Spreading the Seeds of Change Along the San Antonio River

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Cardboard sign that says Native Plant Society of Texas San Antonio

The San Antonio River Foundation (River Foundation) is proud to continue spreading the seeds of change—from hands-on seed sorting to ecological talks that inspire deeper connections with the land. Together with our partners, volunteers, and the San Antonio River Authority, we’re fostering a community that understands, protects, and celebrates the ecology of the San Antonio River.

This work is part of a larger story—one we celebrated at our recent Legacy Luncheon, themed “Where Community Meets the Current.” As we reflected with donors, supporters, and friends, the impact we make along the river is only possible because our community shows up again and again to move this work forward.

Every dollar raised through events like the Legacy Luncheon helps support programs that bring our four pillars — Arts & Culture, Ecology, Education, and Recreation — to life. From seed libraries to artist-led activations, from hands-on learning to outdoor public spaces that welcome everyone, these pillars guide our mission to create a river that belongs to all. 

Seed Series: Get Hands-On With Native Seeds

Seed Series event promotional graphic

Every second Wednesday this fall, we hosted our ongoing Seed Series. This family-friendly gathering invited the community to label, sort, and package native seeds for the Confluence Park Seed Library. Guided by our dedicated River Warrior Docent, Brooke Adams, participants learned about native plants, biodiversity, and the crucial role seeds play in sustaining the ecosystems along our river. The Native Plant Society of Texas—San Antonio Chapter and the Alamo Area Master Naturalists support this work.

Stay tuned for more ways to get involved when we re-sprout our Spring Seed Series in 2026!  

Kill Your Lawn – On Tour makes a visit to Confluence Park 

Last month, we hosted a packed event with the Kill Your Lawn – On Tour, featuring Joey Santore, the creator behind Crime Pays But Botany Doesn’t. The inspiring presentation encouraged the community to rethink traditional lawns and explore native plants as living infrastructure—plants that evolved exactly for this place, supporting the wildlife and soils that have been here long before us.

Participants learned about:

  • The ecological cost of turfgrass
  • How native plants conserve water and build healthier soils
  • The wild, beautiful life that emerges when we let nature lead

It was an incredible turnout and full of inspired conversations. Stay tuned—more opportunities to learn, rethink landscapes, and engage with local ecology are on the way.

Growing a More Resilient River Community

Whether you’re sorting seeds, attending a talk, exploring Confluence Park, or visiting the Seed Library, every moment of engagement helps deepen our collective commitment to the health of the San Antonio River. Together, we’re nurturing a future where native plants thrive, wildlife flourishes, and communities feel connected to the natural world around them. Let’s keep growing—one seed, one event, one conversation at a time.

San Antonio River Foundation logo


This piece is contributed by the San Antonio River Foundation (River Foundation), who supports scientific and educational activities that promote and encourage the conservation, stewardship, restoration, preservation and enjoyment of the land and water resources of the San Antonio River Basin.

Disclaimer: The River Foundation is a separate entity from the San Antonio River Authority. Any donations would be solely to the River Foundation, which is a non-profit tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

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The San Antonio River Foundation invites you to get involved!  Join our next clean-up, sign up for a Confluence Park tour, volunteer with us, or explore the Mission Art Portals on our new ebike tours or come to our public events happening year-round. And don’t forget—the best way to stay up to date is by joining our newsletter and following us on Instagram and Facebook at @sariverfoundation.

If you’re inspired by this work and want to support it—through your time, your voice, or any contribution that feels meaningful—we’d love to have you as part of our river community. Whatever way you show up, it truly makes a difference.

We’re always growing something new, and we’d love to see you there.

Related Articles

Alerts

Mission Reach Area Maintenance

When: Beginning October 20, 2025 through Spring 2026
What: Crews will be performing stem-density removal and related vegetation maintenance along sections of the Mission Reach to help manage flood risk and protect surrounding infrastructure. Some trails or segments may be closed temporarily while work is underway.
Why: Removing excess stems that naturally establish along the river helps maintain stormwater conveyance, reduces flood risk, and protects public infrastructure while allowing grassland and native vegetation to recover and thrive.
What to expect:

  • Limited trail closures and intermittent work zones.
  • Crews and equipment working near the riverbanks during daytime hours.
  • Parking areas remain open, but visitors may see signage and temporary barriers.

Questions? Call the San Antonio River Authority at (210) 227-1373 or visit https://www.sariverauthority.org/services/river-health/ecosystems/.

Thank you for your patience while we keep the Mission Reach safe, clean, and enjoyable.

 

Stem Density work update 1.14.2026

Trail Closure Alert – Calder Alley, San Pedro Creek

Maintenance work will be done in Calder Alley starting Wednesday, September 18, 2025.

  • Trails will remain open during this work.
  • One bench at a time will be temporarily barricaded while improvements are completed.
  • There may be occasional contractor pickups in the area.

We appreciate your patience as we continue to maintain and improve San Pedro Creek for all to enjoy!

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. 

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail Temporarily Closed

Staff have removed two large log jams just downstream of Helton Nature Park, keeping the southern portion of the SASPAMCO Paddling Trail temporarily closed. Staff are working to contact adjacent landowners to support a land-based removal solution.

Goliad Paddling Trail Alert

NOTICE: HWY 59 Landing Site Closed

Due to TxDOT construction on the HWY 59 Bridge, the HWY 59 landing site is closed until further notice. However, the Goliad Paddling Trail remains open, and paddlers can still access the river at the Riverdale, Ferry Street, and Goliad State Park landings.

Please plan accordingly and check back for updates.

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