Welcome Students at Venue A
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9:40 - 9:55 am
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Opening Blessing of the Water
Gary Perez, Chief, Pakahua Peoples of Mexico & Texas Ceremony honoring the sacred waters of Barton Springs and the deep Indigenous connections to land and spirit. |
Learning Sessions 10 am - 1:30 pm, all AISD buses depart at 2:00 pm
Venue A
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10:00 - 10:25 am
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Keynote Speaker: David Cortez
Dave Cortez is a 3rd generation El Pasoan now based out of Austin. He grew up and learned organizing on the frontera, where industrial pollution, poverty, gentrification, racism and the border wall are seen as intersecting issues. Dave serves as the Director of the Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter, and has been organizing in the Texas environmental movement for 20 years. |
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10:30 - 11:15 am
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The Resilience of 21st Century Cities: Lessons from Barton Springs and a Britney Spears Song
Jay Banner, Ph.D, Director of UT Environmental Science Institute and Michael Felicano-Gumba, Singer and Educator, and Mark May Exploring urban resilience through science and song to understand sustainability in modern cities. |
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11:20 - 12:05 pm
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FIRST LUNCH
Concert by Bill Oliver and the Otter Space Band + Friends Jade Fusco and Jackie Venson Bill Oliver, Environmental Educator & Musician Interactive songs celebrating habitat conservation! |
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12:10 - 12:55 pm
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SECOND LUNCH
Concert by Bill Oliver and the Otter Space Band + Friends Jade Fusco and Jackie Venson Bill Oliver, Environmental Educator & Musician Interactive songs celebrating habitat conservation! |
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1:00 - 1:30 pm
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TBD
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Venue B
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10:30 - 11:15 am
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The Future of Texas Water
Marisa Flores Gonzalez, Water Resources Team Supervisor, Austin Water Explore the opportunities and challenges facing Texas water and consider YOUR role in protecting this essential resource. Together, we’ll look at what’s changing, why it matters, and how young people can help shape the future of water in Texas. Speaking Up For My Friend
Victoria Rose, Staff Attorney, Save Our Springs Alliance It is up to all of us to speak up and advocate for protecting water quality and for water conservation. But sometimes it can be daunting to know just how to show up to protect our friend, water. Attend this talk to learn about the concrete ways that you can participate in water related permitting issues and how to find out more. |
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11:20 - 12:05 pm
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The True Cost of AI
Mariana Krueger, Environmental Commission, City of Austin Students will dig into the hidden costs of AI, following the energy, water, land, and infrastructure footprint in Central Texas. Water, Water Everywhere But Not A Drop to Spare
Robert Mace, Ph.D. The Meadows Center for Water and Environment We turn on the tap and water appears, but where does it actually come from, and what happens if it doesn’t? A look at our local water sources, the vulnerability of the aquifer, and how we can all be part of the stewardship and solutions for the future. |
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12:10 - 12:55 pm
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Toxic Blue-Green Algae Blooms
Brent Bellinger, Ph.D., Conservation Program Supervisor, Watershed Protection Department More info soon! Taking Action Together
Bryan Parras, Founder of Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Serves (T.E.J.A.S.) What does it take to make change in your community? An energetic look at environmental justice, advocacy, and the power young people have to shape the future of Texas. Learn how communities can speak up and turn big ideas into real change. |
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1:00 - 1:30 pm
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TBD.
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Venue C
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10:30 - 11:15 am
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Where Does Our Water Come From and Where Does It Go?
Charlie Flatten, General Manager, BSEACD Discover how rain becomes groundwater, how the Edwards Aquifer connects to the rivers and springs, and why every drop matters. From rain to aquifer to faucet and back again, let’s follow the journey of a drop of water through Central Texas. Taking Action Together Bryan Parras, Founder of Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Serves (T.E.J.A.S.) What does it take to make change in your community? An energetic look at environmental justice, advocacy, and the power young people have to shape the future of Texas. Learn how communities can speak up and turn big ideas into real change. |
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11:20 - 12:05 pm
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Speaking Up For My Friend
Victoria Rose, Staff Attorney, Save Our Springs Alliance It is up to all of us to speak up and advocate for protecting water quality and for water conservation. But sometimes it can be daunting to know just how to show up to protect our friend, water. Attend this talk to learn about the concrete ways that you can participate in water related permitting issues and how to find out more. Sacred Waters: Protecting the Colorado River Carlos Pinon, Resilience Program Coordinator & Organizer, PODER Since 1991, People Organized in Defense of Earth and her Resources (PODER) has fought for environmental justice, equity, and community health in the predominantly Latine and Black communities of East Austin. PODER has led campaigns against oil tank farms, power plants, recycling facilities, and gentrification; now, neighborhoods they organize alongside are offered expensive, non-potable drinking water by private utility companies and face development projects that erode the Colorado River, posing a threat to its pristine quality. |
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12:10 - 12:55 pm
1:00 - 1:30 pm
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The True Cost of AI
Mariana Krueger, Environmental Commission, City of Austin Students will dig into the hidden costs of AI, following the energy, water, land, and infrastructure footprint in Central Texas. Water, Water Everywhere But Not A Drop to Spare Robert Mace, Ph.D. The Meadows Center for Water and Environment We turn on the tap and water appears, but where does it actually come from, and what happens if it doesn’t? A look at our local water sources, the vulnerability of the aquifer, and how we can all be part of the stewardship and solutions for the future. TBD.
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