Last Updated on January 30, 2024
Inaugural River Symposium winning design by Jeff Ramirez of San Antonio
The San Antonio River Authority (River Authority), in partnership with the San Antonio River Foundation will host the Inaugural River Symposium on September 24-26, 2021. This fun, family-friendly weekend will provide opportunities to learn, celebrate, network, and explore the San Antonio River Basin.
Read along as we share more information about the Inaugural River Symposium including this year’s schedule and how you can register to participate!
What is the purpose of the Inaugural River Symposium?
The River Symposium is designed to increase the community’s understanding of and appreciation for the San Antonio River Basin. The River Authority intends to make this an annual weekend celebration of the San Antonio River with a new theme for each year’s festivities. The theme for the Inaugural River Symposium is Cleaning, Protecting, and Taking Pride in our Waterways.
The schedule of presentations and activities were designed to draw together area citizens, families, and professionals alike who share a common interest in the San Antonio River. This event also offers an opportunity for the public to interact with River Authority professionals, collaborating governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, other engaged citizens, and environmental and community advocates who are all working together to ensure area creeks and rivers remain healthy for generations to come.
The weekend celebration is built around National Public Lands Day (September 25) and World Rivers Day (September 26), with the goal to serve as a “call to action” by inspiring attendees to become good stewards of area natural resources.
Each year, to help promote the River Symposium, there will be an event design contest. The public will be encouraged to submit artistic designs based on the theme for the symposium, and the winning design will be used on the symposium t-shirts and other promotional materials to support the River Symposium.
What can the public expect as part of the Inaugural River Symposium?
Inaugural River Symposium Guest Speaker Chad Pregracke
Registered participants of the River Symposium will enjoy insightful presentations on safe, clean, and enjoyable creeks and rivers as well as events that include park tours and activities, outdoor volunteer events, and a kayaking event. Those who sign up to attend the River Symposium will be given a symposium T-shirt and a goody bag plus free admittance to the River Authority’s 8th Annual Environmental Film Fest, which will be virtual again this year.
The River Authority is proud to announce that Chad Pregracke, President and Founder of Living Lands & Waters, is the guest speaker for the Inaugural River Symposium. Best known for starting out as a young man in East Moline, Illinois wanting a cleaner waterway, Chad has become the champion for the Mississippi River. At the age of 17, he decided to clean it up. Chad and his Living Lands & Waters crew have organized and led over 1,200 community cleanups on 23 rivers in 21 states and removed almost 11 million pounds of garbage over the 23 years since its founding. We would like to thank the San Antonio River Foundation for helping to secure Chad’s participation in the Inaugural River Symposium.
How can I register?
Interested in participating in our Inaugural River Symposium? Register now on our website! There, you can view the agenda, learn more about the speakers featured in the symposium and how to register for all the activities the River Symposium has to offer. We look forward to seeing you!
