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Welcome to River Rally 2026
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Tuesday, May 12
 

7:00am CDT

Breakfast
Tuesday May 12, 2026 7:00am - 9:00am CDT
Because of field trips, breakfast will be set up for everyone in the lobby, and ready to grab-and-go!  Pick up some coffee, fruit, and a sandwich to enjoy before you head out, or on the bus.

Not going on a field trip?  Take yours to enjoy on one of the lovely Westin balconies, or find a quiet bench along the Riverwalk.

Menu:
Freshly Baked Croissant | *Plant Based Protein*, Aged White Cheddar, Scrambled Egg
Dozen Breakfast Taco | Scrambled Egg, Cheddar, Black Bean Pico de Gallo, Salsa on the Side
tacos made on corn tortillas (GF) (Vegan versions available with no eggs or cheese)
Tuesday May 12, 2026 7:00am - 9:00am CDT
Westin Lobby

7:30am CDT

The Meadows Center: Glass Bottom Boat & Ecosystems at Spring Lake (7:30am departure) [external registration required]
Tuesday May 12, 2026 7:30am - 12:00pm CDT
Travel north to San Marcos to experience the Sacred Springs (also called Spring Lake) at The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment (a program of Texas State University). In this place, considered the oldest persistently inhabited place in North America, enjoy hearing the Aheuac Yana Creation Story, view the Springs from a glass-bottom boat, spot wildlife on a wetlands walk, and learn about endangered and invasive species in Discovery Hall. Depending on conditions, this trip may also stop at a location to view wild rice growing in the San Marcos River and feature a discussion about the protections and cultural significance of this plant. All locations are ADA accessible. Bathrooms and water will be available for the duration of this field trip. EARLY DEPATURE: 7:30 am departure from The Westin Riverwalk.  

External registration for all field trips is required.
Tuesday May 12, 2026 7:30am - 12:00pm CDT
The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio 420 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA

8:45am CDT

Mission Reach Bike Tour (8:45am departure) [external registration required]
Tuesday May 12, 2026 8:45am - 10:15am CDT
Experience the San Antonio River like never before on this guided biking tour along the Mission Reach. Participants will bike through a beautifully restored stretch of the river that connects to San Antonio’s historic missions. Along the way, guides will share insights about the river’s restoration, local wildlife, and cultural landmarks that make this section so unique. This relaxed ride offers a mix of recreation, education, and scenic beauty, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors while learning about one of San Antonio’s signature projects. All bikes are e-assist, and the ride is 90 minutes with departures at either 8:45 or 10:15. This tour departs at 8:45 am. 

External registration for all field trips is required.
Tuesday May 12, 2026 8:45am - 10:15am CDT
The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio 420 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA

9:00am CDT

Confluence Park Ecosystems Tour [external registration required]
Tuesday May 12, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Experience an in-depth look at the environmental and ecological initiatives that make the San Antonio River Basin a thriving habitat. This guided educational tour at Confluence Park will highlight the park’s sustainable architecture, native landscaping, and its role as a living classroom for watershed education. Participants will also learn about the San Antonio River Authority’s ongoing Mission Reach Avian and Mussel monitoring projects—efforts that track bird and freshwater mussel populations to better understand ecosystem health and biodiversity along the river. This immersive tour connects science, design, and stewardship to showcase how conservation and community engagement come together at the confluence of San Pedro Creek and the San Antonio River. Participants will rotate through stations on ADA accessible trails and surfaces. Water and bathrooms are available throughout the duration of this trip.

External registration for all field trips is required.
Tuesday May 12, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm CDT
The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio 420 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA

9:00am CDT

Downtown / Museum Reach Barge Ride [external registration required]
Tuesday May 12, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Enjoy a guided barge ride through the heart of downtown San Antonio and along the scenic Museum Reach. Participants will experience the vibrant mix of art, architecture, and history that line the river’s banks, from the lively River Walk core to the serene stretches connecting to the San Antonio Museum of Art and Pearl District. Along the journey, guides will share stories about the river’s transformation, public art installations, and the cultural landmarks that make this urban waterway one of San Antonio’s most iconic destinations. Enjoy a special discussion just Rally participants about invasive Apple Snail removal projects! Participants should anticipate being seated outdoors for roughly 2 hours, without access to a restroom.  

