This September, the San Antonio River Foundation, in partnership with the San Antonio River Authority, invites the public to experience their Wild & Scenic Film Festival On Tour Events for two evenings celebrating film, community, and the natural world! Join them at Escondido Creek Parkway in Kenedy, TX, or Confluence Park in San Antonio, TX for an unforgettable night of inspiring films and community fun. The audience can expect an inspiring and fun evening that brings together environmental films, community, and a shared appreciation for the natural world. Along with a curated selection of Wild & Scenic films, guests can enjoy live music, food vendors, local community partners, screen printing, and raffle giveaways. More than just a film screening, this is an event to be an opportunity for people to gather, learn something new, connect with organizations doing meaningful work in our community, and leave feeling inspired to care for the places around them.
In 1917, the voters of Texas, recognizing the necessity of developing and conserving the State’s water resources and inspired by devastating floods of 1913 and 1914, passed a Constitutional amendment allowing the Legislature to create special purpose political subdivisions of the State to serve regional areas, generally coincidental with river basins and to be generally known as river authorities.
San Antonio River Authority, created in 1937, is one of many such active river authorities in the State of Texas. Its jurisdiction covers 3,658 square miles — all of Bexar, Wilson, Karnes and Goliad Counties.
A 12-member Board of Directors governs the San Antonio River Authority. Six directors are elected from Bexar County, and two are elected from each of the three other counties with each elected member serving four years. Policies established by the Board are executed by the management organization under the direction of a General Manager appointed by the Board.
The San Antonio River Authority serves a regional constituency and has a global impact through its Mission and Vision. The River Authority manages and completes projects under a wide range of activities including scientific studies, park improvements, major infrastructure initiatives for flood control, stormwater management, and community amenities. The River Authority uses comprehensive planning, precision protection, strategic partnership, and community preparedness to help communities throughout the San Antonio River Basin reduce the devastating effects of flooding. They are a full-service wastewater utility provider within its district. The San Antonio River Authority also owns, maintains, and/or operates assets in the San Antonio River Watershed which covers Bexar, Wilson, Karnes and Goliad counties including dams, parks, and wastewater treatment plants.
Additionally, residents who live along the waterways of the San Antonio River Basin in Bexar, Wilson, Karnes and Goliad counties may be eligible for debris cleanup on their properties through the San Antonio River Authority’s Regional Flood Debris Removal program. The San Antonio River Authority, along with local partners, hosts six free Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events within Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad counties. These semi-annual events are held in the spring and fall.
Finally, their Water Quality Scientists, Aquatic Biologists, Stormwater Scientists, and Environmental Investigators monitor and improve river health every day.
Mariah Murashige, the Ecology Ambassador for the San Antonio River Foundation, says, “Hosting the Wild & Scenic Film Festival gives the San Antonio River Foundation a unique opportunity to connect our local work to larger environmental stories happening around the world. The films help start conversations about conservation, stewardship, sustainability, and our relationship with the natural environment, while giving us a platform to share the work happening right here in the San Antonio River Basin. It also allows us to strengthen relationships with community partners and introduce new audiences to our mission and the many ways they can engage with and support our work.”
Mariah continues, “Our favorite part is seeing people come together around a shared love of nature and leave feeling inspired. Film has such a powerful way of making environmental issues feel personal and accessible, and it is exciting to watch those stories spark conversations within our own community. We also love being able to showcase local organizations, artists, musicians, and partners alongside the films. It turns the festival into a celebration of not only the natural world, but also the people working to protect and connect our community to it.”
