July 2018 echo

HAYS COUNTY

ECHO JULY 2018

INSIDE: ALL THINGS H2O

• Water-wise habits and landscaping • Resource planning for future generations • Keeping our rivers clean • History of Aquarena Springs

HAYS COUNTY

ECHO is published monthly by Barton Publications, Inc 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX Contents © February 2018.

Publisher Cyndy Slovak–Barton Editor Moses Leos III Graphics Director David White Contributing Writers Moses Leos III Exsar Arguello Katerina Barton David White

Contributing Photographers Moses Leos III David White Distribution David White Marketing Tracy Mack Jim Darby Teresa Starr Office Manager Wendie Hyer For advertising information, please contact our sales department at 512–268–7862.

See the Hays County Echo online for free at www.HaysFreePress.com

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Conservation is key A

s temperatures continue to rise as the summer heat engulfs the Texas sky, drought conditions will become more prevalent, leaving water protection organizations to promote conservation.

Most areas of Hays County are currently in stage one drought conditions, with the prospect of stage two on the horizon. Ironically, as thousands of families across the Hill Country prepare to hit the springs and rivers for some fun in the sun, water conservation will be a high priority.

The neighboring metropolitan city of San Antonio has already declared stage two drought conditions to kick off the summer, and Central Texas could be next.

Despite the dry weather, Hays County residents can make a difference in water conservation every day at their own discretion.

This edition of the Hays County

Echo focuses on water conservation, from how to wash your car most efficiently to landscaping with native plants in an effort to conserve, to how we’re going to supply our communities with water in the future. Plus, we have a story that has little to do with conservation, but everything to do with water – The Texas Water Safari and Buda resident Veronica Sosa who decided to take the extreme challenge.

Thanks for reading.

Exsar Arguello Senior Reporter

IN THIS ISSUE...

When in drought ... ....................................................................4 Tips for being water conscious this summer Water-wise landscaping............................................................5 Use Texas natives to spruce up your yard Shared water future for Buda...................................................6 A plan to secure water for our communities for the next decade Aquarena Springs.......................................................................8 Theme park turned conservancy Give a hoot................................................................................10 San Marcans working to stay afloat of river litter Texas Water Safari...................................................................11 Buda resident finishes 14th in extreme race Central Texas Events Calendar...............................................12 Texas ranks 4th in road tripping.............................................13 Hays County Echo Service Directory.....................................14

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When in drought, thoughtfulness comes first

BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

L

inda Kaye Rogers, president of the board for the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, said using common sense with water usage is a good first start for summer conservation.

“There are a lot of tools at the public’s disposal when it comes to conservation,” Rogers said. “To start, only wash your clothes with a full load, don’t wash your cars at home and recycle as much water as you can for your plants.”

Rogers said summer showers during hurricane season could help drought conditions, but if the dirt is too dry, it won’t make that much of an impact. Simply put, there are too many variables to depend on rainfall to replenish the aquifers and rivers.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), homeowners use roughly 30 to 70 percent of their water outdoors. Additionally, experts estimate nearly 50 percent of the water used outdoors is wasted through evaporation, wind or runoff.

Timing is key: watering plants or the grass when the sun is not visible is a simple way to keep large amounts of water from evaporating.

“Unless we get some really good rain, we’re going to have to worry about our springs and wells,” said Dianne Wassenich, program manager for the San Marcos River Foundation. “We all depend on the health of our aquifers and we need to follow simple conservation rules to keep our aquifer levels under control.”

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July 2018

Wassenich is a proponent of laying thick layers mulch in a garden, which keeps the plants cool in the dirt, prolonging survivability. Landscaping is one of the main usages of water and mulch could save some precious gallons.

“We are going to run out of water. That’s inevitable,” Rogers said.

“As our population continues to grow so will the pressures on the aquifers. But we need to do everything we can and be responsible with our water usage.”

In addition to the conservation of water, Wassenich said river-floaters during the summer need to be attentive to pollution which can cause harm to the wildlife, specifically in the San Marcos River.

Although styrofoam is banned in San Marcos parks, it is still technically allowed in areas designated by the city.

Styrofoam, which is a type of plastic that does not easily break down naturally, is extremely harmful to the environment. Because of its buoyancy, styrofoam tends to float in bodies of water, and when eaten by wildlife, clogs the digestive system, killing the animal.

Rogers said the most simple thoughts are the most impactful, reiterating common sense conservation practices when enjoying the summer heat.

“A lot of people do not understand what is and what is not allowed in our rivers and springs,” Wassenich said. “Enjoy the current. Enjoy the water. But be smart and understand the impact of your actions.”

Wash your car with less water

BY ROBIN GARY/BSEACD

Washing a car at home is alleged to be very water intensive, but there is a distinct lack of actual numbers to back this up. What if you were water-conscientious while washing the car – no running hose, no excessive spraying?

How few gallons could it take to wash a car?

THE TEST The district purchased three widely available water meters to test exactly how much water it takes (a very water-conscientious car washer) to wash a car.

All three water meters were installed in-line to check accuracy of measurements. Two meters were priced in the $30 dollar range. The third and most expensive meter was in the $300 range and was purchased because it touts a 3% error margin and could be used to verify readings of the less expensive models.

A total of nine cars were washed within two days. The same car washer (a very water-conscientious publicinformation and education coordinator) followed the same car washing method for each car. The sample set of cars represent a variety of classes and dirt status. Each car wash was timed and the actual number of gallons used were recorded.

Maximum flow rates for both a free-flowing spray nozzle and an unrestricted garden hose were measured to calculate the potential number of gallons an equivalent car wash would take – for comparison.

THE RESULTS Dirt status – rather than surface area – had the largest influence on actual gallons used and time spent. The difference between the meters was rarely over 1 gallon, making the P3 P0550 International water meter a great investment for the water conscientious, based on this experiment.

To understand less water efficient

How low can you go?

1. Set water meters to zero and start timer.

2. Fill a 5-gallon bucket halfway with water and add a small amount of car washing soap.

3. Using a sprayer with an auto shut-off, wet a section of the car. Scrub using a sponge and then rinse.

4. Once car body is done, spray one tire at a time. Scrub using a soft-bristle brush, then rinse.

5. Repeat until car is respectively clean.

6. Stop timer and record gallons used.

car washing practices, flow rates for both a free-flowing spray nozzle and an unrestricted garden hose were measured. The free-flowing spray nozzle uses 2.90 gallons a minute, and an unrestricted garden hose uses 9.54 gallons a minute.

It is easy to see where the rumor that car washing can use an incredible number of gallons started.

With a free-flowing garden hose tossed casually aside while washing, an average, single car wash could use over 250 gallons – that’s 5 full 50-gallon drums (the size of most rain barrels). Small decisions like using a bucket, a spray nozzle with an auto-shutoff valve, and a little elbow grease make a huge difference in water savings. Car washing with a conscience is easy!

THE ALTERNATIVE Using a car wash that utilizes recycled water is a more environmentally conscious alternative to washing a car in the driveway.

According to Monica Collier, HR Director for Water Works Auto Spa, automatic tunnel car washes use approximately 30 gallons of water per vehicle, compared to 90 to 100 gallons used in a typical do-it-yourself driveway wash process.

Robin Gary is the Public Information and Education Coordinator for Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District

Consider planting a water-wise landscape

BY THE BSEACD AND CAMN A WATER-WISE LANDSCAPE SAVES MONEY Selecting Texas native plants and practicing responsible watering techniques in your landscape are two smart ways to lower your water bill.

According to the California Urban Water Conservation Council, on average, half the water used in a single family home in the United States goes to the landscape. You can be a good steward of the precious water resources of our aquifers and watersheds by planting water-wise landscaping of Texas native and adapted plants.

SOIL ANALYSIS The quality of your soil is extremely important. Before installing any plants, determine the texture of your soil. Take a handful of soil and try to roll it up in a ball. If it falls apart, it’s too sandy. If you can form it into a ball and flatten it into a string, then it has too much clay.

For a small fee, you may have your soil tested for pH and mineral levels at a soil testing lab.

You may need to amend your soil by thoroughly mixing compost with your existing soil. Soil amendments may be purchased from local suppliers by the cubic yard.

Use this formula to calculate how much amended soil to buy: Length (in feet) x width (in feet) x depth (in inches) / 324 = cubic yards For example, an area 29’ long by 4’ wide by 4” deep would require 1.43 cubic yards of soil. (29’ x 4’ x 4” / 324 = 1.43 cubic yards of soil) Use a tiller or hand tools to mix in soil amendments.

Allow your amended soil to settle for a few days before installing plants.

You might also want to top dress your planting area with decomposed granite, which will slowly release minerals to your new plantings.

CHOOSING PLANTS FOR YOUR GARDEN Select specific native water-wise plants that will contribute to the purpose you have determined for your landscape and that work within your particular constraints. Consider color, season of bloom, texture, form (height/ spread), water needs, sun require-

ments, etc. Group plants in communities according to their water and sunlight needs.

Draw selected plants on a piece of paper, allowing for their mature size.

For an informal, natural effect, place plants in a staggered arrangement; for a more formal design, concentrate on symmetry and color balance.

Make a list of the number and size of each plant, and use this list when you shop.

SHOPPING FOR PLANTS Using your list, visit or call some of our local native plant nurseries. Look for these characteristics in the native plants you select: full appearance; strong, undamaged, multiple stems; green leaves with no discoloration; leaves and stems free of insects and disease.

Resist the urge to purchase large specimens; smaller plants (1-gallon size or smaller) have smaller root systems and are more likely to adapt and thrive in their new soil environment.

Depending on the season, you may not be able to find all the plants on your list. You may decide to choose alternate species or wait until your selected species are available. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of the generosity of your friends and neighbors; most gardeners love to share the extra plants and seeds that result from their successes.

Purchase your plants as close to your installation date as possible. Keep plants in a shady place and watered until they are placed in the ground to prevent their drying out.