External registration for all field trips is required.
Tuesday May 12, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm CDT
The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio 420 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA

9:00am CDT

Edwards Aquifer Field Research Park [external registration required]
Tuesday May 12, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Join staff of the Edwards Aquifer Authority for learning & discussion about water management in Texas Hill Country. The Field Research Park is the Aquifer Authority’s hub for groundwater research: staff are actively researching how the health of the land, soil and vegetation contribute to recharge, water quality, and water quantity.  Participants should anticipate discussion at the headquarters building, followed by a walking tour to some of the demonstration sites in the research park.

External registration for all field trips is required.
Tuesday May 12, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm CDT
The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio 420 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA

9:00am CDT

Integrated River Management Kayaking [external registration required]
Tuesday May 12, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Spend the morning on the San Antonio River with River Network, American Rivers, and San Antonio River Authority staff learning about integrated river management: a collaborative, community-focused process that defines a common vision for the community’s river corridor through integrated planning. This field trip is complementary to the integrated river management learning session (Tuesday @ 3:15 pm) that highlights the importance of uniting diverse interests to create an integrated approach to floodplain management. Participants should anticipate roughly 2 hours of slow / intermittent paddling, with stops for discussion. Kayak launches are not confirmed to be ADA accessible.

External registration for all field trips is required.

Tuesday May 12, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm CDT
The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio 420 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA

9:00am CDT

Litter Clean Up & Data to Action [external registration required]
Tuesday May 12, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Join River Aid San Antonio at Olmos Basin Park: we’re getting our hands dirty! Participate in a litter clean up and learn how to analyze what you pick up using the Escaped Trash Assessment Protocol (ETAP). Learn about initiatives to install in-stream litter booms and learn what it takes to effectively capture litter in our waterways and move data to action to prevent and manage litter. Gloves, grabbers, bags, and snacks will be provided. This site has a slope to the banks, which is at times quite steep: this site is not considered ADA accessible. Participants should wear close-toed shoes that may get wet or muddy on the stream banks.

External registration for all field trips is required.
Tuesday May 12, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm CDT
The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio 420 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA

9:00am CDT

Mission Reach Kayaking [external registration required]
Tuesday May 12, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Join us for a guided paddling adventure along the scenic Mission Reach of the San Antonio River. Participants will explore this restored stretch of the river by kayak, experiencing firsthand the balance of nature, culture, and recreation that defines the area. As you paddle through the winding waterways, you’ll learn about the river’s ecological restoration, its connection to the San Antonio Missions – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and the wildlife that now thrives along its banks. This immersive experience combines light recreation with insight into one of San Antonio’s most significant environmental and cultural projects, offering a new perspective on the city’s historic and natural landscapes. Participants should anticipate roughly 2 hours of slow / intermittent paddling, with stops for discussion. Kayak launches are not ADA accessible. 

External registration for all field trips is required.
Tuesday May 12, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm CDT
The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio 420 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA

9:00am CDT

San Pedro Creek Culture Park [external registration required]
Tuesday May 12, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Discover the story of San Antonio’s origins and revitalization on a guided tour of San Pedro Creek Culture Park. Participants will explore the beautifully restored waterway that blends public art, local history, and native landscaping to celebrate the city’s rich cultural heritage. Along the walk, guides will highlight key artworks, interpretive features, and the creek’s role in flood control and urban renewal. This tour offers an engaging look at how art, nature, and community come together in the heart of downtown San Antonio. Participants should anticipate walking or rolling on ADA compliant trails for roughly 2 hours.

External registration for all field trips is required.
Tuesday May 12, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm CDT
The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio 420 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA

9:00am CDT

Starwalk with Pakahua Nacion [external registration required]
Tuesday May 12, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Join Cultural Bearers of the Pakahua Peoples of Northeastern Mexico and Texas for a guided walking tour in Brackenridge Park, where you will walk the Earth and sky together as San Antonio River mirrors the constellation of Eridanus. Learn how this Celestial knowledge and Earthly waterway are central parts of Indigenous Creation Stories, and how they inform cultural and ecological knowledge. Participants might consider downloading Stellarium App to follow along on their phones. All walkways are ADA accessible, and restrooms are available throughout the park.

