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Presentations

Request a Presentation

Thank you for considering the River Authority for your education and presentation needs.

Whether you represent a gardening club or an elementary school, we look forward to working with you on providing information about the San Antonio River. All presentations are free, and they are booked on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please plan ahead and have multiple dates available. Presentation length can vary dependent on your needs.

To continue, please click on the type of presentation you are requesting.

The River Authority is currently fully scheduled for spring and summer 2024 programs. After reading through and learning more about our programs for when they do become available, please fill out the “Keep in Touch” webform at the bottom of this page to receive email notices and opportunities through the San Antonio River Authority.

Virtual & In-Person Classroom Presentations

The River Authority offers TEKS-aligned, inquiry-driven classroom presentations for 1st through 12th-grade students in Bexar, Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad Counties. These presentations can be conducted either virtually or in person.

Teacher instructions classroom of students

In-Person Presentation

  • Please reserve a vacant room or space where our educator can set up and present to student groups who rotate through. This will give us time to reset our equipment, ensuring smooth transitions between classes.
  • These presentations are highly interactive and are most effective when conducted one class at a time with 25 students at the most. We are happy to repeat this presentation for multiple classes within your grade level or subject area.
  • Please provide a table at least 2 feet wide and 5 feet long for our model.
Child sits in front of a computer

Virtual Presentation

  • River Authority educators can set up a presentation link through Microsoft Teams. If you wish to use a different virtual platform, such as Zoom or Google Meet, please create the link on your account and invite our educator to the session(s).
  • If the program you select requires materials for your students, please ensure the items are distributed before the program begins.
  • Our virtual programs are interactive and can be conducted with one class at a time or with multiple classes simultaneously if using the same link. Please state your preference on the request form below.

                     

Reservation Policy

  • So that the River Authority can provide equal opportunity for all public school districts throughout Bexar, Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad Counties, one grade level per school and up to 3 schools per district will be considered per year. Additional schools within a district wishing to participate will be placed on a waitlist and will be contacted if a date becomes available.
  • All requests are evaluated on a first-come-first-serve basis and accepted at the River Authority’s discretion.
  • Classroom presentations must be requested at least three (3) weeks in advance.
  • Requests are pending until processed with confirmed dates by River Authority staff.
  • Confirmations and other important presentation details, including pre and post-presentation classroom activities, will be sent to the email address provided in the initial request.

Cancellation Policy

  • If your group is running late, the River Authority cannot guarantee that all activities will occur as originally planned.
  • If unforeseeable circumstances prevent the presentation from proceeding as planned, the River Authority will contact the presentation organizer as soon as possible.
  • A rescheduled presentation is not guaranteed.

We look forward to helping your students and school community learn more about their San Antonio River! To help us successfully schedule these presentations, please submit only one request for your entire grade level.

                     

Be River Proud (in person)

Grade levels: 3rd – 12th grades

Presentation duration: 45 minutes

Maximum group size: 25 students. We are happy to repeat this presentation for multiple classes within your grade level or subject area.

Description: This hands-on, interactive presentation explores concepts tailored to your grade level and/or subject area TEKS, including landforms, erosion, watersheds, nonpoint source pollution, flooding, conservation of resources, ecosystems, and environmental changes. We also discuss actions we can take to protect water resources.

Be River Proud (virtual)

Grade levels: 3rd – 12th grades

Presentation duration: 45 minutes

Maximum group size: 150 students. We are happy to provide one presentation for all students simultaneously or repeat this presentation for multiple classes within your grade level or subject area.

Description: This presentation is the virtual alternative to our in-person Be River Proud presentation described above. We will explore concepts tailored to your grade level and/or subject area TEKS, including landforms, erosion, watersheds, nonpoint source pollution, flooding, conservation of resources, ecosystems, and environmental changes. Additionally, we will discuss actions we can take to protect water resources.

Flooding, Engineering, and the San Antonio River (in person only)

Grade levels: High School

Presentation duration: 45 minutes

Maximum group size: 25 students in person. We are happy to repeat this presentation for multiple classes within your grade level or subject area.

