The Comal River is the heart and soul of New Braunfels, and it begins with springs bubbling up from this site: the Headwaters at the Comal. The historic and environmental significance of this site is vital to the community. The Comal Springs are one of the “Great Springs” of Texas, a gathering place for humans for more than 8,000 years, and home to four endangered and eight threatened species. To ensure the protection of this unique national treasure, Headwaters is restoring the property to its natural state and repurposing facilities into an innovative, nature-oriented community space where people can learn, have fun, and experience history and nature. Headwaters received a $10,000 support grant from Impact SA to assist with their vision in creating a premier education center to inspire the next generation of water users and water leaders.
The Headwaters construction project will consist of adaptive reuse of existing warehouse and office space retired in 2004 by New Braunfels Utilities. The retired, rusted metal warehouse buildings will be stripped down to the foundation and steel beams, and replaced by three separate innovative spaces, connected by an open-air covered walkway. The Lake|Flato designed building sections will include a 200-person multi-purpose space, a screened education pod, visitor’s center, community meeting space, and administrative offices. The asphalt-covered parking area will become a native-landscape, all-abilities front entrance, featuring a tree-shaded picnic area perfect for large groups and field trip gatherings. Interpretive exhibits will share the important history of the site.
The construction project for the adaptive renovation of the warehouse space has begun. The next phase will allow for the building envelope and site work to be completed.
Headwaters is open for visitors to walk the grounds, explore, or sit and enjoy nature in their open-air pavilion. On the first Saturday of each month, Headwaters hosts a guided tour of the project site. The tour takes a leisurely pace around the ¼ mile trail to see the Spring run, and makes stops to talk about Headwaters history, archaeology finds, conservation efforts, and more. You can buy admission tickets at www.headwatersatthecomal.com and check out additional programing for students, including Spring Break Science Camp and the Saturday SEAM (science, engineering, art, and math) Series.
Q&A with Nancy Pappas, Managing Director of Headwaters at the Comal:
What’s new at Headwaters? Construction is well underway, the rain has rejuvenated the springs (although we need more), spring is a wonderful time to come visit!
Headwaters has some interesting programs coming up, from guided tours to Spring Break camps. What’s the best way to be informed of future events? Headwaters’ website, free newsletter and social media sites are a great way to stay engaged with the full suite of programs and workshops for people of all ages!
How do these programs benefit and engage the community? Visitors to the Headwaters are equally awed and inspired by the beauty of the Comal Springs and the transformation of an asphalt covered parking area into an immersive native Texas prairie teeming with life. Programs provide information and ways to contribute to the preservation of our natural resources including water, plants and wildlife, and bring attention to the long history of this site’s importance to people dating back thousands of years. Visiting the Headwaters is also a welcome respite from the busyness of life and a connection to nature that is restorative!
How many people are involved in the Headwaters volunteer program? What roles do volunteers play in your mission?
Volunteers are the lifeblood of Headwaters. We could not function at such a high level with only our three-person staff. Our 70 active volunteers help manage the restoration through removal of invasive plants, addition of native species, and trail maintenance; they collect data on water quality and biodiversity; support program delivery to youth by assisting in facilitating activity stations and “crowd-management” as well as deliver adult education programs, provide tours; and more!
New Braunfels has seen tremendous growth in recent years, how is Headwaters a part of the changing community? Headwaters is working to engage the growing population of New Braunfels, as well as long-time residents and visitors on how we can live together with nature to protect our water resources and maintain the quality of life and the eco-system of the beautiful Texas Hill Country, the reason most of us moved here in the first place!
How do you feel about Impact San Antonio and the work they do in the community? We are inspired by the collective impact of the women that make up Impact San Antonio. What a wonderful way to give back to the community. Your generosity is truly making a difference in San Antonio and beyond! Thank you for extending your reach into New Braunfels.
