Headwaters at Incarnate Word

Headwaters at Incarnate Word (Headwaters) was established in 2005 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word as its Earth care ministry.  Headwaters stewards a 53-acre urban oasis, the Headwaters Sanctuary, in the heart of downtown San Antonio. The Headwaters mission is to preserve, restore, and celebrate the rich natural, cultural, historical, spiritual, and educational values of the headwaters of the San Antonio River, especially within the 53-acre Headwaters Sanctuary.  This nature preserve features contemplative walking trails that encourage visitors to connect with nature in our riparian forest, native grass prairie, and native pollinator garden.  A small staff of two persons and a dedicated volunteer community manage the habitat restoration process and environmental education programming. Entrance to the Headwaters Sanctuary and all programs are free and open to the public.

Headwaters is seeking donations to obtain a UTV suitable for our habitat restoration work in the Sanctuary. We utilize UTVs to transport chainsaws, tools, supplies, and volunteers to worksites and to haul invasive brush and logs to collection locations. We need at least two reliable vehicles to ensure our volunteer work sessions are productive. Currently, our two vehicles, one of which is over 13 years old, are both out for repairs. We want to purchase a third vehicle so that we can host larger volunteer sessions, increase our work session productivity, and ensure the property is well-maintained. We seek $12,000 for the UTV and a hauling cart.

Earth Care

Compassion for All Living Creatures - Respect for the Natural World

Preservation - Conservation - Education 

Who We Are

We want to encourage a connection to nature whether in the Headwaters Sanctuary or in the community. Therefore, our Big Give campaign is focused on our 2020 Environmental Film Series. Our screenings are free and open to the public. Think what movie tickets cost! And we provide snacks, too! We ask for your support to make the 2020 Film Series exceptional! Our Environmental Film Series is a key component in our educational programming.