External registration for all field trips is required.
Speakers
MT

Matilde Torres-Romero

Born and raised along the Balcones Escarpment in Yanaguana (San Antonio, Texas), Matilde Torres-Romero is deeply rooted in the cultural and historical heritage of the region. She is a proud descendant of Juan Francisco Lucas, a prominent Indigenous leader of the Puebla Sierra, who... Read More →
GP

Gary Perez

Gary Perez was Born at Ft Sam Houston and placed under adoption in the care of the Congregation of Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word at St. Peter Saint Joseph’s Orphanage in San Antonio. Adopted by His Parents Reymundo and Frances Perez of Pearsall. In his twenties, Gary... Read More →
Tuesday May 12, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm CDT
The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio 420 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA

9:00am CDT

Water Quality Training: Texas Stream Team [external registration required]
Tuesday May 12, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Join River Aid San Antonio to learn about the Texas Stream Team Water Quality Monitoring program, and get your hands dirty practicing it yourself! Learn the basic parameters of water quality monitoring and the power of community science: take field observations and sample observations from the San Antonio River at Brackenridge Park, learn about ongoing water quality efforts in the San Antonio River, and dive deep into understanding how quality data from community science can drive change. All surfaces and activities on this trip are ADA accessible. There are seating options, shaded pavilions, and restrooms available.

External registration for all field trips is required.
Tuesday May 12, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm CDT
The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio 420 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA

10:15am CDT

Mission Reach Bike Tour (10:15am departure) [external registration required]
Tuesday May 12, 2026 10:15am - 12:00pm CDT
Experience the San Antonio River like never before on this guided biking tour along the Mission Reach. Participants will bike through a beautifully restored stretch of the river that connects to San Antonio’s historic missions. Along the way, guides will share insights about the river’s restoration, local wildlife, and cultural landmarks that make this section so unique. This relaxed ride offers a mix of recreation, education, and scenic beauty, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors while learning about one of San Antonio’s signature projects. All bikes are e-assist, and the ride is 90 minutes with departures at either 8:45 or 10:15. This tour departs at 10:15 am.  

External registration for all field trips is required.
Tuesday May 12, 2026 10:15am - 12:00pm CDT
The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio 420 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA

12:00pm CDT

Lunch
Tuesday May 12, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm CDT
MENU:
Chef's Seasonally Inspired Soup
Quinoa Salad | Olives, Bell Peppers, Cucumbers, Feta, Fresh Herbs, White Wine Vinaigrette (V, GF)
Greens | Romaine Hearts, Mixed Greens, (VE, GF, DF)
Toppings | Carrots, Baby Tomatoes, Red Onion, English Cucumber, Peppers, Pecans, Parmesan, Gorgonzola, Eggs, Focaccia Croutons
Proteins (GF) | Portobello Mushrooms (VE), Crispy Tofu (VE), Whole Chickpea Tabouleh Salad (VE)
Dressings | Buttermilk Ranch and Creamy Caesar Dressings, Champagne Vinaigrette (V, GF)
Artisanal Rolls with Whipped Butter
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (V)
Lemon Bars (V)
Freshly Brewed Starbucks® Regular and Decaffeinated Coffee, a Selection of Specialty Tazo® Teas
and Iced Tea
Tuesday May 12, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm CDT
Navarro Ballroom Westin Riverwalk Wan Antonio: 420 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205

1:00pm CDT

Acknowledging & Learning From the Central Texas Floods
Tuesday May 12, 2026 1:00pm - 1:30pm CDT
As lunch wraps up on Tuesday, and to cue up the Plenary conversation about Proposal 4, experts in Texas will tell the story of the 2025 Central Texas Floods: what happened, recovery efforts underway, and lessons learned. 
Tuesday May 12, 2026 1:00pm - 1:30pm CDT
Navarro Ballroom Westin Riverwalk Wan Antonio: 420 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205

1:30pm CDT

The Voice of the Many: Securing Water Funding for Texas
Tuesday May 12, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT
What did it take to secure $20 billion for water in Texas? How will the investment shape the future of Texas’ water security? Prop 4 is more than just funding, it’s a blueprint for how collaboration can drive success. 

