I can’t think of any place better to help students understand the fascinating Edwards Aquifer than The Meadows Center at Aquarena Springs in San Marcos, Texas. Sadly, this is another venue that may be temporarily closed due to COVID concerns, but you’ll want to watch their website and schedule a trip as soon as possible.
In the meantime, here’s a taste of what Aquarena Springs was like “back in the day.” Sky bubbles you could ride in, rocks and rock candy, dancing chickens and a swimming pig, and MERMAIDS! Ah…I remember it well! 🙂
Fast forward, and you can see how the Texas State University has tried to preserve the best parts of a visit to the Springs at The Meadows Center.
You can arrange educational field trips or private group tours by phone or through their website, or you might want to take a glass-bottom boat tour. (As a child, I LOVED these. I was admittedly a bit geeky even then, but I think it’s fair to say most children would enjoy the boats that let you look down to see endangered fish species, unique water plants, and underwater springs that bubble up through the sandy bottom.)
A work-in-progress for many years, I’m pleased to see that The Meadows Center has a great website that will let you explore Spring Lake until you can go in person. Here’s a sample:
