Online Resources
- Contact
- Directions
- Employment/Fellowships
- Hours of Operation
- Photo Gallery
- Resources
- Special Use Facilities
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Web Cam
Share This Page
About Us
 Aquarena Center is under the direction of the River Systems Institute at Texas State University-San Marcos. Through collaborative research, public advocacy, and education on river systems, the Institute affirms the unique role of water in our lives. As one of the earth's most remarkable resources, we are dedicated to preserving and protecting this irreplaceable gift - water. |
Aquarena Center: The Heritage and Restoration of a Unique Aquatic ResourceThe area that now comprises the Aquarena Center, where the San Marcos Springs emerge from the Edwards Aquifer to fill Spring Lake and form the San Marcos River, is a portal into Texas history, geography and ecology. Archaeological research indicates that the area surrounding the springs has been inhabited for some 12,000 years. |  Aquarena's Glass Bottom Boat |
 Diverse EcosystemThe heart of the site is Spring Lake, which runs clear above the approximately 200 springs that lie below and provides a stable environment for eight federally listed endangered or threatened species: the San Marcos salamander, the Texas blind salamander, the fountain darter, the San Marcos Gambusia, the Comal Springs riffle beetle, Comal Springs dyopid beetle, Peck's cave amphipod, and the threatened San Marcos salamander. |
The pristine habitat of Spring Lake gives Aquarena the unique opportunity to teach people of all ages the importance of preservation and conservation. Aquarena Center’s educational tours seek to engage people in activities that will give them the ability to recognize Spring Lake as an unique freshwater ecosystem and in turn encourage the audience to understand the interconnections between all living things and water. |  |
Environmental Education