In this dynamic and inspiring plenary, we’ll learn about the collaboration, dedication, and mobilization required to build a powerful statewide campaign for water funding. A core group of women with different roles in this story come together to share their hard-won lessons balancing the benefits and challenges of building trust across different scales of influence. Navigating the complex Texas political landscape with grit and finesse, their shared path forward centers the communities that need these funds most.

Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor:
Moderators
SS

Sarah Schlessinger

CEO, Texas Water Foundation
Sarah Schlessinger is the CEO of Texas Water Foundation, a statewide nonprofit that works in water policy, workforce development, and public education on water. She previously worked in groundwater policy and regulation, and has experience with international nonprofits and disaster... Read More →
Speakers
JW

Jennifer Walker

Texas Coast and Waters Program, Senior Director, National Wildlife Federation
Jennifer Walker is the Senior Director of the Texas Coast and Water Program at National Wildlife Federation. She focuses on water policy with an emphasis on water planning, infrastructure funding, and urban water management. She has helped develop and inform strategic action by utilizing... Read More →
avatar for Guadalupe Fernandez

Guadalupe Fernandez

Policy Strategy Director, Bayou City Waterkeeper
Guadalupe serves as the Policy Strategy Director at Bayou City Waterkeeper, where she leads the advancement of water policies that prioritize justice, health, and safety in Houston and across the Lower Galveston Bay watershed. Living within a mile of the Port of Houston, she brings... Read More →
SG

Sydney Garcia

Senior Program Associate, Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation
Sydney Garcia is the Senior Program Associate for the Land Conservation and Water Programs at the Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation. She is a multi-generation Tejana with a deep commitment to the state’s natural resources and communities. Her work at the foundation supports... Read More →
VP

Vanessa Puig Williams

Senior Director and Attorney, Environmental Defense Fund
Vanessa Puig-Williams is a Senior Director and Attorney on the Climate Resilient Water Systems Team at Environmental Defense Fund, where she leads EDF’s efforts to advance sustainable groundwater management in Texas and across the Southwest. Before joining EDF, Vanessa served as... Read More →
Tuesday May 12, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT
Navarro Ballroom Westin Riverwalk Wan Antonio: 420 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205

3:15pm CDT

Activating Our Urban Waterways (Wild Mile Case Study)
Tuesday May 12, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm CDT
Join Zachary Damato, co-founder of Urban Rivers, for an engaging workshop, ‘Activating Our Urban Waterways (Wild Mile Case Study)’, which will focus on how Urban Rivers took a stretch of the Chicago River and transformed it into the largest floating public park in the country. For any individual from a local NGO to a water enthusiast to a city planner will benefit from this workshop. The rivers are for a variety of animals and stakeholders, and it takes a coalition to activate your urban waterway thoughtfully.
Speakers
ZD

Zachary Damato

Co-founder & Director of Strategic Partnerships (Urban Rivers), Urban Rivers
Zachary Damato has spent his career on environmental issues, from food waste to healthier CPG products to river conservation. In 2009, Zachary co-founded a specialty and organic food distribution company, Norman Distribution Inc. Afterward, he worked as a mentor for Techstars and... Read More →
Tuesday May 12, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm CDT
Goraz Westin Riverwalk Wan Antonio: 420 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205

3:15pm CDT

Community-Led Grantmaking: What’s Funded When the Community Leads?
Tuesday May 12, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm CDT
This session offers an introduction to the intersecting worlds of grassroots fundraising, giving circles, and trust-based philanthropy — exploring what becomes possible when grantmaking and community investments are guided by the people closest to the work. Participants will get an inside look at River Network's Flow Fund Circle, a model that puts decision-making power directly into the hands of network members. You will also hear firsthand from community leaders about the impactful work they are leading on the ground, made possible in part through Flow Fund support. Whether you're new to these concepts or looking to deepen your understanding, this session will inspire fresh thinking about how financial resources flow — and who gets to decide.
Speakers
avatar for Tricia Cortez

