Meet Cary Capece: Keeping Our Parks & Streets Clean
Austin’s rapid growth has made keeping its streets, creeks, and parks clean a challenge. That’s where Cary Capece steps in. As the founder of Make Austin Clean (MAC), a 100% volunteer-driven group, Cary leads efforts to remove litter and restore natural spaces.
A Passion for Bouldin Creek
Since moving to Bouldin Creek in 2017, Cary has embraced the neighborhood, focusing on East Bouldin Creek, where volunteers have removed over 20,000 lbs. of trash from Oltorf to South Congress.
The Birth of Make Austin Clean
Walking the city in 2020-21, Cary saw Austin’s growing litter problem. Frustrated by the lack of action, they launched MAC, a grassroots effort to clean streets, creeks, and parks.
Transforming Green Spaces
MAC has made a big impact with weekly cleanups. “With neighbors’ support, our parks are much cleaner,” Cary says. Their work extends citywide, with over 50,000 lbs. of trash removed.
Expanding the Vision
Cary aims to grow MAC’s reach by partnering with Zilker, Galindo, Dawson, and East Cesar Chavez neighborhood associations. “The goal is broader community involvement.”
Get Involved
MAC hosts weekday morning cleanups and larger Saturday events. Volunteers can sign up at makeaustinclean.org/volunteer or through GivePulse.
Building Community
Cary’s superpower is connection. Through MAC, he’s not only cleaned Austin and Bouldin Creek but also built a movement to protect and restore its beauty.
