River Born, Culture Fed
July 4th Flood
The Guadalupe River flood event of 2025 was a disaster of unprecedented loss of property and life. We remain compassionate and considerate of the families hit hardest. We also maintain hope and optimism, inspired by the primal and tribal need of so many who want to help their loved ones, their neighbors, and even strangers.
The River and the Land are among the most critical resources for us who live and work in the Texas Hill Country. We rely on the naturally beautiful systems for economics and tourism, but also for our mental and even spiritual well-being.
The River and the Land are important.
IIn response to the flood event, KUTS has partnered with local and regional groups in three areas of focus:
1. REPRESENT - Provide a voice for the River and the Land, and to recognize the value these assets have to our entire community.
2. PLAN - Work together to create a comprehensive regional restoration plan for the entire Guadalupe River watershed in Kerr County, including expert input regional and state partners, to be implemented by local organizations and individuals.
3. HEAL - Help establish channels for individuals who want to help and to heal.
Regional Vision, Locally Led
The Kerr County Water Alliance (KCWA) has appointed an ad hoc committee of Center Point land owners and business owners to help coordinate restoration efforts in East Kerr. This committee is focused on providing educational platforms for landowners, represent East Kerr in the regional restoration efforts, work with TDEM contractors to divert mulch for local land management use, and to help rebuild the County-owned Lions Park.
The Hunt Preservation Society is leading efforts in the Hunt area. Through door-to-door canvasing from River Inn to the Ingram Dam, the HPS has created a database of needs, and is actively working with local, regional and national support organizations to connect resources to where they're needed most.
The collaboration also includes: Hill Country Alliance (HCA), Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas Riparian Association, Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District, Upper Guadalupe River Authority, Riverside Nature Center, and Schreiner University Field Station.
The San Antonio Botanical Garden has drafted a 3-4 year plan for seed collection, propagation, and the planting of 20,000+ native trees, included Bald Cypress, within impacted areas of the Guadalupe River. The plan will be implemented through a collaboration of organizations growers, horticulturists, and contractors across the region.
The Hill Country Alliance is leading a collaboration of state, regional and local partners to discuss the creation of a comprehensive restoration plan to be implemented over a 10-15+ year period. The plan would address riparian restoration and replanting, but also land conservation in upland areas throughout the watershed, especially along springs and tributaries.
Together, we will reimagine, rebuild and restore.
To contribute directly to River and Land Restoration and Conservation efforts, click the "Support" button below and make note of your intent in the comments section. You may also visit KCWA or HCA websites to contribute to those organizations.
Reimagining Lions Park
The East Kerr River Group (EKRG) committee of the Kerr County Water Alliance helps represent East Kerr in regional restoration efforts.
In partnership with Kerr County, KUTS, Upper Guadalupe River Authority, Riverside Nature Center, Hill Country Alliance, and other groups the East Kerr River Group is helping the community reimagine and rebuild Lions Park in Center Point, which was destroyed by the July 4th flood.
The EKRG is hosting community input meetings to give local residents a chance to share ideas, concerns, observations, and stories for this beloved public park. They are also engaging riparian restoration ecologists, landscape architects, engineers, and other experts to expand the vision and use for Lions Park.
Get involved! This is a rare opportunity to be a part of history and contribute to the resurrection of a public greenspace, river recreation area, and important ecological site in east Kerr County.
Support KUTS
Your one-time or recurring donation to the KUTS fund is managed by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, and goes directly to KUTS projects.