Tricia Cortez

Executive Director, Rio Grande International Study Center
Care deeply about environmental justice here in South Texas.
River restoration, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, revamping our regulatory framework to hold industry and polluters accountable, financially and otherwise.
Border Wall fighter.
Fighting climate issues at a local level is... Read More →
ML

Monica Lewis-Patrick

Founder, We the People of Detroit
Monica Lewis-Patrick is an educator, entrepreneur, and human rights activist. With guidance and support from the other four founders of We the People of Detroit (WPD), and the leadership of volunteers and community experts, she has become one of the most distinguished social justice... Read More →
BC

Brenda Coley

Former co-Executive Director, Milwaukee Water Commons
Brenda Coley has been Queering the environmental sector since joining Milwaukee Water Commons in 2019. Coley is a Wisconsin based activist whose work has been inspired with the understanding there is a profound social justice connection between People and Planet. She has served in... Read More →
SB

Sharon Bagley

Founder, Not Orange, Inc.

JF

Jessie Fuentes

Activist, Eagle Pass Border Coalition
SH

Sharee Harrison

Founder, Orange Trail Mix
Born and raised in the Township of Orange, Sharee Harrison is an African American entrepreneur, community advocate, Master gardener, and emerging philanthropist deeply committed to strengthening urban communities through education, access, and opportunity.
AJ

Arthur Johnson

Chief Executive Officer, Lower 9th Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement & Development
Born in the Nation’s Capital with roots in New Orleans that date back to visits with his grandmother in the Lower Ninth Ward on Fostall Street. Mr. Johnson earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from George Washington University and the University of District of Columbia... Read More →
DB

Dr. Bernard Singleton

Environmental Research Director/Co-Founder of CSED's Environmental Research Internship Program, Dillard University & Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development (CSED)
Dr. Bernard Singleton is a native of New Orleans. He is an Associate Professor of Biology at Dillard University. He is also a Dillard Alumnus. He earned his DVM, a MS in Microbiology, and a second B.S. in Animal and Poultry Sciences at Tuskegee University. He was commissioned as an... Read More →
Tuesday May 12, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm CDT
Lantana Westin Riverwalk Wan Antonio: 420 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205

3:15pm CDT

Data Center Deluge: What You Actually Need to Know
Tuesday May 12, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm CDT
The entire water sector has been buzzing with the explosive growth of data centers and what it means for water supply, quality, long-term planning, and its impacts on our communities and ecosystems. In this panel, get a lay of the land from a range of speakers who are researching data center impacts, partnering with big tech to improve water management challenges, and tackling local and state processes to ensure communities are at the table when data center proposals crop up in their backyards.
Speakers
RA

Ryan Anderson

Staff Attorney, Southern Environmental Law Center
Ryan drafts motions and briefs, and conducts legal research, developing case strategies and legal arguments in SELC matters in her home state of Alabama. She lives and works in Birmingham, where she is originally from.
avatar for Ellen Kohler, JD, MS

Ellen Kohler, JD, MS

Director of Applied Research and Policy, The Water Center at the University of Pennsylvania
Ellen joins the Water Center after serving as the Program Director for Water Resources at the University of Maryland’s Environmental Finance Center. Her work there focused on water resource management issues challenging communities in the mid-Atlantic region, particularly supporting... Read More →
avatar for Margaret Cook, PhD

Margaret Cook, PhD

Vice President, Water & Community Resilience, Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC)
With a strong foundation in engineering, policy, and the water-energy-climate nexus, Dr. Cook has successfully collaborated with diverse stakeholders to address critical challenges in these sectors, co-developing programs with communities and prioritizing those with greatest need. Her... Read More →
Tuesday May 12, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm CDT
Camino Real Westin Riverwalk Wan Antonio: 420 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205

