parking lots are washed into Salado Creek, which flows directly into the San Antonio River.
This not only harms wildlife and pollutes our drinking water but also impacts on the beauty and safety of the recreational areas our families enjoy, and the environments needed for military training.
The Basura Bash is a chance to take direct action. Your participation supports the Department of Defense’s mission of being a responsible steward for our natural resources.
As we have seen in past years, where hundreds of volunteers have collected several tons of trash in a single morning, our combined efforts make a visible and lasting difference.
A legacy of JBSA service
Hosted by the 802d Civil Engineer Squadron and supported by Outdoor Recreation, the event brings together a diverse group of volunteers — from active duty service members and their families to civilian employees, retirees, scout troops, and students.
It’s a powerful demonstration of Team JBSA’s commitment to the community. Your effort is a vital part of a city-wide initiative that tackles trash at more than 20 locations.
How to volunteer
All members of the JBSA community are invited to join. Here’s what you need to know:
- When: Saturday, March 21, 2026. The event will run from 8 a.m. to noon.
- Where: Salado Creek Park, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston.
- What to wear: For your safety, please wear long pants and sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots.
- What to bring: Bring a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat.
- What’s provided: Gloves, trash bags, and water will be available for all volunteers.
- BYOK (Bring Your Own Kayak): A significant amount of trash is in the creek itself. A limited number of kayaks will be available, but if you have your own canoe or kayak, please bring it to help clean up on the water.
- Community service vouchers provided for volunteer hours.
This is more than just a cleanup; it's an opportunity to serve alongside your family, friends, and colleagues while preserving the military training environment and natural beauty of our installation for generations to come.
All volunteers must register for the event at www.basurabash.org; our tributary is Salado Creek – JBSA Fort Sam Houston. For more information, contact 802CES.CEIE.BasuraBash@us.af.mi or call 210-671-8015.