Texas Rivers Protection Association

55th Annual San Marcos River Clean Up and Rendezvous
2026-03-07 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago)
Drew and Tommy Yonley, photo by Sandy Yonley.

World’s Longest River Clean Up — Saturday, March 7, 2026

On Saturday, March 7, 2026, paddlers from all over Texas will be participating in the world’s longest river clean up. We will be picking up trash along most of the San Marcos River (60–90 miles depending on how many canoe racers show up). From just downstream of San Marcos, all the way to Gonzales, canoeists, kayakers and rafters will be cleaning the river and the banks. The paddling portion of this event is for experienced paddlers only, with their own boats and who are members of paddling groups who have adopted various sections of river.

Water Hyacinth Removal

Anybody out there familiar with the removal of water hyacinths from a waterway? Between the decreased river flows (from our drought) and the increased flows into the river of wastewater, the hyacinths are having a hay day. They are real good at removing nutrients (like phosphorus) from the river, but they are also real good at making the river unnavigable.

There is a very large jam of hyacinths in Cummings Lake starting at the confluence of the Blanco River. I have been talking to the City of San Marcos (since they are providing the phosphorus with their effluent) and the San Marcos River Foundation (since they have a permit to remove hyacinths) about the purchase of some machinery to remove the plants and composting them off river.

We don’t just want to send them downstream (they will just hang up elsewhere). And we don’t just want to kill the plants (and have all that phosphorus return to the river to fertilize more hyacinths downstream). We need to remove the plants (along with the phosphorus they have absorbed) and compost them. We need, at minimum, a conveyor that will lift the plants out of the river and load them into dump trucks. If you can help, please let me know.

Bank Crews

I need a few good men, and women, and scouts, and pretty much anyone who wants to help, to clean up some of the bridges and parks along the river. I really need some leaders (scoutmasters, churches, community activists) who are willing to adopt a bridge or park to contact me and volunteer to coordinate the clean up of each of these hot spots. Cleaning these parks and bridges on foot allows the paddlers to get on and off the river quicker — which allows them more time to clean the river that isn’t accessible on foot.

Whitewater Paddlers

There are some sections of river that require whitewater skills. For those sections, only persons capable of handling a canoe full of trash in whitewater should volunteer. This is primarily for Sections 2, 7, and 8.

Canoe Racing Enthusiasts

Some sections of river, like Luling to Gonzales, have long stretches with few bridge crossings and for that reason, we are asking canoe racers (especially teams that have competed in the Texas Water Safari) to volunteer for Section 10.

Free Camping

Paddlers participating in this event are invited to camp free at the San Marcos River Retreat. Reservations required. E-mail tomgoynes@mac.com or call 512-787-5574 (if you are not a member of the TRPA you may have to text me or leave a voicemail).

Camping is also available at Shady Grove Campground in Martindale. Call 512-357-6113 for reservations and pricing.

Meal — Saturday Night, March 7

Starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday evening there will be a meal (we are thinking tacos — the cost of brisket has gone out of sight) for all the volunteers at the chapel at the San Marcos River Retreat.

Everyone who wants to eat should register with their section leader by March 4.

Please bring a plate, a cup, and utensils (we are trying to generate less trash).

Anyone who would like to provide a dessert (either a dutch oven or baked good) — please bring it!

Meeting Times & Shuttles

Paddlers are required to contact the section leader for the section of river he or she intends to clean and reserve a spot on that team. Many of these sections will only be open to members of the club that has adopted that section. That leader will keep a list of volunteers and also make a note of folks who intend to eat. The section leader will tell all the members in their group where they will meet on the morning of March 7. At that meeting, trash bags will be handed out and shuttles will be arranged.

PRE-REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL. Everyone participating in this event must pre-register by Wednesday, March 4 (especially if you want to eat Saturday evening). You must contact a section leader to pre-register. And you should let the leader know if you change your plans and can’t participate.

River Section Listings

Section 1: Stokes Park to The San Marcos River Retreat (3.5 miles)

This is an all day clean up — volunteers should plan on being on the river until about 4 p.m. Volunteers are guaranteed to experience trash jams that resemble the trash compactor (complete with monster) from the original Star Wars movie. This section of river is not recommended for the faint of heart. Currently there is a large hyacinth jam on this section.

