AT23-315 Grassroots Gathering in Government Canyon, San Antonio

Event Title: Grassroots Gathering in Government Canyon

VMS-AT: AT: TX Waters Certification Training (Enter AT#, Class Title as posted, Location, and Presenter)
Comments:  AT23-315 Grassroots Gathering in Government Canyon, San Antonio, Presenters: Nic Maloukis, Paul Bertetti (AT=4h)

Event Date: 10/12/2023
Event Time: 10:00a-

Event Summary:
On Thursday, October 12th, the Hill Country Alliance is hosting its 4th Grassroots Gathering for Water Advocates at Government Canyon, a 12,000+ acre nature preserve on the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone.

Event Description:
The goal of this convening is to provide a space for grassroots water advocates from across the region to come together for a day of strategizing, learning, and networking

The event will start at 10AM with an overview of Government Canyon from Nic Maloukis, site superintendent. Then we’ll hear from Paul Bertetti from the Edwards Aquifer Authority on the impacts of drought and climate change on the Edwards Aquifer. After lunch, the focus will be on shared learnings and strategizing. More details can be found in the full agenda, attached.

Agenda
10:00- Tour and Overview of Government Canyon
Goals: Government Canyon is a 12,000+ acre nature preserve on the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone that protects the City of San Antonio’s water supply. Learn how this preserve came to be and explore select features.
Nic Maloukis, Site Superintendent, Government Canyon State Natural Area

11:00- Break

11:15- Edwards Aquifer Authority: Managing Aquifers in an Era of Drought and Climate Change
Goals: Get a quick overview of the Edwards Aquifer and the Edwards Aquifer Authority. Learn about the current state of the Edwards Aquifer and the impacts of drought and climate change.
Paul Bertetti, Senior Director for Aquifer Science, Research and Modeling, Edwards Aquifer Authority

12:15 – Lunch
1:00 – Introductions & Local Updates
Goals: Get to know who’s in the room and hear updates from across the region.
Where are grassroots water groups putting their focus in the second half of 2023?

2:00 – Break

2:15 – Small-Group Discussions
Goals: In small groups based on areas of focus, discuss challenges, opportunities, and possibility of shared tactics and resources. Share takeaways with the larger group.
What has been challenging? What do you think will be challenging?
What has worked well? What are some other areas of opportunity?
Are there any opportunities for shared tactics or resources?

3:00 – Wrap-up and Announcements
3:15 – Refreshments & Networking

Cost: no charge

Register @: If you can join, please follow the link below to register:
https://hillcountryalliance.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/hillcountryalliance/event.jsp?event=222&

Location:
Government Canyon State Natural Area
12861 Galm Rd
San Antonio, TX 78254

Instructor/Presenter:
Nic Maloukis
Paul Bertetti

Contact Information:
Marisa Bruno
(cell) 512-387-3137
marisa@hillcountryalliance.org

Organization Website:
https://hillcountryalliance.org/

Sponsoring Organization:
Hill Country Alliance