Meadows Center for Water and the Environment
Photos by Melinda Seib
The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment sits on Spring Lake – one of the largest artesian springs in the world. Spring Lake is thought to be one of the longest continually inhabited sites in North America. Archaeologists have excavated rare artifacts, some dating back 12,000 to 13,000 years. The site has a colorful past as Aquarena Springs, a water park and attraction until Texas State acquired the site and established the mission to inspire research, innovation, and leadership that ensures clean, abundant water for the environment and all humanity.
The Discovery Hall hosts a mixture of live animals and interactive exhibits to help visitors connect personally with the environment they are exploring. Features include a 1,000-gallon aquarium of native fish found in Spring Lake, an endangered species exhibit where you will see Texas Blind Salamanders, San Marcos Salamanders, and Fountain darters, a baby turtle aquarium, a multiscreen video wall and interactive exhibit about the Edwards Aquifer and the Water Systems of Texas.
The Wetlands Boardwalk allows visitors to walk through a self-guided trail that explains the effects of exotic and invasive species on the habitat and offers a close-up view of the abundant plant and animal life that thrive here. Wetlands provide many ecological benefits, including habitat for a diverse community of plants and wildlife, a buffer against water pollution, erosion, sediment control, and diminished flooding.
The upper San Marcos River is one of the most biologically diverse aquatic ecosystems in the southwestern United States. It has a number of endemic species that are isolated to the upper 4.5 miles of the river. Consequently, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Department and Texas Parks and Wildlife have designated the San Marcos Springs and Spring Lake as critical habitat. Critical habitat refers to a particular geographical area that contains all of the physical, chemical, and biological attributes needed for the continued success of an endangered plant or animal and may require special management and protection efforts.
Source: Meadows Center For Water and the Environment
Aquarena Center Wetlands Walk Podcast: Listen to a podcast by Cecilia Nasti of Texas Parks and Wildlife for a self-guided tour.
Location
201 San Marcos Springs Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666
(512)245-7590
From IH-35, take exit 206 and travel west from the light. Continue on Aquarena Springs Drive through 2 stop lights. Take a slight right to continue on Aquarena Springs Drive (do not go over the overpass). Go over the railroad crossing and use the left lane to turn left at Post Road. Then turn right on San Marcos Springs Drive (across from Bobcat Stadium). Follow the signs to The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment.
NOTE: Parking at the Meadows Center is free with a valid Texas State parking permit from 7:00 pm Sunday until 5:00 pm Friday. One-day temporary permits are available for $3 at the pay-and-display station near the ticket kiosk or online through the Pay-by-App.
Hours of Operation: 9:30 AM - 5 PM every day, closed on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 24), closed for Winter Break (Dec. 19-25), closed for New Year's holiday (Dec. 31-Jan. 1), and closed for maintenance and staff development on Jan. 9-13.
Guided Events
Free Family-centered events occur monthly.
Glass Bottom Boat Rides: The first boat goes out 30 minutes after opening. The last boat goes out 30 minutes before closing. Tours last for 30 minutes.
Guided Wetlands Tours: Each weekend, guests will learn about the "hidden" world of wetlands during this 25-minute tour.
