As the holiday season is upon us, I’m taking this time to revisit some of the most impactful episodes from Season 1. Today, we’re bringing back Season 1, Episode 10, featuring aquatic biologist, Shaun Donovan. 

In this conversation, Shaun Donovan shares his journey from growing up in San Antonio to becoming an aquatic biologist and eventually joining the San Antonio River Authority. He discusses his passion for marine biology and the experiences that shaped his career path. The conversation also touches on the importance of sharing positive environmental stories and the significance of the San Antonio River Improvements Project, particularly the Mission Reach section. The conversation discusses the restoration of the San Antonio River and the success of the Mission Reach project. The project transformed a trapezoidal flood conveyance channel into a natural river system, creating recreational opportunities, economic development, and environmental benefits. The conversation also highlights the importance of freshwater mussels as indicators of river health and the efforts to reintroduce them into the river. The vision for a better future is for people to value and protect natural spaces as much as material possessions. The call to action is for individuals to take small steps to protect local water bodies and support organizations that share their environmental values.