By Jessica Sinn
University News Service
October 8, 2007

The event, sponsored by City of San Marcos Parks and Recreation, TG Canoes and Texas State, is an effort to conserve and restore the river watershed ecosystem. Free Breakfast and lunch will be provided, including live lunchtime entertainment from D.J. Madness. 

The river cleanup, which takes place in the spring and fall, usually attracts 100 volunteers. Andrea Dravigne, San Marcos Nature Center program supervisor, said with Texas State as a co-sponsor, she expects to see more than 300 volunteers participate in this fall’s river cleanup. 

Volunteers will meet at the San Marcos Lions Club Tube Rental in City Park, where they will be transported to various areas around the riverbanks, watersheds and tributaries. Dravigne said TG Canoes will provide 20 canoes to help volunteers maneuver around some hard-to-reach places. 

“Trash and pollutants run downhill into the water itself, where access is a problem,” Dravigne said.  “With our cleanups, we’re able to pick up trash floating in the river.” 

Dravigne said she hopes the river cleanup will foster a sense of environmental awareness among Texas State students.

“Getting students involved is key for spreading awareness about protecting the river,” Dravigne said.  “Awareness is important, especially for the student body and the younger generation, who all use the river more than the average citizens.”  

The Student Volunteer Connection is a division of the LBJ Student Center, which offers various volunteer opportunities to Texas State students.  Student Volunteer Connection Advisor Josh Naughton said this is an excellent opportunity for students to join efforts with community members. 

“There has always been tension between the Texas State students and the San Marcos community,” Naughton said.  “This is our chance to give back, and to show the San Marcos community that we really do care.”

For more information about the Student Volunteer Connection, visit www.studentaffairs.txstate.edu/svc/ or call (512) 245-1687. For more information about the San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department, visit www.ci.san-marcos.tx.us/departments/parks/ or call (512) 393-8400