Description: Students will explore the factors responsible for flooding in the San Antonio River Watershed and use a 3D model to assess the effectiveness of flood prevention infrastructure. We will discuss nature-based solutions that aim to prevent flooding as well as resources that students can explore to investigate their proximity to the floodplain.

Water Quality in the San Antonio River Watershed (in person only)

Grade levels: High School

Presentation duration: 45 minutes

Maximum group size: 25 students in person. We are happy to repeat this presentation for multiple classes within your grade level or subject area.

Description: High school students will delve into the topic of water quality in the San Antonio River Basin. Students will test water quality parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, nitrates, and phosphates. Additionally, we’ll discuss how human activities and environmental changes can negatively or positively affect water quality.

Food Chains and Food Webs of the San Antonio River (virtual only)

Grade levels: 1st – 5th grades

Presentation duration: 30 minutes for grades 1-3 and 45 minutes for grades 4-5

Maximum group size: 150 students. We are happy to provide one presentation for all students simultaneously or repeat this presentation for multiple classes within your grade level or subject area.

Description: This presentation engages students in a hands-on experience with free individual activity kits where they will be guided through what a food chain or food web is. We will make this abstract concept more concrete by using the provided materials to build a food chain or food web with organisms native to our San Antonio River Watershed.

Freddie the Fish

Grade levels: K-2nd grades

Presentation duration: 30 minutes

Maximum group size: 25 students in person. We are happy to repeat this presentation for multiple classes within your grade level or subject area.

Description: Students will follow along as Freddie swims downstream and encounters obstacles along the way. Students will see the effects that non-point source pollution has on Freddie’s home and the health of the ecosystem. They will be encouraged to identify creative solutions to these issues and will discover how they can make a difference and help Freddie and his friends today!

Keep in Touch

*required

Thank you for reaching out to the River Authority to request a presentation.

Whether you represent a company, organization, neighborhood association, Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, Gardening club or any other community interest group, we look forward to sharing how you can “Be River Proud” along with providing you with information about the San Antonio River.

All presentations are free, and they are booked on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please plan ahead and have multiple dates available. Presentation length can be varied for your needs from 30 to 60 minutes.

If your organization has already received a presentation from the River Authority, please take a few minutes to complete our feedback survey to help us improve for future presentations.

Community Presentation Request

*required

Thank you for your interest in a tour with the River Authority!

We strive to inspire actions for individuals to make informed decisions about the conservation and protection of the San Antonio River watershed through thought-provoking, hands-on and inquiry-driven explorations.

River Authority Tours

  • All tours are free and booked on a first-come, first-served basis
  • Tours are only conducted on Tuesday through Friday.
  • A minimum of 8 individuals is required to conduct a tour.
  • In order to ensure a positive, engaging experience for all individuals, the maximum number of individuals allowed on a tour is 50.
  • Transportation to and from the tour site is the responsibility of the individual.
  • Groups should arrive with plenty of time to unload, arrange groups and participate in a group orientation prior to the scheduled activities.
  • All individuals should be prepared to participate in activities in an outdoor setting which may include adverse temperatures, uneven terrain and potential exposure to biting/stinging insects. Closed toed shoes are required.

Chaperone Requirements

  • For the safety of all individuals, the River Authority requires that student groups be accompanied at all times by an appropriate number of adult teachers or chaperones. Chaperones are expected to ensure that students behave appropriately and are engaged in the tour activities. For the River Authority’s wastewater treatment tours we require attendees to be at least 12 years of age or older.

Reservation Policy

  • Tours must be requested at least two (2) weeks in advance. For the best selection of dates and staff availability, contact us as early as possible.
  • Tour requests are pending until processed with confirmed dates by the River Authority. Confirmations and other important tour details including pre- and post-trip activities will be sent to the email address provided in the initial request.

Late Arrival & Cancellation Policy

  • Individuals should arrive with plenty of time to unload, use restrooms, arrange groups and participate in a group orientation prior to the start time on the day of the tour.
  • If your group is running late, the River Authority cannot guarantee that all activities will occur as originally planned.
  • In the event that the weather, park conditions or unforeseeable circumstances prevent the field trip to proceed as planned, The River Authority will contact the field trip organizer as soon as possible.
  • A rescheduled field trip is not guaranteed.

