River Authority’s Inaugural River Symposium Offers Opportunities to Learn and Engage with the San Antonio River Basin

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River Authority Inaugural River Symposium winning design by Jeff Ramirez of San Antonio

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

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! 

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Alerts

Closure Notice – Museum Reach Trail

Access to the west bank of the Museum Reach Trail at 9th Street will be temporarily closed due to construction at the Sol Cypress Hotel. The alternative route with ADA access point is on the east bank at the Lock & Dam along Brooklyn Ave. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Stem Density Efforts

Please be advised that trails near the Confluence Park and Conception Park area will be temporarily closed due to ongoing Stem Density efforts. We appreciate your cooperation and ask that you remain mindful of workers and closures when in the vicinity. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve our natural spaces!

 

West Bank Trail Closure Notice

Due to the construction of a new trail and bridge, the West Bank of the trail between Schiller St. and Newell St. will be closed for the next couple of months. The East Bank will also be intermittently closed on Monday, November 4th, to install the bridge. Please use caution when navigating around this area. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Please refer to the map for reference. 

Trail Closure Notice: McCullough and Lexington Ave.

The east and west bank trail will be closed from the access point at McCullough Ave. south to Lexington Ave. until further notice due to maintenance work. Alternate route with ADA access is on the east bank trail from the pedestrian bridge at McCullough Ave. heading south to Ave. A, turning west on Ave. A, and bridge at McCullough Ave. heading south to Ave. A, turning west on Ave. A, and turning North on Lexington Ave. Click to View Map

San Pedro Creek Culture Park

The restrooms at South Alamo will be temporarily closed for maintenance and repairs. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. 

Acequia Trail Notice

The Acequia trail will have heavy traffic near MROC starting May 22nd until further notice. The SAWS Acequia project will be bringing in crews to work on the lift station site and across the street. There will have flaggers to stop traffic, please use caution. 

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail

The SASPAMCO paddling trail is open from River Crossing Park to Helton Nature Park.
*Please Note: Paddling Trail from Helton Nature Park to HWY 97 is still closed due to blockages. 

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