INSTALLATION Remove the plant from its container and gently loosen the roots. Break apart any root systems that have grown together in a circular fashion. Dig a hole as deep as the root mass, and place the plant in the hole.

Fill the hole back in, taking care not to compact the soil around the plant or cover the previous soil level of the plant in its pot.

After all your plants are in the ground, add mulch to the beds. Be careful not to place mulch too close to the plant stems.

A layer of mulch protects your new garden by covering and shading soil, minimizing water evaporation, inhibiting

One can look to Buda and Kyle’s city buildings, churches and parks when looking for a variety of Texas native plants to use in your own landscape.

weed growth, and reducing soil erosion.

Many kinds of organic material may be used as mulch (e.g., leaves, coarse or fine cedar, pine bark, cypress, or hardwood), and many are available commercially. Some gardeners even use hay. Ask for recommendations from your favorite local nursery or experienced gardener.

Water everything liberally while establishing, and take some time to admire your new landscape.

This information was reprinted with permission from the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District and the Capital Area Master Naturalists.

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Shared water future for Buda, Kyle

BY MOSES LEOS III

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ith the twist of a knob or even Mustang Ridge ! ( the wave of a hand, gaining Creedmoor Mountain City access to potable water is a Booster Pump Woodcreek Station 2 seemingly easy process.

Kyle Delivery Point Behind the scenes, however, obKyle Niederwald taining that essential building block of Wimberley Hays life isn’t quite as simple, especially in Uhland drought-prone, fast-growing Texas.

County Line SUD San Marcos Delivery Point Delivery Point 2 Property rights, cost and politics often throw a big ol’ wrench in the works, bringing to mind the old adage that whisky is for drinking and water is for ! fighting over. ( San Marcos Lockhart But for many cities in Central Texas, ! ( especially those in Hays County, regionSan Marcos Delivery Point 1 Caldwell al cooperation and future planning are Martindale Booster Pump vital tools to help ensure there’s enough Station 1 of the wet stuff to go around.

Taking the lead is the Alliance ReComal gional Water Authority (ARWA), formerCrystal Clear SUD Delivery Point 2 ly known as the Hays Caldwell Public Staples (HCPUC) Utility Agency, which has Bastrop worked with area entities to formalize a $225 Budamillion project that will secure Travis enough water for the next decade.

Crystal Clear SUD New Braunfels Delivery Point 1 Graham Moore, ARWA general man-Ridge Mustang Luling ager, said the project involves the cities Creedmoor of Buda, Kyle and San Marcos, as well Green Valley SUD tain City as the Canyon Regional Water AuthorDelivery Point 1 Booster Pump ity, which will be selling water to the Schertz Guadalupe Station 2 Crystal Clear and Green Valley Special Utility Districts (SUD).

Santa Clara All have a stake, and will foot the Seguin Kyle Niederwald Bastrop cost, for a 45-mile pipeline that will Cibolo Marion truck 15,000 acre-feet of water per Green Valley SUD year from the Carrizo Wilcox aquifer to Cibolo Delivery Point 2 member entities. The current project, Uhland deemed Phase I, was originally put Line SUD County Bexar New Berlin together in 2003, when communities Delivery Point realized they needed to “get control of their water future and supply,” Moore said.

The Alliance Regional Water Authority (ARWA), As more entities joined into the formerly known as the Hays Caldwell Public Utility project, Moore said the then HCPUA understood regional cooperation was Agency, has formalized a $225 million project that necessary. The! (vision of the project Water Treatment Plant hasn’t changed since 2003, with ARWA Lockhart will secure enough water for the next decade – a starting to secure regional groundwater pumping rights from the Plum Creek 45-mile pipeline that will truck 15,000 acre-feet of Conservation District and the Gonzales County Underground Conservation waterCaldwell per year from the Carrizo Wilcox aquifer to Martindale District.

Booster Moore said the southern portion of Pump member entities.

Station 1 the Carrizo-Wilcox, a thick sand aquifer over 15,000, obtains 275 million gallons “Demand is going to increase,” that stretches from Texarkana to Mexiof water per year from the Edwards co, was identified as the primary source Moore said. “All of our sponsors have Aquifer via a historical use permit from done a good job with planning.” for ARWA due to its relatively untapped the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer In the interim, cities across the area nature. Water production and the qualiCrystal Clear SUD are working within the confines of Conservation District (BSEACD). ty of water were also factors as well.

Delivery Point 2 Blake Neffendorf, Buda water the sources where they already obtain Staples Moore believes the project could resource coordinator, said the city has water. satisfy area water demand until the held its permit for EA water since the Buda, which has a population of just mid-2040s.

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1950s. It wasn’t until 2004 that Buda secured 1.5 million gallons of surface water per day from Canyon Lake via the Guadalupe Blanco River Authority (GBRA) to cover increased water demand.

Ever since, Buda has worked to keep up with a rapidly growing populace. In 2017, Buda residents and businesses consumed $456 million gallons of water combined. Neffendorf said a proactive approach in drought conservation measures has led to a drop in gallons per capita usage, or amount of water used per home, over the past few years.

