As fall comes to a close, the San Antonio River Authority and the San Antonio River Foundation are excited to look back on one of the most inspiring fall seasons yet! Every year, our River Warrior volunteers prove that caring for our waterways isn’t just about science and stewardship; it’s also about community, compassion, and the simple joy of working hard to protect the natural treasures that define our region. This fall was no exception. From tackling litter, to removing invasive species, to training the next generation of River Warriors, our volunteers once again made an extraordinary impact!
River Warriors were integral to the success of many events this fall, including the annual Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival.
Let’s Get Trashy!
This fall, hundreds of River Warriors joined us along the river’s trails, banks, and parkways for a series of community cleanups dedicated to keeping our watershed healthy and beautiful. With grabbers in hand and determination in their steps, volunteers removed astonishing amounts of trash, including shopping carts and mattresses. Since August, our volunteers have picked up a whopping 6,735 of trash!
Education and Engagement Intern Aysha Darilek and her brother, a River Warrior volunteer, removed a mattress from the riverbank during a cleanup event.
But the results go far deeper than what’s measured in pounds. Every piece of litter collected helps protect wildlife, improves water quality, and ensures that residents and visitors alike can continue to enjoy our vibrant outdoor spaces. Most importantly, each volunteer who showed up contributed to a ripple effect of environmental responsibility that will spread far beyond the river’s edge.
A River Warrior volunteer carries a bag of trash during a cleanup at Roosevelt Park.
So Long, Snail Season
Of all our volunteer projects, the Apple Snail Removal Program remains one of the most hands-on experiences we offer. The Apple Snail, an invasive species with unmistakable bright pink egg clusters, poses a serious threat to the river’s ecological balance. With cool weather rolling in, Apple Snails slow down and burrow into river sediment to hibernate, lowering their metabolism and producing glycerol—nature’s “snail antifreeze.” Because they remain hidden through winter, the River Authority pauses removal efforts until they reemerge in the spring.
Attendees at the 2025 Texas Water Association Conference participated in a group Apple Snail removal. (All Apple Snails are handled by professionals or trained volunteers.)
In October, we held our final Apple Snail Removal Training sessions for the year. Our dedicated volunteers took to the riverbanks armed with buckets, gloves, and a crash course in invasive species management. Together, they removed 2,293 snails and 3,811 egg casings from August to November!
Interested in getting involved with Apple Snail removal? Keep an eye out for our aquatic biologist-led training starting in the spring.
Docents, Assemble!
This November, we hosted our fourth annual Docent Training— a special two-week intensive course for River Warrior volunteers looking to deepen their commitment. During the training, our future docents learned about education, outreach, and how to engage with the public effectively. Using the River Authority’s Interpretive Guide, they worked together and create presentations for community nature education. Our docents are a reliable and invaluable asset to the River Authority’s mission, and we want to show our gratitude for their time, dedication, and hard work. Congratulations to our 10 new docents!
River Warrior 2025 Docent Class graduates.
Join the River Warrior Program today!
If you feel inspired to protect our watershed through invasive species removal or litter pickup volunteer events, sign up to become a River Warrior! Email our engagement team at volunteer@sariverauthority.org or sign up through our volunteer portal. There, you will find all our upcoming volunteer events, announcements, and opportunities.
