Kerr County, Texas — The Hill Country Alliance, in partnership with the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and the Upper Guadalupe River Authority, hosted three Riparian Restoration Workshops this month for landowners affected by the July 2025 floods along the Guadalupe River and its tributaries. Workshops were held in Hunt, Kerrville, and Center Point and brought together more than 100 landowners seeking guidance on restoring damaged river and creek banks (riparian areas).
Each event featured presentations on lessons learned from previous Hill Country flood and recover efforts, how to evaluate and care for damaged trees, and available support from partner organizations and agencies. Natural resource specialist and wildlife biologist, Steve Nelle, stressed the essential role of deeply rooted vegetation in providing stability for the riverbanks. Ryan McGuillicuddy, riparian management expert with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, shared photos and insights from the 2015 Blanco River Flood. Both speakers emphasized the importance of quickly seeding riparian plants on bare soil and gravel bars to jumpstart recovery and reduce the risk of erosion in future flood events.
“I am very happy that I was able to attend the workshop. The speakers were knowledgeable and engaging, making the event fun,” said Eileen Brooks-Parsons, a workshop attendee and impacted landowner. “I think it was very important that we were told about other rivers that have recovered quite quickly. It gives us hope. I believe everyone left with a more positive attitude.”