                     

Types of Tours

Waste Water Treatment Plant Tour

How does the water you flush down a toilet or the water you pour down the drain get cleaned safely before it’s released into the environment? That’s the work of a wastewater treatment plant. The San Antonio River Authority (SARA) began providing wastewater utility services in 1966. Today, SARA has four permitted active wastewater treatment plants. Let the San Antonio River Authority’s Utilities team take you on an up-close-and-personal tour of the wastewater treatment process.

Mission Reach Tour

Mission Reach guided tours take visitors on a journey through the San Antonio River’s past, present and future covering topics such as the San Antonio River Improvements Project, the revitalized ecosystem, native flora and fauna, environmental stewardship and historical elements of the San Antonio River. On this one-mile, paved leisurely walk, visitors will learn how the recent Mission Reach Ecosystem & Recreation Project is changing the lives and minds of people near and far. Tours typically last approximately an hour and half and are suited for ages 10 to adult. Group size is limited.

Museum Reach Tour

Museum Reach guided tours take visitors along the expanded urban segment of the San Antonio River Walk, north of the Downtown Reach. Elements of the paved, one-mile leisurely walk, include urban river ecology, world-renowned public art, historical influences and project design themes. Tours typically last approximately an hour and half and are suited more for adult audiences. Group size is limited.

                     

Tour Request

*required

The River Authority is currently fully scheduled for spring and summer 2024 programs. After reading through and learning more about our programs for when they do become available, please fill out the “Keep in Touch” webform at the bottom of this page to receive email notices and opportunities through the San Antonio River Authority.

Field Trip Information

Two boys look out towards the river.

The highly skilled River Authority education team offers free field trips for 3rd grade through 12th grade students in Bexar, Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad Counties. Education programming is aligned with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

The River Authority is currently fully scheduled for spring and summer 2024 programs. After reading through and learning more about our programs for when they do become available, please fill out the “Keep in Touch” webform at the bottom of this page to receive email notices and opportunities through the San Antonio River Authority.

It is our mission to engage, educate, and empower students to make informed decisions about the conservation and protection of the San Antonio River watershed through thought-provoking, hands-on, and inquiry-driven explorations. Nature-based and place-based STEM programming are pillars of our field trips. We serve to augment what educators are teaching in the classroom with real-world examples that are locally relevant to the students. We encourage curiosity, observation, discussion, reflection, and action during field trips.

River Authority Field Trip Information

Children gather under the pavilion at Confluence Park.
A group of children look and exclaim at the river.
  • Our free field trips are usually conducted on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
  • To ensure a positive and engaging experience for all students, we request that educators and chaperones be engaged with their students’ experiences and assist students with any challenges.
  • Field trips typically run between 3 and 3.5 hours, which includes a 30-minute lunch break.
  • Lunch arrangements are the responsibility of the school.
  • Transportation to and from the field trip site is the responsibility of the school. Please let us know if your school has a transportation barrier in the comment section of the field trip request form below.
  • All students should be prepared to participate in activities in an outdoor setting which may include adverse temperatures, uneven terrain, and potential exposure to biting/stinging insects. 
  • If any individuals in your group may have difficulty navigating a long staircase, please provide that information in the comment section of the request form below. Confluence Park and Acequia Park are ADA-accessible.
  • Students, teachers, and chaperones are expected to complete River Authority field trip waivers.
  • Teachers and chaperones are free to take photos and tag us on social media (@sanantonioriver, #beriverproud) as school policy allows, but please limit technology use to photos to ensure everyone is fully present and ready to learn.
Students walk down the staircase

Reservation Policy

  • So that the River Authority can provide equal opportunity for all public school districts throughout Bexar, Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad Counties, one grade level per schooland up to 3 schools per district will be considered per year. Additional schools within a district wishing to participate will be placed on a waitlist and will be contacted if field trip dates become available.
  • Homeschool groups and private schools are eligible for one visit per year.
  • All requests are evaluated on a first-come-first-serve basis and accepted at the River Authority’s discretion.
  • Field trips must be requested at least one month in advance. For the best selection of dates and staff availability, contact us via the request form below as early as possible.
  • Field trip requests are pending until processed with confirmed dates by River Authority staff.
  • Confirmations and other important field trip details, including pre and post-field trip classroom activities, will be sent to the email address provided in the initial request.