Section Coordinator: Open for adoption

Possible new section: Up and back trip from San Marcos River Retreat. There has been some interest in cleaning the river upstream from the Retreat to Cummings Dam and back down. More info once we have a section leader.

Section 2: San Marcos River Retreat to Sculls Crossing (3.1 miles)

⚠️ This is a whitewater section of river. If you don’t know what a draw is, don’t choose this section. Several groups and canoe clubs will be cleaning this section.

Section Coordinators:Dave Zambrano — senorzambrano@gmail.comSteve Ford — fnutria@aol.comHouston Canoe Club

Section 3: Sculls Crossing to Spencer Canoes (2 miles)

This section involves carrying your canoe around Martindale Dam, plus a little bit of moving water from the dam to Spencer Canoes.

Adopted by: San Marcos River RanchKaty Brantley — katybrantley@gmail.com | 512-755-9720

Section 4: Spencer Canoes to Staples — Hwy 1977 (5 miles)

This section is being cleaned by the Informal River Bureaucracy (aka Jeff Pine and friends) — they have enough volunteers.

Section 5: Staples to Fentress — Hwy 20 (9 miles)

Section Leader: Dallas Downriver ClubBryan Jackson — paddlinpals@yahoo.com

Section 6: Fentress to Prairie Lea 1 (3.29 miles)

Some fast moving water; some trees in the river.

Section Leader: Susan Eda — susaneda@mac.com

Section 7: Prairie Lea 1 to Stairtown (5 miles)

Some fast moving water; some trees in the river.

Section Leader: Josh Sarkardehi — jsarkardehi@gmail.com

Section 8: Stairtown to Luling — Hwy 90 (6.5 miles)

Some fast moving water; some trees in the river.

Section Leader: Jeannette Burris — mmball1@sbcglobal.net

Section 9: Hwy 90 to Zedler Dam (6 miles) — A TPWD Paddling Trail

Some fast moving water; some trees in the river.

Section Leader: Kayaking HoustonKenny Sharpless — kenny.sharpless@hotmail.com

Section 10: Zedler Dam to Gonzales (a long way)

Long hard stretch for people with the Water Safari on their mind (in other words, for crazy people).

Section Leader: Open for adoption

Driving Directions to the San Marcos River Retreat

On Google Maps we show up as the “San Marcos River Scout Camp.”

Coming from Interstate 35 in San Marcos, get on Highway 80 and head toward Luling for 1.8 miles. Take a right on County Road 101. Take an immediate left onto County Road 102. Go ½ mile on 102 and take a right on Pecan Park Road. Keep going straight (past TG Canoes and Kayaks) and the road will end at the San Marcos River Retreat office.

Clean Up Coordinator: Tom Goynes — tomgoynes@mac.com

14th Annual Hidalgo Falls Texas River Festival 2024
2024-10-12 08:00 - 2024-10-13 17:00 | Hidalgo Falls, TRPA Property, 5342 Camp Road, Navasota, Texas, 77868
Hidalgo Falls Kayak Instruction, 2020

Join TRPA members and paddling enthusiasts for the Hidalgo Falls River Festival 2024! A weekend of skills development, river paddling, friendship, outdoor film festival and all-around paddlesport camaraderie. Purchase tickets below!

Hidalgo Falls River Festival 2024 offers strokes, maneuvers, and rescue classes for both beginner and intermediate paddlers. Even if you’ve taken the river skills classes in the past, you might want a refresher or simply wish to learn from a different instructor. All our paddling instructors are certified by the ACA, USCA, and/or the American Red Cross.

This year’s food vendor is Lady Banks Living featuring Chef Marquis Collier. Oh, yeah! Meal plan tickets are available.

Hidalgo Falls River Festival 2024 entry fee is $40 per person which includes one night camping and all dry land classes.

The $50 ticket includes entry fee plus the Brazos River trip or one all day trip.

TRPA members get an additional night of free camping.

Sorry, no dogs at the festival!

There will be a pre-sale of festival tee shirts and hopefully some will be available at the event.