3:15pm CDT

From Listening to Co-Creation: Insights From a Community-Centered Municipal Planning Process in Austin, Texas
Tuesday May 12, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm CDT
Have you ever been told that community engagement is outside your scope? In this interactive session, city and community representatives from Austin, Texas will share their experience creating and sustaining Rain to River, an equity and community-centered planning process. This session explores the very real benefits of effective engagement and will tackle questions like: “How can we design our engagement efforts to bring value to participants and avoid contributing to ‘engagement fatigue’-- especially among historically marginalized groups?” and “What does meaningful retention and engagement look and feel like across multi-year municipal planning processes?” Participants will leave with actionable insights into this strengths-based approach to holistic community planning.
Speakers
JB

Janis Bookout

Rain to River Community Participant, Rain to River Community Activation Group
Janis Bookout is a community leader and consultant that specializes in systems change, stakeholder collaboration, community engagement. She is also the director of Earth Day Austin (which runs the annual Earth Day ATX festival), and co-founder of Community Resilience Trust, a multi-racial... Read More →
TK

Tymon Khamsi

Planner III/Community Engagement Planner, City of Austin Watershed Protection
Tymon Khamsi (he/they) grew up in Tucson, Arizona, where they became passionate about water resources and the Sonoran Desert. This led them to study Hydrology at the University of Arizona before pursuing a master’s degree from the UT Austin Community and Regional Planning program... Read More →
avatar for Kelly Gagnon

Kelly Gagnon

Principal Planner, City of Austin Watershed Protection
Tuesday May 12, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm CDT
Zapata Westin Riverwalk Wan Antonio: 420 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205

3:15pm CDT

Learn the Tools of the Clean Water Act and How to Use Them to Mobilize Advocates and Protect Clean Water
Tuesday May 12, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm CDT
Join this session to learn the tools in the Clean Water Act you can use to protect your communities and local waters. You'll learn from real-world case studies where advocates are using the Clean Water Act to connect and mobilize to protect their waters, and you’ll get hands-on practice that will help equip you to use these tools in your communities.

If you have a laptop, bring it with you - it will come in handy for the activities in this session.
Speakers
avatar for Marie Campbell

Marie Campbell

Community Engagement Director, Harpeth Conservancy

avatar for Christine Favilla

Christine Favilla

Three Rivers Project Coordinator, Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter
Christine Favilla, Three Rivers Project Coordinator, Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter - Christine works on education and advocacy surrounding air quality, sustainable agriculture, water quality, and water management issues in a tri-county region in Southern Illinois since 2001. Christine... Read More →
CM

Colleen McGuire

Urban and Community Forestry Director, River Network
Colleen joined River Network in 2020 and has served as the Urban and Community Forestry Director since 2026, where she supports 30 communities with their Urban and Community Forestry projects. She previously served as River Network’s Healthy Rivers Program Manager, where she trained... Read More →
avatar for Becky Smith

Becky Smith

Texas State Director, Clean Water Action
Becky has worked with Clean Water Action in multiple roles since 2001. Her work has included assembling a multi-sector network in Massachusetts to support innovative and alternative approaches for integrated water and energy resource management, support for initiatives such as the... Read More →
Tuesday May 12, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm CDT
Olivares Westin Riverwalk Wan Antonio: 420 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205

3:15pm CDT

Managing Floodplains to Improve Community Vitality, Build Resilience, and Mitigate Risk
Tuesday May 12, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm CDT
With extreme weather on the rise, developing a shared vision for our river corridors is more critical than ever. This session highlights the importance of uniting diverse interests to create an integrated approach to floodplain management. Panelists will showcase real-world examples of integrated floodplain management and share tools for assessing hazards and identifying multi-benefit opportunities. This session is designed for River Rally participants who are helping communities build integrated approaches or coordinating across sectors to implement holistic nature-based solutions.
Speakers
LD

Lacey Davis

Associate Director, Floodplain Restoration, American Rivers
avatar for Brian Murphy

Brian Murphy

Healthy Rivers Program Specialist, River Network
Brian Murphy is River Network’s Healthy Rivers Program Director. He supports local leaders working to ensure Western communities and rivers are healthy and resilient into the future. Brian has worked in the floodplain management and watershed planning field for over 20 years. He... Read More →
ES

