Educator’s Toolkit

Teaching Stewardship

Teaching stewardship requires local relevancy, and the San Antonio River is a critical local resource that needs everyone to Be River Proud. It is critical for river and watershed health and sustainability to teach children and the community about the issue surrounding litter in the San Antonio River Basin. San Antonio River Authority Educators know that inspiring youth to make a change in their community that will benefit all people, plants, and animals who rely on the river is a crucial piece of that learning outcome. Service-learning is a best practice in education that helps move the needle.

What is service-learning?

“Service-learning is an educational approach that combines learning objectives with community service in order to provide a pragmatic, progressive learning experience while meeting societal needs” (Knapp & Fisher, 2010). In other words, students who participate in service-learning projects learn while helping their community.

Be River Proud Classroom Program

We invite all education professionals and their students to support a healthy San Antonio River by participating in the San Antonio River Authority’s Be River Proud Classroom Program. Educators and their classrooms are awarded a Be River Proud Classroom badge for both doorway and email signatures upon participation!

                     

Lesson Plan Presentation Video

This presentation video provides the information and understanding necessary for educators to work with their students to create actions on their campus that lead to healthy creeks and rivers. The lesson throughout the presentation provides the toolkit for a service-learning project on a school campus or even community area. The video and accompanying downloadable materials teach about the impacts of litter on creeks and rivers, how litter is carried to waterways, and what can be done on a personal level to prevent it.

Watch the lesson, download the resources, and earn awards!

Show us your participation in a Be River Proud Classroom campus cleanup project and become eligible for year-end recognition and awards. Begin by filling out this form. We’ll be in touch!

                     

Campus Clean-up Litter-ature

Get your students involved by downloading these free resources!

Show Your River Pride!

Hang these free printable "Be River Proud" litter pledge and classroom badges in your room.

Alerts

Trail Closure: Museum Reach at Pearl

* Trail temporarily closed from 2/3/2025 until 5/16/2025. * For southbound pedestrian traffic, please exit the river and utilize the Hotel Emma bridge to gain access to the east side river trail. Access to the east side river trail via the elevator or stairs. * For northbound pedestrian traffic, please exit the river trail at the south bridge to gain access to the east side river trail. Continue north through Pearl towards Hotel Emma. The west & east side river trail accessible via the Hotel Emma bridge. North Bridge West Landing & Stairs Trail Closure Map  

Graytown Park Parking Lot Construction Notice 

Construction Timeline: April – October 2024 (estimated) Improvements are coming to Graytown Park! Parking lot construction will begin in April, and we appreciate your patience as we work to enhance the park for all visitors. Temporary Closures & Impacts:
  • Upper parking area, pavilion, and restrooms will be CLOSED during construction. Temporary restroom facilities will be provided.
  • Park and river access will be CLOSED Monday–Friday from 8 AM – 5 PM (no access during these hours).
We encourage visitors to plan accordingly and check back for updates as the project progresses. Thank you for your support! Stay Updated: Follow us on social media for the latest updates.

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.

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.

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. 

River Reach Newsletter and Blog Signup

River Reach is offered as a printed, physical mailing to your residence or business. The Blog is a weekly electronic email with news and updates in order to be more environmentally conscious. Please fill out the form below and indicate your preferred method of delivery.

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