“We’re seeing some reduction in usage. People are being more efficient with their water,” Neffendorf said. “We won’t have to bring on long-term supplies and it helps with those costs.”

Buda is also exploring other means for accommodating future water demands. That includes a pilot aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) program, which involves injecting groundwater pumped from the Edwards Aquifer into another aquifer for future use.

Currently Kerrville and San Antonio employ ASR methods, Neffendorf said.

Buda also has a symbiotic relationship with Kyle and San Marcos, which funnel excess water to Buda to meet its current water needs.

“It’s great to have that partnership

through ARWA and Kyle and San Marcos, and doing a big project like that is definitely not viable for one entity,” Neffendorf said.

Planning for growth has been the focus for Kyle, which has seen water consumption reach peaks of 4.8 million gallons per day during the summer months.

Jason Biemer, Kyle Public Works coordinator, said Kyle receives its surface water from GBRA and Canyon Lake, as well as ground water from the BSEACD and a historical permit with the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA), which covers an area from Uvalde to Georgetown.

Biemer said while demand has increased as a result of growth, conservation awareness has been critical in avoiding water woes.

“As we see demands increase, reflective of growth, conservation efforts are doing their jobs,” Biemer said.

“But there is new infrastructure on the ground to drive the need.”

While not exploring ASR at this time, Biemer said continued regional cooperation and communication is essential as the area continues to rapidly grow.

“Cities and organizations have done an amazing job to find amicable ways to find one city without hurting another’s growth,” Biemer said.

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Aquarena Springs: Theme park turned conservancy I

BY KATERINA BARTON

t’s the 1960s. A family takes a weekend day trip to the small city of San Marcos, home to Southwest Texas State University and the Aquarena Springs theme park. Once they arrive, the kids stand mesmerized by the “aquamaids” who are seemingly able to breathe underwater while hosting picnics and tea parties. The family makes its way to sit in the submarine theater where they watch several acts including synchronized swimming by the illustrious mermaids and a performance by Ralph the incredible swimming pig. The family then takes a ride on glass bottom boats to gaze at the underwater life and after, a gondola ride over the lake to get a bird’s eye view of the park.

WHAT A DIFFERENT TIME IN SAN MARCOS’ HISTORY

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In 1994, the Aquarena Springs theme park became a relic of the past when it was bought by the now Texas State University. Although the park had once been a large tourism draw for the city, it was now hurting for visitors. Sadly, the aquamaids and Ralph gave their last performances in 1996.

Aquarena Springs is situated in a unique location, on the site of a manmade lake created by a dam put up in 1849. Not only is it protected as a critical habitat for several local species, archaeologists believe that people have been coming to the springs for almost 12,000 years. It is incredibly unique and important in San Marcos’ ecosystem.

The university returned the lake to its natural state in order to preserve the lake’s one-of-a-kind features and history.

The old theme park was turned into the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, a conservation and education center.

All signs of the theme park were slowly removed, including the submarine theater in 2012.

The only remaining vestige of that era is a giant rusty pipe at the bottom of the lake that was used to feed water into the underwater theater, and a handful of glass-bottom boats that give tours every half hour.

Sam Massey, manager of the glass-bottom boats, spends his days giving boat tours and educating the public on the importance of the springs in San Marcos. “There’s nowhere else like this in the state and in this part of the country,” he said.

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THE WATER Even without the theme park and mermaid performances, Spring Lake is still a sight to be seen.

Of the many unique identifiers of the springs, the clarity of the water make it perfect for the Meadows Center’s iconic glass-bottom boat tours. Aquatic vegetation and endangered Texas Wild Rice are visible swaying in the current just under the water’s surface.

It has some of the clearest water in all of Texas, thanks to the limestone caves that are carved into the Edwards Aquifer below. The limestone filters the water and allows sun to penetrate through the water to a point where Cabomba plants growing on the lake floor sprout white flowers as if they were on the surface of the water.

Standing atop a glass-bottom boat, visitors can see straight to the bottom of the lake, even at its deepest point of 30 feet. If you were to look horizontally through the water, you would be able to see as far as 70 feet.

The constant temperature of the water, about 72 degrees, and constant source of fresh, clean water, has made the lake endemic to several endangered and threatened species.

The Fountain Darter, the Texas Blind Salamander, the San Marcos Salamander, the San Marcos gambusia, and Texas Wild Rice all call Spring Lake home.

“It’s got animals and plants found nowhere else on earth,” Massey said.

THE SPRINGS San Marcos is one of four cities along the Interstate 35 corridor that is located on a major springs site that gets its water from the Edwards Aquifer. Springs from the aquifer feed into San Antonio, New Braunfels, Austin and San Marcos.

“The springs in San Marcos, by their output, are the second largest in the state, but they are maybe one of the most reliable and constant,” Massey said. Comal Springs, emerging in New Braunfels’ historic Landa Park, is the largest in the state.

There are around 200 springs that bubble up to create one of the largest aquifer-driven spring systems in the world. These pressured springs are essentially cracks in the aquifer and are easily spotted from above because they look as if the sand is boiling on the bottom of the lake.