The Hidalgo Falls shaded campground has 3 full toilet and shower facilities. Tent camping and RV camping are encouraged, but no hookups. Register and buy your tickets here as soon as possible. Please contact Grace Arianoutsos by text at 214-563-7057 or email vicepresident@txrivers.org for info on RV camping or the festival.

Activities include:

Paddling on moving water

Learn to roll a kayak

On-water communications

Hidalgo Falls Orientation class

How to choose a boat & gear

Guided Brazos River trips on Saturday & Sunday

Guided Navasota River trip on Saturday

Guided Yegua River trip on Saturday

(Practically) Full Moon Dinner Paddle Sunday

First Aid for Paddlers

Early Morning Stretching and Yoga

Blacklight Surprises After Dark – Saturday

Canoe/Kayak Camping

Used Gear and Boat Sale

Understanding River Gages

Best Knots for Paddlers and Campers

Survival Skills on the Water (Up a Creek Without a Paddle?)

Red Cross CPR and First Aid Update

Park ‘N Play for Intermediate River Paddlers

How to Plan a Trip

Inquire about ACA Kayak Instructor Certification

Rescue Ropes

Local Geology

Meet TPWD Game Wardens and the local EMS Rescue Squad

Ticket Details and Pricing Options:

Entry, Camping and Food:

Basic Entry Fee $40 (includes one night of camping and dry land classes)

Premium Entry Fee $50 (includes entry fee plus Brazos River trip or one all day trip)

Extra Night of Camping $10 (TRPA members get free extra night of camping)

Saturday Night Practically Full Moon Dinner Paddle $20

Meal Plans:

5 Meals – $95 (will lower price if minimum number sign up)

3 Meals – $

Free Classes:

(included with entry fee, please register below so we can manage class sizes)

First Aid for Paddlers

Blacklight Surprises After Dark – Saturday

Canoe/Kayak Camping

Understanding River Gages

Best Knots for Paddlers and Campers

Rescue Ropes

Local Geology – What are those Rocks made of?

Wilderness Survival Skills (4 hr. class)

Friction Fire Skills

Additional Paid Classes:

$20 Classes:

Paddler Fitness

Brazos River Trip (if you have already taken another trip)

$40 Classes

Basic Strokes & Maneuvers

Basic Rescues

River Strokes & Maneuvers

River Rescues

Kayak Rolling

Kayak Park ‘N Play

American Red Cross CPR and First Aid with certification card

Details continue to be added! Check back often or text Grace Arianoutsos by text at 214-563-7057 or email vicepresident@txrivers.org. Register and buy your tickets here as soon as possible.

Work Days Hidalgo Falls
2024-09-28 08:00 - 2024-09-29 17:00
Workers needed to ready the TRPA campground for the October 11-14 River Festival. Bring gloves, water, tools. Lunch provided. Kayaking afterwards!

Brazos River Clean Up and Dinner
2024-05-18 08:00 - 20:00
Join Friends of the Brazos River, Rio Brazos Chapter Texas Master Naturalist, Texas Master Naturalist, Texas Conservation Alliance and Texas Land Conservancy to protect and keep the Brazos River natural! All Texas Master Naturalist Chapter members are welcome.

Please sign up/RSVP to confirm your attendance (Clean Up and/or Dinner/Activities) and sign Liability Waiver: https://txmn.org/rbc/brazos-river-cleanup/

Clean Up: Primary meeting place: Glen Rose High School Parking lot (900 Stadium Dr., Glen Rose, TX 76043) at 8:00 AM on Saturday, May 18, 2024 for river section assignment, instructions on trash disposal, supplies, and to sign required waivers. Cleanup will last 2 to 5 hours, dependent upon river section assigned.

Join us to clean up the Brazos! Bring your kayaks or canoes and life jackets to help remove litter. We have a limited number of kayaks and canoes available on a first come basis. We also have several areas that can be cleaned up on foot along the riverbank and in shallow areas. There are options to camp at Little L Ranch all weekend long, stay at an area motel or B&B, or drive in and out for the day.

