AUSTIN, Texas -- Every year hundreds of volunteers spread out around Lake Travis to clean up the mess left by summer visitors.
- Annual Lake Travis cleanup held
- Record number of volunteers participated
- Zebra mussels often cover trash
This year the event brought out a record number of more than 1,200 people.
Divers were warned about the dangers of zebra mussels that can be sharp and now cover just about anything underwater.
"Since the zebra mussels have popped up, we have been really trying to figure out how to recycle the material as well. Unfortunately, a lot of the stuff is going to have to go to the dump,” said Scott Sticker with the Colorado River Alliance.
READ MORE | Zebra Mussels Infesting Two More Texas Lakes
Last year was the first time the mussels covered most of the trash collected. Organizers now have to let the invasive species die out before sending the trash away.
"This year is the first year we are keeping the trash out in the open for three full days," said Sticker.
Still, volunteers were happy to make a difference. You can learn more about zebra mussels here.