The high and low pressure springs scattered throughout the lake floor feed hundreds of thousands of gallons of water per minute into Spring Lake and the 3.8mile San Marcos River, of which the springs are the main source of water.

The Edwards Aquifer is an important resource in central Texas, providing an estimated two million people with water in the area.

The whole aquifer crosses about seven counties underground and used to be San Antonio’s only source of water.

“Today more than ever, of course, we’re worried about drought and overuse of the aquifer, tapping out our springs, which would essentially dry

up the river for a period of time until the drought abated, which would be catastrophic,” Massey said.

That is one of the reasons the Meadow’s Center still tries to get people to come out and take tours and understand the importance of the springs and the water source.

Even the center’s vision states that it wants “people [to] understand and embrace the value of water and environmental stewardship.”

“There’s a connection between a lot of cities and central communities in Central Texas and how much water they use and how much is left for our local rivers, including not just here, but Barton Springs and Comal Springs, and the springs in San Antonio,” Massey said.

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Give a hoot

“Since the tubing has become so out of control on the section of the river I live, we can’t keep up with all the cans that are going into the river. It wouldn’t be a problem if people didn’t mind the river being lined with beer cans, but most of us just can’t stand it.

–Tom Goynes, resident along the San Marcos River

Tom Goynes and his wife Paula say the river downstream from a couple of popular tube rentals is always lined with cans. The Goynes have organized river cleanups but they haven’t been able to keep up with the trash. (photo provided by Paula Sandridge Goynes)

San Marcans working to stay afloat of river litter

BY CARLIE PORTERFIELD With San Marcos’ summer tubing season in full swing, advocates of the San Marcos River are trying to keep cans and litter out of the water any way they can.

Thousands of visitors will flood the riverbanks before fall, but not without leaving their mark, often in the form of litter such as aluminum cans, food packaging and the occasional wayward flip-flop. As San Marcos grows in population and reputation as a place to float, local groups are organizing cleanups, acquiring environmentally sensitive land and advocating for legislation to keep the San Marcos River safe.

“The river is the centerpiece of our community,” said Dianne Wassenich, the program director of the San Marcos River Foundation. “Most of the people live here because we have this beautiful river. It makes our town set apart from other cities.”

Tom Goynes lives on the San Marcos

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River and has been coordinating river cleanups for most of his life. He held his first in 1972 and has organized them on a near-annual basis for the more than 30 years since. But as the town grows and tubing companies open up shop on the banks of the San Marcos River, Goynes said it is hard for volunteers picking up trash to stay afloat.

“Since the tubing has become so out of control on the section of the river I live, we can’t keep up with all the cans that are going into the river,” he said. “It wouldn’t be a problem if people didn’t mind the river being lined with beer cans, but most of us just can’t stand it.

You look down and there’s a million aluminum cans in the river bed.”

Goynes is not the only San Marcan organizing cleanups. Zach Halfin works with a group of locals known as Eyes of the San Marcos River to coordinate river cleanups on holidays such as Labor Day and Memorial Day. Eyes of the San Marcos River volunteers have even been regulars at events like Float Fest, a mu-

sic festival held at the San Marcos River that has come under fire for the litter it leaves in its wake.

Each year, his volunteers lift hundreds of pounds of discarded aluminum cans out of the river after Float Fest, he said. Some years, the number of cans has exceeded 10,000. After several years of cleaning the river on a voluntary basis, Halfin has been hired by Float Fest to manage a team of 40 paid workers to keep the litter under control.

“I can’t mitigate the sound or traffic, but I can try to keep the river as clean as possible,” he said.

Goynes sees another solution to litter in a potential ban on aluminum cans, similar to the law enacted in nearby New Braunfels, another tubing hotspot.

“It’s better to keep trash out of the river in the first place, because it’s real hard to get it out,” Goyne said. “The can ban is a great way to eliminate litter because 99 percent of the litter (on the river) is the beer cans.”

Another means of protecting the river

has been land acquisition. The San Marcos River Foundation has led the pack in acquiring environmentally sensitive areas, such as riverbanks and recharge zones.

“We have our cleanups, but we came to realize we could spend all our time working on things that are surface.

Without protecting these important lands, there wouldn’t be a recharge zone,” Wassenich said.

Through donations, grants and other sources of funding, the organization has been able to acquire certain ranches along the river with large caves that act as an aquifer recharge zone. If they own that land, they can ensure it will not be developed or used in a way that is not environmentally responsible, she said.

“We’re scrambling, essentially, because our area is growing so fast. We have little time,” Wassenich said. “We feel that everybody working together maybe can protect the river, but it will take all of us, every group we can muster.”

Buda resident finishes 14th in Water Safari STAFF REPORT

Roughly 30 years ago, Buda resident Veronica Sosa watched as her father pushed his body and soul to the limit in what she felt was a “crazy race.”

Her dad was one of a handful of people who competed in the Texas Water Safari canoe race. An event deemed as one of the world’s toughest boat competitions.

“I can remember being five or six years old and following my dad down the river because he was racing in this really crazy race that starts in San Marcos and ends in the Gulf of Mexico,” Sosa said.

