St. Charles Parish will go green March 14 by presenting the first-ever parish-wide “Trash Bash,” a litter cleanup and recycling event to be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Planning for the event began in 2008 after Parish President V.J. St. Pierre Jr. and members of the parish council expressed a desire to see litter eliminated from parish streets and highways before high-profile events, such as the Hahnville — Destrehan football game.

But the idea has expanded to what officials hope will become an annual litter awareness, parish beautification and recycling event.

Groups of volunteers will fan out around the parish beginning at 8:30 a.m. to clear designated litter hotspots in each community. All equipment will be provided, including pickup sticks, gloves, trash bags, sunscreen and drinks.

A culminating celebration will kick off at 11:30 a.m. at the Spillway Boat Launch and pavilion along U.S. Highway 61 in Norco. The entire community, including volunteers, is invited to enjoy free jambalaya and information about local recycling and environmental preservation efforts. Keep America Beautiful, the LeBranch Wetland Watchers and the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office will be represented. The event will also serve as the recycling drop-off location for the month of March.

Valero will present information on its hazardous waste recycling program, and Keep America Beautiful will provide information on recycling and how to keep our own communities clean.

For more information or to volunteer, visit www.stcharlesparish-la.gov/trashbash.