Esta serie brinda a los lectores la oportunidad de conocer los conocimientos y las experiencias únicas de la Autoridad del Río San Antonio (Autoridad del Río) Junta Directiva y su conexión personal con el río San Antonio con la esperanza de inspirar la administración de los arroyos y ríos del área.
Derek Gaudlitz, Miembro de la Junta del Condado de Wilson
Derek Gaudlitz of Floresville is the owner and CEO of Freedom Mowing LLC. He is a member of the Military Officers Association of America, Floresville Lions Club, Floresville Chamber of Commerce, and the Wilson County Friends of the Library. Additionally, he is Vice Commander of the American Legion Post 38 and President of the Floresville High School Air Force JROTC Booster Club. He served in the U.S. Army for over 20 years upon his retirement in 2014. Gaudlitz received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University.
¿Cuáles han sido sus objetivos y principales prioridades como miembro de la junta de River Authority en 2024?
In 2024, my foremost priorities as a River Authority board member have centered around enhancing the water quality throughout the San Antonio River Basin and advancing the development of the parques y senderos under our stewardship. One of our key goals has been to support and oversee the expansions and upgrades to our wastewater treatment facilities. These improvements are crucial in ensuring that we maintain some of the cleanest discharge water standards in Texas.
A particularly exciting initiative this year is the reintroduction project for freshwater mussels. These mussels play a vital role in naturally filtering and purifying the water in the San Antonio River Basin, which aligns perfectly with our mission to improve and sustain water quality.
A River Authority biologist holds a tagged freshwater mussel.
Additionally, the parks managed by the River Authority are a treasured resource for our communities. Last year, we celebrated the opening of Parque natural Trueheart Ranch y Parque Natural Hendrick Arnold. This year, our focus has been on enhancing these spaces further, expanding recreational opportunities, and adding amenities to enrich the visitor experience. One of my personal goals is to see new exercise circuit stations installed at Parque natural del río John William Helton-San Antonio (Helton Nature Park) in Wilson County, similar to those at Brackenridge Park in San Antonio. This addition would encourage more people to engage in physical activity and enjoy the natural beauty of our parks.
Parque Natural Helton
Describe uno de tus recuerdos favoritos relacionados con el río, arroyos o senderos.
Reflecting on the many wonderful experiences our family has had with the local parks, trails, and creeks brings back fond memories. When our children were younger, we often took them, along with their Boy Scout troop, to explore the newly completed Mission Reach. Riding bikes along the San Antonio River’s newly accessible paths was a thrilling experience for all of us. We also cherished our family outings to Espada Park, where fishing and picnicking created lasting memories.
San Antonio River Walk’s Mission Reach Trail
More recently, now that our children have grown up and moved out, my wife, Lauren, and I have found great joy in visiting Helton Nature Park. We relish the tranquility of walking its trails and listening to the soothing flow of the river. These moments of peace and connection with nature are deeply fulfilling and remind us of the beauty and serenity our local parks offer.
¿Hay alguna idea que le gustaría compartir sobre su experiencia como miembro de la junta directiva?
Serving as one of Wilson County’s board members on the River Authority Board of Directors has been an incredibly rewarding experience. While many are familiar with our core objectives of ensuring the safety, cleanliness, y enjoyment of our local creeks and rivers, I have been profoundly impressed by the dedicated employees who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Their commitment is crucial in carrying out the essential tasks required to maintain the health and beauty of our waterways.
El Autoridad del Río San Antonio feels more like a family than a traditional workplace. We take great pride in recognizing and celebrating our employees who have dedicated 20, 25, or even 30 years to our mission. Their passion for their work, love for the community, and dedication to protecting the river are evident in every aspect of their roles. This collective enthusiasm and camaraderie drive the excellence we strive for in our work and our commitment to our watersheds.
Upcoming Events in Wilson County
The River Authority is hosting its annual Fall Festival at Helton Nature Park in Floresville, Texas, on Saturday, October 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free, family-friendly event is open to the public and offers a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the fall season while supporting local businesses.
Attendees can enjoy getting lost in the fall maze, watching animal shows, and indulging in delicious offerings from various food vendors. Those with a creative flair can participate in the Pecan Baking Contest (registration required), while others can take a relaxing hayride around the park. The event will also feature Wilson County Trade Days vendors and a car show. Sign up Today!