Years later, Sosa, along with her partner John Bugge, made it to the end point in Seadrift, Texas, in 55 hours and 29 minutes in their tandem USCA C-2 class canoe. It was good enough for first in their class and 14th overall, a feat that was one of the best among the 250 competitors who tackled the 100-hour trek.

“It’s really tough. The faster you can get out of the river the better you’re going to be. If you’re out there for 90-plus hours you’re going to get worn out,” Sosa said.

Sosa’s interest in racing canoes was piqued when she met some female racers her own age in 2012. It was at that point she started training seriously for the Texas Water Safari. The race means a lot to Sosa, not only because she enjoys challenging herself, but also because it’s something she shares with her father, who had to stop racing when he was diagnosed with diabetes at age 40.

She participated in her first Texas Water Safari race in 2013, but a dramatic turn of events kept her from finishing that year.

At midnight, two miles short of the finish line in the bay before Seadrift, Sosa and her partner flipped out of their canoe and swam for two hours before being rescued.

“It was dramatic and really heartbreaking too,” Sosa said.

In her next race in 2015, Sosa and her

partner did not make the cutoff time for one of the checkpoints. It was not until 2016 that Sosa finally finished a race, coming in the top 15 of the standings. In 2017, Sosa finished the race at 29th.

This year, Sosa armed herself with Bugge, who is a legendary canoe maker in San Marcos; Bugge, 67, competed in his 40th Texas Water Safari race.

When asked what drives her to do the race each year, Sosa said it is an emotional question. Part of the drive is pushing herself to challenge her limits, as humans are more capabale than they believe.

“And it’s fun to be able to see just how far you can push yourself, how far can you go to be able to accomplish

something that you didn’t think you would be able to accomplish,” Sosa said.

“It’s not just a physical challenge but a mental challenge too.”

Sosa says that if she can get through this race, then she knows she can handle whatever life throws at her.

But the event is much more than overcoming mental obstacles.

Competitors must also watch out for snakes and alligators, and when they get closer to the ocean, sting ray and sharks.

“My friends like to tease me because I’m afraid of snakes. I hate snakes, but there’s alligators, too,” Sosa said.

“My friends always say you need to differentiate between your screams so that we know if it’s a snake, or an alligator, or an alligator gar that jumped up out of the water.”

Despite the danger, Sosa likes the physical and mental challenge of pushing her body to the extreme. A massage therapist by day, when she is not competing in canoe races, Sosa also likes to trail run. In August, Sosa plans to do a 50k (about 31 miles) trail run in Canada called Squamish.

“I love doing things outdoors and I love pushing my body to its physical limits, mental limits, just to see how far you can go. I just think it’s amazing that we can do so much more than we think we can,” Sosa said.

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Central Texas Events Calendar July 4 Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic

July 8, 15, 22, 29 Buda Farmers Market

Willie Nelson returns to the Circuit of the Americas for his annual picnic and music fest. Celebrate America’s birthday with a full day of folk and country music and end the night with a fireworks display to worthy of the celebration.

Eat, drink and buy produce at the farmers market every Sunday at the Buda Mill and Grain from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

July 4 Red, White & Buda 2018

July 4 Kyle Independence Day Fireworks Show

Kyle will once again present a spectacular fireworks show in the Plum Creek Golf Course.

July 4 Summerfest

San Marcos’ fourth annual July 4 celebration will feature live music, a children’s parade, a patriotic costume contest, food vendors, and a grand finale fireworks display. Located in San Marcos’ plaza park.

July 4 Patriotic Concerts in Wimberley

The Wimberley Community Chorus and the Hill Country Community Band combine forces to perform rousing renditions of many inspiring patriotic songs at the Wimberley First Baptist Church.

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Buda will host a patriotic parade on Main Street on the morning of July 4 beginning at City Hall. Awards will be given to the best decorated bikes. After the parade, enjoy free activities and more fun at the Buda Greenbelt near the Buda Public Library! Later, come back out to the Buda Sportsplex for food, entertainment and a spectacular fireworks show! Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.

July 7 Wimberley Market Days

The oldest outdoor market in the Texas Hill Country, featuring more than 450 booths filled with unique treasures. Plenty of food, drinks, and live entertainment make it a shopper’s delight. Located at 601 FM2325.

July 7 Buda Market in the Park

Peruse downtown shops and vendors the first Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

As part of Buda’s movies in the park summer series, the city will show “Despicable Me 3” on July 13 and “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” on July 3. Movies will be shown at the Buda Sportsplex starting at 8:45 p.m.

July 14 Kyle Market Days

July 5-7 VFW Rodeo in Wimberley

The 73rd annual event is considered one of the best small-town rodeos in the state. Hosted at the Wimberley Valley Veterans Park, the event boasts The Lone Star Cowgirls, mutton busting for kids, bull riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, team roping, tie-down calf roping, bare back, and saddle bronc riding. The rodeo is CPRA professionally sanctioned with clown bullfighter Leon Coffee, a Texas legend.

