San Felipe Creek Shines After Cleanups but Longterm Creek Health Still in Question

Marines and Marine Scientists loaded up their kayaks with trash bags and debris during creek cleanup

The San Felipe Creek is breathing easier thanks to a series of intensive community cleanups this past month. On Saturday May 24 alone, ten shopping carts were pulled out and at least a dozen tires were removed from the waterway. The San Felipe Creek is looking fresh for the first time in a long time! But the fight against pollution, invasive species, and contamination is far from over.

The most recent push, part of the state-wide Trash Free Gulf campaign, saw an "amazing" turnout. The Devils River Conservancy reported that “39 dedicated volunteers collected 1,000 pounds of trash from in and around the San Felipe Creek.” This effort was spearheaded locally by The Devils River Conservancy and the San Felipe Creek Coalition, both of whom extend their heartfelt gratitude to all who participated in preserving Del Rio’s vital natural resources and primary drinking water source.

The Trash Free Gulf campaign, led by the Gulf Trust, collaborated with H-E-B to provide resources for over 40 local cleanups across Texas in May. Concurrently, the annual Keep Texas Beautiful campaign, running from March through May, also saw local action. On Saturday, April 26, 17 dedicated students from the Heritage Academy played their part in the Keep Texas Beautiful campaign, gaining invaluable lessons in environmental stewardship.

Volunteers dove into the water, trudged through mud, and battled dense brush, unearthing decades-old glass bottles, discarded electronics, and even dirty diapers from the most hidden spots. As one volunteer quipped, "they found everything but the kitchen sink!" Marines and Marine Scientists loaded up their kayaks with trash bags and debris. H-E-B's Our Texas, Our Future, a key partner in the Trash Free Gulf campaign, provided essential supplies like trash bags, gloves, and grabbers. These grabbers were in high demand, proving crucial for extricating debris trapped within the thick sediment of Carrizo Cane and Arundo patches.

While the immediate impact of removing visible garbage is significant, the battle for San Felipe Creek’s long-term health continues. Invasive species like Carrizo Cane and Arundo remain a persistent threat. According to the City of Del Rio Water Master Plan, approved by City Council on May 27, "Per the 2025 Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Annual Report, in fiscal year 2024, 1,786 acres of river cane were treated with Val Verde County being one of the five counties participating.” However, plans for a 2025 river cane treatment are yet to be announced.

The pervasive presence of these invasive plants creates "trash islands" where debris accumulates, as highlighted by Burkhart at the Southwest Water Coalition meeting on April 25, 2025. Burkhart, who has been in touch with Texas Parks and Wildlife, reported their advice that "the city can also go in with a kayak and a raft and pull out that which is log-jamming in the center of the creek that is already horizontal… the Arundo that is floating already that is not attached in anyway, and so we will be beginning that this summer.” This type of trash build-up can lead to bacterial contamination and create waterflow blockages and stagnation, directly impacting the quality of Del Rio's drinking water.

For now, the creek is largely free of garbage, a testament to the community's recent efforts. The hope is that residents can maintain this newfound cleanliness for weeks to come. The Water Master Plan emphasizes the need for a fundamental shift in local culture: "The City has the opportunity to also develop a culture that does not pollute the Creek. Construction of any pavements near the Creek should be constructed in a manner that diverts stormwater runoff away from the Creek, not towards it. The City has proactively communicated with citizens on the importance of trash pickup during highly congested holiday events, such as the 4th of July and Easter weekend.”

The Devils River Conservancy commended the hardworking volunteers, noting that the "amazing" turnout suggests a positive shift in community mindsets towards understanding the critical importance of collective action in preserving natural resources. A huge thank you goes out to The Devils River Conservancy, San Felipe Creek Coalition, Heritage Academy, and the City of Del Rio for their tireless efforts in spreading awareness and for removing dumpsters-worth of garbage from the creek.

During the City Council meeting on Tuesday May 27, it was announced that Keep Texas Beautiful recognized Del Rio as a “Gold Star Affiliate” for going “above and beyond.” This is the second year in a row that the City of Del Rio has received the recognition. The problems with our waterways are pervasive, thus so must be Del Rio’s efforts in combating them.