Dinner: At 6pm Saturday, a special dinner and gathering for all participants will be held at Little L Ranch, 503 County Road 423, Nemo, TX 76070 (On south and west of Brazos River). FBR is sponsoring BBQ catered by Celebration Restaurant. Register / RSVP here for dinner, cleanup and camping.

Directions from Hwy 67 @ FM-199 (.6 mile east of Brazos River 67 bridge) to Little L Ranch

Directions from Glen Rose High School to Little L Ranch

FAQ:

Q: What to bring?A: Hat and/or sun visor, refillable water bottle, sunglasses, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, sack lunch & preferred snack, emergency contact information, waterproof pouch (for your valuables, cell phone) or a compact dry bag, shoes that you don’t mind getting wet (sneakers, watersports shoes), work gloves.Optional: Towel, toiletries, change of clothes.

Q: Do we need to bring our own canoe or kayak?A: We expect to have canoes and kayaks and lifejackets/paddles available for most, if not all participants. When you register, please indicate if you plan to bring your own and whether you plan to attend the FBR annual meeting on Friday evening. There also are segments for some participants to walk and pick up trash along the shoreline.

Q: How long will we be on the river?A: Depending on your team’s segment of the river and the flow of the Brazos, plan on approximately on anywhere between 2 and 5 hours on the river.

Additional info and Little L Ranch camping details: Richard Grayson rhg500@gmail.com; 214-733-4140

River Kayak Instructor Certification
2024-03-22 09:00 - 2024-03-24 17:00
ACA Level 2 workshop led by Grace Arianoutsos and Patti Carothers. Call 713-828-7582 for more info.

The San Marcos River Cleanup
2024-03-02 08:00 - 18:00
San Marcos River Cleanup 2024 (not to be confused with the City of San Marcos’ city-wide cleanup on the same day). Their event consists mostly of people cleaning up the parks and watershed (creeks, ditches and so forth on foot). They call their event the Great Texas River Clean Up. They have an adopt-a-spot page for folks to adopt an area in San Marcos: http://www.sanmarcostx.gov/3357/Adopt-a-Spot

2024 Detailed Information on the San Marcos River Cleanup

Hidalgo Falls Texas River Festival 2023
2023-10-14 08:00 - 2023-10-15 17:00 | Hidalgo Falls, 5342 Camp Rd, Navasota, TX, 77868, United States
Buy your tickets on this page.
Join TRPA members and paddling enthusiasts for a weekend of skills development, river paddling, friendship, outdoor film festival and all-around paddlesport camaraderie.
Learn to kayak, read the river, plan a trip, and talk to experts! Activity options include one free river paddle trip with shuttle services per each $40 registration; General and targeted seminars to improve your skills both in the water and on land. Land-based seminars are free with the standard $40 registration. Equipment rentals will be available.
One or two nights’ camping included at the Hidalgo Falls shaded campground with full toilet and shower facilities. Tent camping and RV camping are encouraged, but no hookups. Register and buy your tickets here as soon as possible. Call or text 713-828-7582 for info on RV camping.
Activities include:

Paddling on moving water
Learn to roll a kayak
On-water communications
Hidalgo Falls Orientation class
How to choose a boat & gear
Reading & understanding river gauges
Guided Brazos paddle trips on Saturday

Meet River Tour operators
How to plan a trip
Inquire about ACA Kayak Instructor Certification
Rescue ropes
Local Geology
Meet TPWD River Rangers
Bruce Bodson of Lower Brazos Riverwatch

Details continue to be added! Check back often or text 713-828-7582. Register and buy your tickets here as soon as possible.

Bruce Bodson on Lower Brazos River

Buy Tickets

UGRA 20th Annual River Cleanup - Kerrville, TX
2023-07-22 08:00 - 12:00
The 20th Annual River Clean Up will be held on July 22, 2023. The Upper Guadalupe River Authority, with the support of many community partners, will provide cleanup supplies and coordinate trash disposal. Volunteers will receive an Annual River Clean Up t-shirt, other freebies, and an entry in the prize drawing. This is a community event to remove trash from the Guadalupe River and the watershed throughout Kerr County and to raise awareness about the problem of litter in the community.

