SBCA extends our heartfelt condolences to everyone affected by the recent floods in Central Texas—especially to the families who lost loved ones and to those whose homes, property, and livelihoods were destroyed. Unless you've experienced it firsthand, it's hard to grasp the scale of the devastation or imagine what our normally serene Hill Country streams can become under the wrong conditions. Like a tornado, massive floodwaters cut a ribbon of destruction through an otherwise beautiful landscape.
As a native of Kerrville, Texas, I grew up swimming and fishing in the headwaters of the South Fork of the Guadalupe River. My cousins were counselors at Camp Mystic, and my father served as a counselor at one of the nearby boys' camps. My grandparents had their first date at the historic Schumacher crossing in Hunt, Texas, and a few days prior the flood I took my children for a swim in that same river, and later to Crider’s Dance Hall and Rodeo—a beloved local institution that, in a cruel twist of fate, was scheduled to celebrate its 100th anniversary on July 4th, the very day the floods struck. Hence, this tragedy is deeply personal for me.
Sadly, this is not the first flood of its kind and it won’t be the last. The Kerrville area has experienced several major flooding events over the past century (notably in 1932, 1978, and 1987) along with other Hill Country streams, but none resulted in as many casualties as the 2025 flood. Moving forward, there are important environmental lessons we must take to heart. Once we’ve had time to mourn, we’ll begin discussing what steps we can take as a community to mitigate future impacts.
Thankfully, all of my extended family still living in the area were unharmed. And while I know firsthand the resilience of the people affected—they now face many challenges in rebuilding their lives. So if you have the means and would like to support recovery efforts for residents of Kerrville and other parts of Central Texas, we’ve included a list of trusted organizations accepting donations directly below. Additionally, a schedule of local Austin, Texas establishments, which have agreed to donate in support of Texas Hill Country flood relief, can be found at the end of this message.
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I hope this resource helps keep you and your loved ones safe the next time a severe storm unexpectedly arrives. As we begin to process the heartbreak of this tragedy, let us also hold onto the deep connections we share—with each other, with our communities, and with the natural places that shape our lives. Recovery will take time, but with compassion, awareness, and collective action, we can help restore what was lost and protect what remains. Thank you for being part of that effort—and for keeping Central Texas close to your heart.
Regards,
Lee Burton
SBCA Executive Director
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