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 developing "Kerr County River Foundation" and KUTS are active participants in the Long Term Recovery River Planning Group
The collaboration also includes: Hill Country Alliance (HCA), Texas Parks and Wildlife, Hunt Preservation Society, Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas Riparian Association, Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District, Upper Guadalupe River Authority, Riverside Nature Center, Schreiner University Field Station and other stewardship organizations.
The San Antonio Botanical Garden has drafted a 3-4 year plan for seed collection, propagation, and the planting of 50,000+ 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.
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.
Adopt A River Trail Program
KUTS is leading a pilot program in partnership with the City of Kerrville, Schreiner University, Texas Parks and Wildlife and Texas Forest Service to restore and enhance a 1-mile section of River Trail between G Street and Trailhead Beer Garden. Local volunteer groups adopt a section in a two-year commitment to replanting, invasive species eradication, and ongoing maintenance for this riparian area along Quinlan Creek and the Guadalupe River.
The River Never Closes
Late summer flows are the healthiest they've been in years and UGRA reports good water chemistry. Central Provisions has restarted their Coffee + Kayak series, encouraging river lovers to get on the water and witness firsthand the resilience and beauty of the Guadalupe River.
Reimagining Lions Park
The developing Kerr County River Foundation 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 KCRF 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.
