River Warrior volunteers taking part in post storm cleanup event along the river

River Warriors

Welcome and thank you for your interest in being part of the joint volunteer program of the San Antonio River Authority and the San Antonio River Foundation. This program aims to build a volunteer community that supports and strives toward healthy waterways for the benefit of the people, flora, and fauna of the San Antonio River Basin.

Become a River Warrior

Who Are the River Warriors

River Warrior volunteers are River Proud constituents of the San Antonio River Basin, ages 15 years and above, who believe in the San Antonio River Authority’s mission of safe, clean and enjoyable creeks and rivers.

River Warriors are interested in learning more about the San Antonio River Basin and sustainable practices to help area creeks and rivers, and they want to take action to help ensure a vibrant, thriving river basin for future generations.

River Warriors know that together we can make a difference and so they strive and donate their time and energies to achieve a shared vision.

FAQ-Icon
Frequently Asked Questions

How do the River Warriors help the community and the San Antonio River Basin?

River Warrior volunteers help the River Authority with ecosystem restoration activities like planting native grasses and trees, removing invasive species, pruning, mulching trees, and helping maintain native habitats at Confluence Park on the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River Walk.

River Warriors respond to post-storm volunteer requests from the River Authority to help with litter pickup along and in the river and by spearheading individual neighborhood clean-ups.

River Warriors attend unique trainings and educational events offered specifically to the River Warriors to help them gain knowledge about the San Antonio River Basin, such as about water quality or flood mitigation issues, citizen science projects, and multi-benefit best management strategies like building rain gardens.

River Warriors attend and support River Authority and River Foundation events and educational field trips.

River Warriors support the River Authority’s sustainability efforts by becoming river protection ambassadors helping to spread the “Safe, Clean, and Enjoyable” message throughout the community with social media engagement and by sharing what they learn with family, friends, and co-workers.

What are the requirements to be a River Warrior?

The River Warrior program is free and open to anyone living in the San Antonio River Basin. River Warrior swag, like hats and shirts, are often given at clean-ups and other River Warrior activities to “thank you” for giving your time and volunteering to help protect and preserve the San Antonio River Basin. There are no minimum annual volunteer hour requirements to be a River Warrior.

However, there are a few requirements to become a River Warrior, including:

  • Have a love for the San Antonio River and a passion for the outdoors
  • Be age 15 years or older
  • Sign up for the River Warrior program
  • Sign a liability waiver for program activities

What do I gain?

  • An opportunity to make a difference for the community you live in and the San Antonio River Basin.
  • Learn new skills, like how to build a rain garden, contribute to citizen science, how to maintain native habitats for native species and many others.
  • Gain special leadership opportunities and awards for maximum volunteer hours.
  • Gain access to San Antonio River Authority and San Antonio River Foundation trainings, networking opportunities, and special events.
  • Connect with others who also have a passion to support our cause.
  • Receive River Warrior T-shirts and other free swag.
  • Bring your most authentic, joyful self and build a vibrant social network.
  • Be part of a dedicated, giving, and passionate RIVER WARRIOR volunteer community.

Notes:

Volunteer events organized by the River Authority count as community service hours. Please confirm with school/organization prior to event and bring forms to be signed at the end of the event.

Registered volunteers will receive between 2-3 emails in a month with information regarding upcoming volunteer events, trainings, River Authority updates and photos, and recaps from past events.

Up to two River Warrior volunteer opportunities are organized monthly (may be on weekdays and weekends) and will typically last between two to four hours.

How can I join the River Warrior Volunteer Program?

Fill out the form below to start receiving regular emails from the River Authority with updates and volunteer opportunities and then getting engaged by participating in the volunteer opportunities that appear interesting to you and work for your schedule. We look forward to seeing you at a future River Warrior event!