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The San Antonio River, fed by the Edwards Aquifer, emerges from the San Antonio Springs, north of downtown in a wooded 53-acre nature sanctuary. The largest of these springs is the famed Blue Hole, which is designated as a historic water landmark. South of downtown the river meanders through the Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation Project, the largest urban ecological restoration project in the United States, and near four of the UNESCO World Heritage Spanish Colonial Missions. Passing through the Blackland Prairie, the South Texas Plains, and the Post Oak Savannah portion of the East Central Texas Plains, it then flows down through the Gulf Prairies to San Antonio Bay, in the Gulf of Mexico.
Our fall 2018 symposium is scheduled from October 18-21 at the Embassy Suites Hotel at Brooks City Base, south of downtown near the San Antonio River. The hotel’s proximity to the Mission Reach leads to this year’s theme: A Meander Through the Native Plant Communities of the San Antonio River Basin. Prices and registration details will be announced at a later date.
The symposium presentations and field trips will explore the use of native plants by inhabitants of San Antonio River system from indigenous peoples to the present; the restoration of the Mission Reach; so-called “low impact development” which incorporates native plants to slow storm water runoff and enhance water quality; and the transition of the plant communities of the Blackland Prairie to the surrounding ecoregions along the San Antonio River and tributaries with topics related to habitat improvement for butterflies, pollinators and fauna in these landscapes.
Field trips planned for incoming Thursday and outgoing Sunday as well as on Friday afternoon will include local parks, sanctuaries and natural areas, private ranches and properties, gardens and plant nurseries which will mostly be led by members and other experts in the area. We also hope to include a field trip by kayak in the San Antonio River to observe the restoration along the stream bank for a close-up of the riparian species.
Underwriting support is encouraged. In an effort to attract more students and educators, the Society will once again offer scholarships to qualified applicants. Please consider making a small donation to support this goal. If you work or have worked for a corporation that will match your non-profit donation, then please remember to exercise that option and double your giving. We are also pursuing financial underwriting from foundations and corporations or in-kind donations of items or services. Do you know of someone that we should contact? Please get in touch with Pam Middleton, symposium co-chair. All referrals are welcome!
Book accommodations. You can book your room reservation at the Embassy Suites Brooks Hotel & Spa in South San Antonio now. Attendees receive a discounted rate of $119 per night (plus tax) for standard rooms. Book hotel reservations by calling 800.445.8667 and ask for a reservation in the Native Plant Society of Texas room block. The discounted rate applies for all reservations booked by September 18.
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**ARCHIVED POST AUTHOR: middleton