Chaperone Requirements

  • For the safety of students and staff, River Authority requires that student groups be accompanied at all times by an appropriate number of adult teachers or chaperones. Teachers and chaperones are expected to ensure that students behave appropriately and are engaged in the field trip activities.
  • A chaperone-to-student ratio of 1:10 is required for all field trips. For every ten (10) students, there should be one adult actively monitoring the group.

Late Arrival & Cancellation Policy

  • If your group is running late, the River Authority cannot guarantee that all activities will occur as originally planned.
  • If the weather, park conditions, or unforeseeable circumstances prevent the field trip from proceeding as planned, the River Authority will contact the field trip organizer 24 hours in advance of the field trip.
  • A rescheduled field trip is not guaranteed.
  • If we must cancel a field trip, a River Authority educator will contact the field trip organizer to arrange a visit to your campus on the day(s) reserved for your field trip(s). It is preferable to have a vacant room or space where our educator will set up and present to student groups who rotate through.

Recommendations

  • Please ensure each student has their own lunch that meets their dietary needs. Lunch will be held in the middle of our programming time. Opportunities for snack time are available if the school brings snacks for their students.
  • We recommend that participants bring their own reusable water bottles.
  • School staff is responsible for bringing and administering any items that your students need to stay safe, including sunscreen, insect repellant, and medication (e.g., EpiPens).
  • For educational resources and materials, please visit our Education page.

What are the different field trips that the River Authority offers?

Please see the field trip descriptions below.

*Note: Is your group larger than the maximum number of students indicated below? We may accommodate greater student numbers if students can be divided across multiple days and the number of students on each day remains less than the maximum number listed below.

Don't Let Litter Trash Your River!

Maximum number of students per day: 75 students

Grade levels: 3rd-12th grade

This 3-hour field trip focuses on non-point source pollution, how contaminants make their way from the land into our local waterways, and the effects of this pollution on the local ecosystem. In groups of 25 or fewer, students will rotate through activities to investigate nature-based solutions that aim to resolve this problem on a large scale, in addition to exploring everyday activities that we can implement for a cleaner tomorrow – today!

River Ecosystem Exploration

Maximum number of students per day: 75 students

Grade levels: 3rd-12th grade

This 3-hour field trip focuses on the ecosystem of the San Antonio River Basin. Students will be divided into groups of 25 or fewer to rotate through activities that are tailored to their grade level. Examples of grade-level appropriate activities include comparing plant and animal adaptations, identifying wildlife, testing water quality, and investigating how we can work with nature to keep our waterways safe, clean, and enjoyable.

Flooding, Engineering, and the San Antonio River

Maximum number of students per day: 50 students

Grade levels: 6th-12th grade

This 3.5-hour field trip is designed for smaller, STEM-focused groups and classes in which students will rotate through several hands-on interactive activities. These activities include a teambuilding scenario game aimed at evaluating the factors responsible for flooding in the San Antonio River Watershed as well as using a 3D model to assess the effectiveness of flood prevention infrastructure. Students will also learn how River Authority engineers use STEM to protect people and property from flooding in the San Antonio River Watershed.

Keep in Touch

*required

If your organization has already received a presentation from the River Authority, please take a few minutes to complete our feedback survey, below, to help us improve  future presentations.

Feedback Survey

Alerts

Trail Closure Notice: San Pedro Creek Culture Park

The west bank of the San Pedro Creek trail will be closed from the access point at Commerce St south to Dolorosa until further notice due to maintenance work. Alternate route w/ ADA access is on the east bank trail that can be accessed either from the Commerce or Dolorosa crossing.

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail

The SASPAMCO paddling trail is now 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.*  

Stem Density Efforts

Stem Density efforts are still in place but will not directly affect any parks or trails. We apologize for any inconvenience.

San Pedro Creek Culture Park – STREAM

Due to maintenance, the water features for STREAM art piece will be turned off until further notice. The STREAM Microphone area is also closed due to vandalism. We apologize for the inconvenience.

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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