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What started out as a trash clean-up group in 1985 has now become a vital organization for protecting the Edwards Aquifer through land conservation within the city of San Marcos.
Marking a milestone
The San Marcos River Foundation—a local non-profit organization protecting the flow from aquifer-fed springs and improving water quality—celebrated its 40th anniversary Feb. 1.
“There’s a lot to be celebrated with this 40th anniversary,” Executive Director Virginia Parker said.
Since its inception, the foundation has led one of the largest water quality monitoring programs in the state, Parker said. Program participants are called River Rangers—who collect and test water samples in the San Marcos River Watershed.
“We’ve trained people all over the state, that way they can take the idea of water quality monitoring back to their communities and kind of create their own programs,” Parker said.
Why it matters
Parker said the foundation has settled six wastewater treatment permits for over five years since she assumed her position, which is a good indicator of the region’s significant growth.
“We’re still working on several more and we had not seen an important wastewater treatment permit application since the 90s. So that just tells you the amount of growth we’re experiencing,” Parker said.
Four of the five permits were for developments located within Caldwell County, and the remaining permit is for a development in Hays County.
Looking ahead
Parker said they want to continue focusing on invasive species removal and land conservation.
“It is the best way for us to ensure that the recharge zone is protected and that not only helps water quantity but water quality as well,” she said.
Get involved
For more information on the organization, individuals can visit www.sanmarcosriver.org.
