Texas Rivers Center Walk


By Marilyn Brister

The San Marcos River Walkers Club invites you to a 10K walk beginning at Texas Rivers Center (located at the former Aquarena Springs Hotel) on January 12, 2013. The Texas Rivers Center (951 Aquarena Springs Drive), home of the Meadows Institute for Water and the Environment, is an education and research project of Texas State University and partners with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and a branch of the National Park Service. It is devoted to the study and protection of Texas waters and is located at Spring Lake, the source of the San Marcos River.
Edwin Brister reads the Golden Cheek Warbler poster

The walk consists of two 5K loops. The first loop is a gradual climb on an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) trail through the Spring Lake Preserve, a wooded area with typical hill country terrain covered with cedar, live oak, cactus, and Mexican buckeye. Once the proposed site of a large hotel and conference center, this scenic area was saved from development by the outcry of San Marcos citizens and conservationists. In 2007 the Greenbelt Alliance successfully campaigned for purchase of the land by the city. Subsequent grants were obtained from Hays County, Texas Parks and Wildlife, the U. S. Department of the Interior, various non profit agencies, and individuals.

The second 5K loop winds past part of Texas State University and through the downtown San Marcos area, passing several well-known restaurants and stores. It is mainly flat with no steep hills or rough terrain. The walk is suitable for strollers. Start time for the walk is 8 to noon, finish by 3. Point of contact is Barbara Piersol at bpiersol@grandecom.net..

Mark your calendars for January 12, 2013

The San Marcos River Walkers invite you to walk Spring Lake Preserve Saturday, January 12th. The AVA sanctioned event is expected to draw 200 participants from around Central Texas. Two five kilometer walks are on tap.  The starting point is the Meadows Center (formerly the Texas River Center or Aquarena Hotel) between 8 a.m. and noon. Registration fees run from $4 for IVV credit and award down to $2 for non-IVV participants.
David Alexander checks the distance.
The route is two 5 km loops. One is the ADA trail of packed caliche that goes up the long hill with a gradual incline. The second route is through downtown San Marcos. The routes are suitable for strollers but may be difficult for wheelchairs. Pets are welcome but must be on a leash and clean-up is mandatory.
AVA is the American Volksport Association that has its beginnings in Germany. Many participants from Fredricksburg, Austin, San Antonio  and the German communities of Central Texas participate in this popular walking event.
Additional information from Barbara Piersol at bpiersol@grandecom.net
--LJ