Staff Writer | Jan 8, 2026
SAN ANTONIO — Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) brought together more than 50 community leaders, volunteers, and environmental coordinators from across South Texas for a regional workshop held in mid‑December at the scenic Confluence Park. The gathering focused on one of the state’s most persistent challenges: how to reduce litter, dispose of waste responsibly, and accurately report cleanup data to strengthen statewide environmental efforts.
Representatives from dozens of KTB affiliates participated in hands‑on demonstrations, reporting tutorials, and discussions on best practices for community cleanups. The workshop emphasized how accurate reporting helps cities track progress, secure grants, and identify areas where additional resources are needed.
Among the presenters was Cheryl Merzbacher, City of Cuero Environmental Services Director and an active member of Keep Cuero Beautiful (KCB). Merzbacher shared Cuero’s approach to recycling education, local drop‑off options, and the city’s ongoing efforts to reduce contamination in recycling streams.
She highlighted Cuero’s public‑education initiatives, including outreach at schools, community events, and partnerships with local organizations to promote responsible recycling habits.
Participants from across the region expressed appreciation for Cuero’s practical, community‑driven strategies. Several noted that smaller cities often lead the way in developing programs that are both effective and easy for residents to adopt.
The workshop also included demonstrations on proper trash disposal, guidance on identifying illegal dumping, and training on how to use KTB’s statewide reporting tools after community cleanups. These tools help cities measure volunteer impact, track litter trends, and strengthen their applications for state and national environmental awards.
Keep Texas Beautiful hosts regional workshops throughout the year to support affiliates in their mission to make communities cleaner, greener, and more beautiful. Cuero’s presence at the San Antonio event underscored the city’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and its role as a leader among small Texas communities.
As KTB continues to expand its education and cleanup programs, Cuero remains an active partner—sharing local expertise while bringing home new ideas to support a cleaner future for DeWitt County.