July 13, 27 Movie in the Buda Sportsplex

On the second Saturday of the month, local vendors sell arts and crafts, and farm-to-market items, plus live music and more. Located in City Square Park in Kyle.

July 14 Art Squared Art Market

July 7 Big Scoop Ice Cream Festival

Hosted by St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church at the Wimberley Community Center, enjoy frozen treats, entertainment, and old-fashioned summer fun. Proceeds benefit Camp Good Sam in Wimberley.

This open air art market is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the San Marcos Square and features all handmade, original artwork shown by the artists themselves. In addition to all the great art there is live music, free yoga or tai-chi, free kid’s arts and crafts, featured nonprofit organizations, and a farmer’s market adjacent to the art market.

July 20 Dive-In Movie at the Pool

The Kyle Pool will show “Finding Dory” for a fun night out on the water.

The pool will open at 8 p.m. and city staff will pass out 230 tickets to attendees.

4 FREE Bottles and First Month Cooler Rental FREE! • 5 & 3 Gal. Bottles • Coolers • .5 Liter Bottles • R/O Filtration • Private Label Available

July 21-22 Float Fest on the San Marcos River

• Drinking • Spring Water • Purified Water • Hot & Cold • Room Temp & Cold

Every Drop of Hill Country Springs water comes from a protected Spring Source, NOT filtered municipal Water!

CALL NOW FOR YOUR HOME AND OFFICE DELIVERY NEEDS

The fifth annual Float Fest combines two of Texas’s favorite activities, tubing and live music. This two day festival features a variety of live music acts. Remember to pick up your beer cans.

(Present this ad to your routeman for special.)

866-691-2369

Family Owned and Operated.

Friendly Hometown Service, Serving Texans!

July 27-29 Dripping Springs Fair and Rodeo This 7th annual event will be showcasing the best rodeo skills around the Hill Country. Bring the whole family to enjoy games and entertainment, food, vendors, a steer show and live music. The thrilling Mutton Bustin’ shootout is also to return!

FARMERS®

PrePlanning • aftercare Program cremation • traditional ServiceS

Texas Lehigh Sudoku Solution, from page 9

Debbie Thames Insurance Agency AUTO • HOME • LIFE BOAT • HEALTH 251 N. FM 1626 #2C • Buda, TX 78610 Office: (512) 312-1917 • Fax: 312-0688 Email: dvthames@austin.rr.com Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Your Business & Referrals Are Appreciated

FM 2770 & Kohler’s Crossing • 1715 Kirby, Kyle, TX 78640 in Plum Creek

512-268-8200 H www.HarrellFuneralHomes.com page 13

Hays County Echo Service Directory AIR CONDITIONING A&E Air Conditioning & Heating, LLC

Free furnace special, $500 off complete system or 15% off any repair by mentioning you saw us here.

512-312-9535 www.ae4cool.com

NEMEC Heating and Air

Proudly serving Central Texas.

Residential, commercial and after hours available. chris@nemecheatingandair.com 512–312–9081 512–789–5132

AUTOMOTIVE AMM Collision Center

Three great locations!

Kyle: 21681 IH–35, 262–1013 Austin: 11740 Manchaca Rd., 292–1060 Dripping Springs: 3990 Hwy 290, 512–894–3888

Buda Automotive

You know us... by our reputation!

Full service car & truck repair.

601 S. Loop 4 in Buda 512–295–2832

Central Garage, LLC

Complete Auto Repair, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

20 Hwy. 290 West, Dripping Springs 512-894-4114 or 512-858-4252

COMPUTER SERVICE Hays Technical Services

Want help selecting the best value? Office systems not maintained? Did your kids or employees leave your computer useless? mike@haystech.com

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DIRT Rick-Rob Trucking

Loam, topsoil, sand, gravel, roadbase, asphalt millings, granite, compost mix. Tractor work available. Specializing in country driveways.

512-858-7952. robinnds@aol. com, www.rick-rob.com

LEGAL SERVICES John A. Hall

Attorney and Counselors At Law Business law, wills, trust, probate, family law, divorce, custody, consumer law, deceptive trade, property law, landlord–tenant law, personal, injury, DWI, criminal defense, debt defense, general civil litigation. 130 Hall Professional Center , Kyle, TX. 512–268–6425

FENCING HTC Fence & More

Wood fences built right. Repairs, gates, post replacements, fully insured. Mowing $45 for standard yard (mow, edge & cleanup). Free estimates, veteran owned.

830-556-7445

PAINTING Texas Star Painting

Interior and exterior painting. Siding & rotten wood replacement. Sheet rock repairs. Wallpaper removal & wall texture. Pressure washing.

Insured & References available, 512-699-0441.

LANDSCAPING Daniel Stone & Landscaping Supplies

We deliver. Grass: St. Augustine, Buffalo, Bermuda, Tifway.

Chopped rock, patio rock, flagstone, drystack, gravel, river rock, mulch, sand and loam.

12015 Hwy 290 W, Cedar Valley, Austin. 512-288-8488.

Who Does Your Lawn

Call Jesse Reyna at 512-7882180 or email apa6207@ sbcglobal.net Offering competitive pricing and superior service in the Manchaca, Buda, and Kyle area since 2010.