Eileen Shader

Sr Director, Floodplain Restoration, American Rivers
Tuesday May 12, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm CDT
Encino Westin Riverwalk Wan Antonio: 420 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205

3:15pm CDT

Ready for Prime Time: Media Training 101
Tuesday May 12, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm CDT
Anyone can be a great spokesperson for your organization with the right training and practice. This workshop will lead participants through a formal media training before working as pairs to practice speaking to a reporter. We will conclude with a discussion of how participants can recreate the training for their team.
Speakers
avatar for Patrick Williams (He/Him)

Patrick Williams (He/Him)

Director of Creative Services, Bold Bison Communications & Consulting
Bold Bison Communications and Consulting provides forward-thinking communications solutions, engaging strategy and facilitation services, and inspiring workshops and trainings for nonprofits, particularly in the conservation, climate, and local food movements, as well as the arts... Read More →
avatar for Brandon Hayes (he/him)

Brandon Hayes (he/him)

Founder and Principal, Bold Bison Communications and Consulting
Tuesday May 12, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm CDT
Villa Westin Riverwalk Wan Antonio: 420 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205

3:15pm CDT

Transitions and Flows: An Honest Dialogue on the Challenges of Today’s Water Sector Careers
Tuesday May 12, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm CDT
In the past year, unprecedented shifts in funding have rocked the environmental sector causing layoffs, early retirements, and more professionals deciding or being forced to make career pivots. The job application process has in turn become extremely competitive and challenging to navigate. Reflecting on their recent experiences making career transitions, past River Network Emerging Leaders will share how they applied their skills to new sectors of environmental work and found meaning in the process. This session will provide ample opportunities for small and large group discussions related to the job search process, supporting mental health and wellbeing during challenging times, and lessons learned from periods of transition.
Speakers
HA

Hira Ahmad

Great Lakes Philanthropy Fellow, Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation
Hira Ahmad is a Council of Michigan Foundations Philanthropy Fellow, in partnership with the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation, where she is supporting Great Lakes grantmaking and the Foundation’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Prior to joining the Erb Family Foundation... Read More →
MD

Mariah Davis

President, Davis Strategies
Based in Annapolis, MD, Mariah Davis brings 10 years of experience working on local, state, and federal environmental and social justice issues. She is a highly skilled policy professional with executive leadership experience in the nonprofit and state government sectors. She has... Read More →
Tuesday May 12, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm CDT
Sabino Westin Riverwalk Wan Antonio: 420 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205

5:30pm CDT

Leaders of Color Convening (2 minute walk)
Tuesday May 12, 2026 5:30pm - 7:30pm CDT
Pink Shark (203 N Presa St, San Antonio, TX 78205) is a 2-minute walk from the Westin, Riverwalk.



Special thanks to Earthjustice for their support of the LOC event!
Tuesday May 12, 2026 5:30pm - 7:30pm CDT
Pink Shark 203 N Presa St, San Antonio, TX 78205

8:00pm CDT

Return to MAMA
Tuesday May 12, 2026 8:00pm - 9:30pm CDT
Return To MAMA: a 75 minute immersive theatrical experience that re-awakens our connection to water and each other.

Tony Award Winning San Antonio native Britton Smith brings Return to MAMA to the historic Empire Theatre—a free, live concert experience blending music, storytelling, and civic engagement to explore our relationship to water.
Doors open at 7:30 PM.Performance begins at 8:00 PM. Free and open to the public with a suggested $5 donation. RSVP required via the link below.

At its core, MAMA is a concert-theater experience designed to awaken audiences—extending beyond the stage into locally rooted calls to action. Each stop includes a collaborative partnership that engages local residents in deepening their relationship to water alongside local water leaders and organizations.

Through gospel, funk, and theatrical storytelling, MAMA reframes water as a living force—holding memory, identity, and responsibility. By convening local residents, artists, water advocates, and funders, across these cities, the tour builds a national network of care, collaboration, and cultural momentum in service of long-term environmental and social change to protect our most valuable resource - water.

Click here for more information and to register for a free ticket!
Tuesday May 12, 2026 8:00pm - 9:30pm CDT
Charline McCombs Empire Theatre 226 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78205
 
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