Registration is open through July 7th but volunteers who register before June 30th will have their shirt sizes guaranteed, as well as the option to pick up cleanup supplies the week leading up to the event to cut down on time reporting to your site the morning of July 22nd. If you do not register ahead of time, you can show up to Flat Rock Lake Park in Kerrville and we will get you signed up. Flat Rock Lake Park, 3840 Riverside Dr, Kerrville, TX 78028

For more information on the UGRA River Clean Up, visit http://www.ugra.org/major-initiatives/river-clean-up or contact Matthew Wilkinson (830) 896-5445; rivercleanup@ugra.org

Rivers, Lakes, Bays 'n Bayous Trash Bash
2023-03-25 08:00 - 17:00
Register: http://www.trashbash.org

Houston Area Map of Locations

Every year, thousands of volunteers gather along Texas waterways in the Galveston Bay watershed to do their part in cleaning up the environment by participating in one of the largest, single-day waterway cleanups in the state of Texas, the River, Lakes, Bays ‘N Bayous Trash Bash®.

​In 2023, Trash Bash will celebrate its 29th cleanup, an accomplishment that dedicated volunteers should be proud of.

Lower Colorado River Clean Up
2022-11-12 08:00 - 17:00
Sign up at locotrashbash.com for land-based or water-based river cleanup. Seven sections downstream of Austin, TX.

Trinity Challenge XX
2022-09-17 07:30 - 12:30
Eleven miles canoe / kayak race on the Elm Fork Trinity. Race starts and ends at McInnish Park, Carrollton, TX. Hosted by the Dallas DownRiver Club. Website: (https://dallasdownriverclub.wildapricot.org/events)

Join us for Trinity River Watermelon Cleanup
2022-09-10 08:00 - 13:00 | McInnish Park, Carrollton Texas, Carrollton, Texas, United States
Come join Dallas Downriver Club as we give the Trinity River between Hebron Parkway and McInnish Park a good clean up before TRC XX.

Meet at McInnish Park at 8:30 am. The Plan is to shuttle some paddlers to the Hebron Parkway launch so that can come down river , put some on at I -35 and launch more from McInnish.

There will be some extra canoes available on a first come first served basis. If you have a trailer, please plan on bringing it to help shuttle people around.

We will also need people cleaning up from shore, especially in the park, so the more the merrier.

For your hard work you will provided with all the ice cold watermelon you can eat. DDRC will also provide bottled water and trash bags. Bring gloves and your favorite trash pickin’ tools.

San Marcos River Cleanup
2022-07-27 12:38
The annual Great Texas River Cleanup, aka San Marcos River Cleanup

Stay tuned!

Brazos River Clean Up
2022-05-28 10:00 - 16:00
Brazos River Clean Up – Saturday May 28, 2022

Meet at Glen Rose High School, 900 Stadium Dr, Glen Rose, TX 76043

Begin: 10:00 AM — End: 4:00 PM

Pizza after the cleanup! (6 pm)

RSVP here: https://www.tcatexas.org/event-details/take-action-protect-wildlife-at-the-annual-brazos-river-clean-up

Turkey Bend Waterway Cleanup
2022-04-23 09:00 - 12:00
Turkey Bend Waterway Cleanup
Tony Marron Park –
808 N. York St.,. Houston, TX 77003
https://fb.me/e/2q9Ta2lJM

Cleanup
2022-04-14 08:00 - 17:00

S4 White Rock Lake paddlers Clean Up
2022-04-09 09:00 - 11:00 | Jackson Point, 4200 W. Lawther Lane, Dallas, TX, 75218, United States
2nd Saturday Shoreline Spruce up at White Rock Lake Dallas – Held the second Saturday of every month, participants have an opportunity to clean up trash at the lake from the water. The only clean up at White Rock Lake done via boats! All required gear provided in exchange for returning with bags of trash.
Paddlers meet at Jackson Point, 4200 W. Lawther Dr from 9AM – 11AM Organized by KayakPower,com
Contact: Mike Swope 214-669-1663

Annual TRPA Membership Drive, Cleanup and Fundraiser at Hidalgo Falls
2022-04-09 | Hidalgo Falls, 5342 Camp Rd, Navasota, TX, 77868, United States
3rd Annual TRPA Membership Drive and Fundraiser at Hidalgo Falls campground
Saturday April 9, 2022
$55 includes annual membership dues, day use fees, lunch, shuttle, outdoor movie or karaoke and Saturday night tent camping.
$30 for current TRPA members
RVs only $5 more.
RSVP here. Select ‘Hidalgo Falls’.

