Austinites love to paddle board on Lady Bird Lake (Town Lake to locals), and now its time to give back to Mother Nature and help clean up the mess that is often left behind. The annual Earth Day Lake and Land Clean Up is returning on Friday, April 21.

The clean-up initiative is now in its third year, and it's expecting to outshine last year's event that saw 1,400 volunteers remove 8,000 pounds of trash from Lady Bird Lake and the surrounding area.

Volunteers will be collecting trash by boat or by walking the trails along the river at one of three different locations: Rowing Dock (west end), Epic SUP (east end), or the trail at Festival Beach. All materials needed to pick up trash will be provided, including bags, grabbers, and gloves. Individuals can compete to win awards for the most trash collected and the "Weirdest Austin Item" found during the day.

The popular clean up is hosted by local favorite paddle board, kayak, and canoe rental company Rowing Dock and nonprofit The Trail Conservancy. Both share a common interest in keeping the lake clean and promoting conservation of the local wildlife.

"Being able to live and work in Austin – a place known for its lush green spaces and natural get-aways like Lady Bird Lake – is pretty darn amazing," Rowing Dock's website says. "Plus, as locals that reside in this magical place, we are lucky to benefit from its incredible growth. But – we also know we can't take this beautiful place for granted. It's time to join the clean-up club, y'all."

All cleanup volunteers will receive a free t-shirt for joining the event, as well as refreshments and food from event sponsors Thundercloud Subs, Juiceland, Easy Tiger, Richard's Rainwater, Via 313, Lick Honest Ice Creams, Sno Beach, and more.

The Earth Day Lake and Land Clean Up event is free to the public, but online registration is required. If attendees choose to pick up trash by boat, they'll have the option to bring their own paddle craft. Those paddlers will need to email info@rowingdock.com to confirm their participation.

For corporate volunteer groups with 10 or more attendees, Rowing Dock asks that they donate $15 per person to The Trail Conservancy.

More information about the event can be found on rowingdock.com.