State funding cuts to hurt local parks
KXAN TV
State funding cuts to hurt local parks
Excerpts from the article, which can be read in full here, as well as the news spot.
“The state budget battle wages on and now local parks are caught in the crossfire. Those fighting for the parks and their programs gathered on the Capitol lawn Thursday to talk about funding.”
Texas Paddling Trails Offer Great Way To See Nature
KEYE TV – We Are Austin
Excerpts from the article, which can be read in full here, as well as the news spot.
“TPWD calls it the official Outdoor Activity for July” … “Joe Kendall, the founder of the Texas River School, finds that the trails are a valuable tool. We have been taking kids on the river for about 15 years and we go to the website and research what to expect on that section of the river we are going on, he says.”
Students get their first taste of canoe camping through the Texas River School
By Pam LeBlanc – Fit City – June 16,2012
Excerpts from her article, which can be read in full here.
“The river school’s camp is situated off of FM 969 in a subdivision initially developed in the 1970s but later abandoned because it was located in the river’s flood plain. The area became an illegal dump site until the Chautauqua Foundation installed a gate and enlisted Travis County officials to help clean it up. Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Lower Colorado River Authority have provided grant money to develop the property and equip the river school with gear. The river school provides the camping program to the Sanchez students for free. Instructors with the Texas River School visited Sanchez four times before the trip, preparing students for the overnight experience. Most of the students participated in a day trip last year, too, paddling down Lady Bird Lake while learning why it’s important to protect natural resources.”
Wayne Gronquist Day in Travis County
Wayne was a true hero for both the River School and the Austin environmental movement. He was the President of the Board of Directors of the Chautauqua Foundation Inc. On November 2, 2010, he was honored by Travis County Commissioners Court by declaring that November 2nd was to be “Wayne Gronquist day in Travis County” for his exemplary charitable work with the Texas River School. Although Wayne passed away, his legacy is quite alive in the work that TRS does and the children that get to experience the rivers. Thank you Wayne!
Texas River School introduces students to the pleasure of paddling
By Pam LeBlanc – Austin American Statesman – April 12, 2010
Excerpts from her article, which can be read in full here.
“Joe Kendall started the Texas River School in 1992, aiming to share his passion for paddling and the river with the next generation. Since then, more than 4,000 elementary school children have gone through this introductory paddling program, which begins with an hour-long lesson in paddling safety skills on dry land. After today’s trip, a representative will visit the students in their classroom to discuss the experience. ‘We hope to instill a connection with nature, because they’re not getting it,’ says Kendall, now the group’s executive director. ‘There’s a nature deficit.'”
Lady Bird Lake Paddling Trail
In an effort to bring more attention to Central Texas’ waterways, the River School partnered with Texas Parks and Wildlife, Austin Parks and Recreation Department, and the Lower Colorado River Authority. The result: the Lady Bird Lake Paddling Trail, which is part of the grander Paddling Trail scene across Texas. Not only was the River School involved, but we were there for the ceremonial cutting of the initiation of the trail, and are highlighted on the very informative Paddling Trail Website. Check out the site for maps, float times, places of interest, etc. It is a great starting point. And if you want to rent a canoe to experience the Paddling Trail first hand, contact us!