Pay here.
Come visit your campground – a little piece of paradise!

Trash Bash Houston and Galveston
2022-03-26 08:00 - 17:00
Trash Bash® 2022 Returns to On-Site Cleanups!
The River, Lakes, Bays ‘N Bayous Trash Bash® is excited to welcome back volunteers to the 28th annual cleanup of our Galveston Bay watershed on Saturday March 26, 2022!

S4 White Rock Lake paddlers Clean Up
2022-03-12 09:00 - 11:00 | Jackson Point, 4200 W. Lawther Lane, Dallas, TX, 75218, United States
2nd Saturday Shoreline Spruce up at White Rock Lake Dallas – Held on the second Saturday of every month join KayakPower.com as we clean up the lake from the water. This is the only clean up at White Rock Lake done via boats! KayakPower.com will provide all the required gear in exchange for your time picking up trash.
Paddlers meet at Jackson Point, 4200 W. Lawther Dr from 9AM – 11AM Organized by KayakPower,com
Contact: Mike Swope 214-669-1663

Hidalgo Falls Work Weekend #3
2022-03-12 - 2022-03-13
Hidalgo Falls Work Weekend #3
March 12-13, 2022
We will build the last 2 picnic tables, clear & burn more bamboo and work on the river trail.
Free camping & day use fees for workers. Gloves available and a few tools. Bring drinking water. Hot
showers. Kayaking.
If you want lunch, RSVP your TRPA secretary, Patti Carothers at 713-828-7582

TRWD Flyfest Ft. Worth March 12
2022-03-12
https://trwdflyfest.com/
Flyfest, a celebration of urban fishing on the Trinity River.
Saturday March 12, 2022

TRPA Annual Meeting
2022-03-06 10:00 - 14:00
All TRPA members are invited.
Biennial election of officers and board members.
Special services honoring David Reichert will be held before and after the TRPA meeting.
Dual Zoom and Live meeting at 10 AM at the chapel, San Marcos River Retreat.
444 Pecan Park Dr.
San Marcos, TX 78666
Contact: Tom Goynes 512-787-5574

The Great Texas River Clean Up
2022-03-05 | San Marcos River
aka San Marcos River Clean Up.
Canoe with friends. Collect river trash. Free BBQ.

SSSS White Rock Lake Paddlers Clean Up
2022-02-12 09:00 - 11:00
2nd Saturday Shoreline Spruce up at White Rock Lake Dallas – The clean up at White Rock Lake done via boats!
Paddlers meet at Jackson Point, 4200 W. Lawther Dr from 9AM – 11AM Organized by KayakPower,com
Contact: Mike Swope 214-669-1663
February 12
March 12
April 9
May 14 – Land based clean up only
June 11 – Land based clean up only
July 9
August 13
September 10 – Land based clean up only
October 8
November 12
December 10

Hidalgo Falls Member Camping Fee
2022-01-01 00:00 - 2022-12-31 23:59 | Hidalgo Falls, 5342 Camp Rd, Navasota, TX, 77868, United States
Current TRPA Members are able to overnight tent camp at Hidalgo Falls. Camping fees are in addition to the day use fees per member. Children 10 and under are free.

All non-member guests must register also and pay the daily use fee ($5 per guest) in addition to non-member tent camping fee.

Hidalgo Falls Festival weekend has special rates.

Tent or RV camp in the shady campground with access to picnic tables, electricity, water and restrooms with showers. There is a small covered pavilion that fits 2 picnic tables that can be reserved as well.

Restricted access property. Members must use gate code to enter. Gate must be re-locked upon each entry or exit. All vehicles must be registered. Unregistered vehicles will be considered trespassing and at risk of being towed.

If you intend to bring an RV, call or text (713) 828-7582 in advance. There is limited electrical (20 amp) and water hookups. No 30 amp outlets. Bring extension cord.
