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.
RIVER 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 RIVER 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 section 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 are required, email tomgoynes@mac.com or text or call 512-787-5574.
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 for a change of pace) for all the volunteers at the chapel at the San Marcos River Retreat. We are asking that everyone who wants to eat should register with their section leader by March 4. We are also asking folks to please bring a plate, a cup, and utensils (we are trying to generate less trash). We are asking anyone who would like to provide a dessert (either a dutch oven or baked good) to please bring it.
MEETING TIMES AND RIVER 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 are 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 BBQ. 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:
It is ESSENTIAL that everyone wishing to participate in this event register with a section leader no later than Wednesday March 4th. Section leaders will confirm headcount for the Saturday night meal based on registrations. All Participants must sign a liability waiver. Click HERE to access the waiver.
Section Leader by Section
- Thompson’s Island to The San Marcos River Retreat (3.5 miles)
- San Marcos River Retreat to Sculls(4 miles) or Spencer Canoes (additional 2 mi.)
- Section Leader: Dave Zambrano senorzambrano@gmail.com
- Steve Ford
- Sculls to Spencers Canoes: Katy Brantley katybrandtley@gmail.com
- Spencer Canoes to Staples – Hwy 1977 (5 miles)
- Section Leader: Jeff Pine
- Staples to Fentress – Hwy 20 (9 miles)
- Section Leader: Bryan Jacksonpaddlingpals@yahoo.com, Dallas Downriver Club
- Fentress to Prairie Lea 1 (2miles)
- Section Leader: Susan Eda susaneda@mac.com
- Prairie Lea 1 to Stairtown (5 miles)
- Section Leader: Josh Sarkardehi jsarkardehi@gmail.com
- Stairtown to Luling – Hwy 90 (6.5miles)
- Section Leader: Jeannette Burris, TCKRA Racers email: mmball1@sbcglobal.net
- Hwy 90 to Zedler Dam (6 mi.) A TPWD paddling trail
- Section Leader: Kenny Sharpless kenny.sharpless@hotmail.com
- Zedler Dam to Palmetto State Park (14.4 mi.)
- open