April 18th, 2008
New local non-profit to participate at 2nd Annual Earth Day Celebration

Sustainable San Marcos, a new local non-profit organization formed to help keep our city, businesses and homes green, will have a booth to at the 2nd Annual Earth Day Celebration to promote awareness and green policies.

The celebration is scheduled for Sunday, April 20th at Texas State University-San Marcos’ Aquarena Center

Schedule of Events

• Kayaking, 1:00 – 6:00
• Volunteer SCUBA Diving, 1:00 – 6:00
• Greenspace Hike, 2:00 – 2:45
• Field Day, 4:00 – 5:00
• Climbing Wall, 3:00 – 6:00
• Glass Bottom Boat Rides, 4:00 – 6:00

Congressman Lloyd Doggett will be the keynote speaker at the event.

Earth Day is observed internationally on April 22, however the Aquarena events are being held Sunday to allow more people the opportunity to participate.

Other scheduled speakers include Hays County Judge Liz Sumter, Texas State President Denise Trauth, City of San Marcos Mayor Susan Narvaiz and River Systems Institute Executive Director Andrew Sansom. Events include a multi-denominational and Native American blessing of the San Marcos Springs, kayak tours on the environmentally sensitive Spring Lake and free glass bottom boat tours in exchange for recyclables.

Twenty-five regional informational booths will be featured on the shores of Spring Lake with educational opportunities designed to help citizens become better stewards of the Earth. Other fun recreational activities will include hiking in the newly-acquired, city-owned green space and guided kayaking on Spring Lake. Local musical entertainment will perform as well as a youth mariachi group and youth folklorico dancers. Snacks and drinks will be available from San Marcos businesses.

This free event is sponsored by the Hays County Commissioners Court, Environmental Service Committee at Texas State, Common Experience at Texas State, the River Systems Institute, Half Price Books and Timberland. Assisting in the festivities will be a large group of volunteers from National Association of Environmental Professionals and Timberland.

In order to take advantage of the free glass bottom boat rides, Earth Day attendees must bring a recyclable item (Aluminum cans or foil, plastic bottles and containers, newspaper, computer paper, cardboard, etc.).

For further information, go to www.aquarena.txstate.edu or contact Mary Waters at (512) 245-7551 or waters@txstate.edu.

By BLAKE DOELLE
Staff Reporter