The city of San Marcos, in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will host a ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of the San Marcos River Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Project on Wednesday, May 21 at 11 a.m. at Bicentennial Park, 209 S CM Allen Parkway. The public is invited to attend the event, which will include remarks from Mayor Hughson and an overview of the project presented by city staff.
The San Marcos River Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Project began in 2022 after years of planning and focused on the stretch of the San Marcos River from City Park to downstream of Stokes Park. The project aimed to restore ecological functions that had been disrupted by urbanization, invasive species and altered hydrology. Improvements included the removal of invasive plants such as elephant ear and non-native trees, replanting with native riparian and wetland vegetation, and improving stormwater outfalls to reduce erosion and sediment accumulation.
This project enhanced water quality, stabilized riverbanks and created a healthier, more sustainable habitat for local aquatic life. The restoration helps to support federally listed endangered and threatened species that rely on the unique spring-fed ecosystem of the upper San Marcos River.