Taking care of all lawn needs so you can play. Mowing, trimming, edging, debris removal, flower bed maintenance

PLUMBING Prince Plumbing Company

Residential repair, remodeling, water heaters, sewer maintenance, slab & gas leak repair. 20 years experience, family owned and operated.

512–312–0710

Johnson Plumbing

Residential and commercial repair.

John Johnson, 512-690-3298 JohnsonPlumbingServices.com MPL#40749

POOL SERVICE G&S Pool and Spa Service

Serving South Austin, Dripping Springs, Driftwood, Kyle and Buda since 1994. 512–326–4695. www.gspoolspa.com

High Tide Pool Service

Over 10 years cleaning and maintaining pools. Drain & cleans pressure washing, full service repairs, replastering. Free estimates, call Keith Miller at 512 965-3465.

REMODELING Tri–County Construction

Let us make your dreams a reality!

Specializing in custom remodeling and insurance repairs since 1984.

Fully insured. 512–282–6224

Wild West Remodeling

No job too small or too big!

Kitchen/bath remodels, painting, tile, siding, decks, trim, door & window replacements, drywall repair, electrical and plumbing.

Curtis Dorsett, 512–402–4704

ROOFING Area Roofing Company

Serving Hays County. Residential & Commercial. Free estimates.

Insurance claims welcome. Ron Johnson, owner. 512–312–5050

SEPTIC SERVICES All American Wastewater Solutions, LLC

Septic problems... Let us help!

Locally serving our community since 1982. Septic repair and installation specialist, septic tank pumping and servicing, aerobic system servicing and more.

Commercial and residential. www. allsepticcheck.com, 512–282–3889.

Sellman Enterprises, Inc.

Septic plumbing, cleaning, repairs Commercial & Residential Serving the Hays Metro area, including Travis, Blanco, Bastrop, Williamson & surrounding counties.

512–312–0002 www.SellmanSepticServices.com

SHOE REPAIR Austin Shoe Hospital

Quality boot & shoe repair as well as purse and luggage repair.

Ten locations in Central Texas including: Ben White & Manchaca, 512-440-8788; Hwy 290 & Nutty Brown Rd., 512-827-3398; and Hwy 290 in Oak Hill, 512-2886386.

TREE SERVICES Lees Trees

Firewood, pruning, tree removal, chipping, planting, cedar posts, bulk mulch. Free assessments & estimates. Affordable oak wilt treatment. Schedule ball moss treatment for June. Call Marcus Lees at (512) 858-4018, leestrees@vownet.net

WINDOW TREATMENTS Made in the Shade

Custom window treatments at affordable prices. Graber, Hunter Douglas, Norman and more.

Blinds, shades, draperies and shutters. Low prices with lifetime guarantees and fast professional installation. Call 512-847-8970, www.madeintheshadeofwimberley. com

Texas ranks 4th for road tripping

Road Tripping in Texas (1=Best; 25=Avg.):

W

STAFF REPORT

ith consumer demand for gas hitting an all-time high earlier this month, prices at the pump creeping up, and people across the country preparing to drive to vacation destinations, staying closer to home is looking good for a summer vacation.

WalletHub, the personal-finance website, released three key reports to help people maximize savings and fun for the summer.

For best road-trip destinations, Texas ranks fourth in the nation, behind Wyoming (1), North Carolina (2) and Minnesota (3). The states were ranked based on costs, safety and activities. Texas ranked 15th in costs, 34th in safety and 6th in activities.

For the costs evaluation, WalletHug considered average gas prices, maximum toll costs, cost of car repairs, lowest price of three-star hotels, lowest price of camping, lodging units per capita and cost of living index.

Safety data was derived from vehicle miles traveled per capita, population density, share of urban interstates congested during peak hours, driving laws, traffic discipline, quality of roads and bridges and more.

Activities category considered share of national parkland in state, national parks recreation visitors per capita, zoos and botanical gardens, fairs and festivals, number of attractions, nightlife, scenic byways, historical sites and more.

How did Texas rank in these various categories?

15th 6th 9th 8th 14th 9th 7th

Number of Attractions Lowest Price of Three-Star Hotel Room Avg. Gas Prices Nightlife Options per Capita Vehicle Miles Traveled per Capita Access to Scenic Byways Driving Laws Rating page 15

Well-Check Exams Walk in well-check exams, June & July Extended hours July & August See schedules at ARCcheckup.com Book online at ARCbooknow.com

Book Online Today! ARCbooknow.com 183

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34203 4 967

FM 967, Ste B-100 Buda, TX 78610

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512-295-1608

Wiley Way

Clinic Hours M–F: 7:30am–5:00pm

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ARC Kyle Plum Creek 4100 Everett St, Ste 400 Kyle, TX 78640

Everett

Buda Sportsplex Dr

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Kohlers Crossing

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Clinic Hours M–F: 7:30am–9:00pm Sat & Sun: 8:00am–5:00pm