About 125 freshmen from St. Edward’s University are teaming up with Keep Austin Beautiful, the Bull Creek Foundation and the City of Austin’s Parks Department to help clean up Bull Creek. On Saturday, Sept. 11, student volunteers will trade in their pillows and pajamas for garbage bags and gloves as they pick up trash, haul away brush and perform light trail work as part of the Hilltopper Helping Hands project.

The fourth annual freshman service learning project is a chance for students to give back to the Austin community, learn about volunteer opportunities and experience the university’s service-related mission firsthand. The educational approach at
St. Edward's extends beyond the classroom and the campus borders to develop each student's character, conscience, citizenship and social responsibility regardless of their major. Service learning combines service to the community with education in a way that improves both the student and the community.

“Hilltopper Helping Hands was designed as a way to introduce freshman students to the various opportunities for community service in the Austin area and to provide them with a learning experience that would encourage them to volunteer on a regular basis,” said Nicole Trevino, assistant dean of students. “It’s also a great opportunity for students to meet other members of the freshman class as well as various members of the
St. Edward’s community.”

Brian Block, executive director of Keep Austin Beautiful, said, “Our mission is to empower people to take personal responsibility for enhancing their community environment, so we are thrilled to be able to connect the students at St. Edward’s with the Bull Creek Watershed, where they will learn about and help beautify this important and environmentally sensitive area in Austin.”

Bull Creek, which is located just off Capital of Texas Highway (Loop 360) between RM 2222 and Old Spicewood Springs Road, is enjoyed year-round by Austinites and visitors because of its scenic hike-and-bike trails and natural waters.

• Who: St. Edward's University Freshmen Students
• What: Freshman Service Learning Project
• When: Saturday, Sept. 11, Students meet at Mabee Ballroom on St. Edward’s campus at 8 a.m.
  • Breakfast and pre-reflections activity at 9 a.m.
  • Work at Bull Creek 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Where: Bull Creek. Located near Capitol of Texas Highway (Loop 360) between RM 2222 and Old Spicewood Springs Rd.