Nonprofit Week 2025: Riverside Nature Center

Executive Director Becky Etzler detailed the “significant damage” suffered by the Riverside Nature Center due to the flood, with water reaching 3 feet high in some buildings and disrupting outdoor exhibits.

The Francisco Lemos Bridge acted as a dam, causing water to spread laterally and exacerbate flooding. The community’s immediate outpouring of volunteer support was “amazing” and “humbling,” with 50-60 people showing up the Saturday after the flood.

The center adopted a unique approach to debris management, encouraging volunteers to leave some organic material as mulch to enrich the soil, which has led to their gardens “exploding” with lush growth. The estimated damage is $200,000 to $300,000, close to their annual budget.

While their main building targets a Sept. 1 reopening, the Lawson store and nature lab sustained more severe damage. They have received donations and secured funding from the Lift Fund, Chamber of Commerce and are applying for FEMA assistance.

The center emphasizes the importance of respecting the river’s power and considering mindful reconstruction, possibly involving riparian buffers and conservation easements for the future. Their annual Run for Riverside 5K has been postponed from September to possibly November and relocated to Kerrville Schreiner Park.

For more information, visit riversidenaturecenter.org.