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

Parks Notice – Mission Reach Art

Please be aware the San Antonio River Foundation in coordination with the River Authority will be de-installing public art benches for maintenance on January 22, 8am-5pm. Located along the Mission Reach between Roosevelt Park and Confluence Park, the benches Serapes by Vincent Valdez and Butterflies by Anita Valencia, will be reinstalled when restoration is complete.

Freezing Weather Alert

Freezing weather is expected in the San Antonio area from Sunday to Tuesday. We advise all park and trail visitors to exercise caution during this time. Please watch for icy conditions and prioritize safety while enjoying our parks and trails. Mission Reach:
  • Water Fountains will be shut down starting Saturday, January 18th. We will provide updates once they are turned back on.
  • Espada Park, River Front Parkway & Camino Coahuilteca restrooms will be closed until further notice. Updates will be provided once they are reopened.
Brooklyn Lock and Dam & San Pedro Creek Culture Park:
  • Restrooms will be closed until further notice. Updates will be provided once they are reopened.

Trueheart Ranch, Helton, Escondido, and Branch River Parks:

  • Restrooms will be closed until further notice. Updates will be provided once they are reopened.

Stem Density Efforts

Please be advised that trails near the Confluence Park and Conception Park area will be temporarily closed due to ongoing Stem Density efforts. We appreciate your cooperation and ask that you remain mindful of workers and closures when in the vicinity. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve our natural spaces!  Stem Density efforts in the Eagle Land segment will be extended through the end of February 2025.

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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