The San Marcos River is one of 15 major rivers crisscrossing Texas and is considered a delicate environmental area with several species of endangered plants and animals. The City of San Marcos hosted the 27th annual Trashure Hunt April 12, where local residents gathered to help keep the San Marcos River clean.

The San Marcos River rises from Aquarena Springs, which is located on Texas State University-San Marcos property, and is used for study by the River Systems Institute. The river is home to the Texas Blind Salamander, which was placed on the endangered species list in 1967. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, it is unknown how many remain. It is also the only known location of Texas Wild Rice.

Check out my video on the river cleanup and see why people want to protect this precious natural resource.