21. From Basura Bash to Big Impact: How RiverAid Is Transforming San Antonio's Waterways
Fri Feb 06 2026
On this episode of TNC Talks Non-Profit, Mercedes & Scott welcome Charlie Blank, Founder and Executive Director of RiverAid San Antonio, for an inspiring conversation about environmental stewardship, volunteer power, and building a nonprofit that creates real, measurable impact.
Charlie shares the story behind RiverAid's founding, how the organization helped revitalize the iconic Basura Bash, and why turning a once-a-year cleanup into a year-round mission has transformed San Antonio's waterways. From removing millions of pounds of trash to deploying innovative litter boom systems and training citizen scientists, RiverAid is proving what's possible when community passion meets smart systems.
If you care about nonprofits, collaboration, sustainability, or how to scale impact without losing heart, this is an episode you don't want to miss. 🌱🎧
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On this episode of TNC Talks Non-Profit, Mercedes & Scott welcome Charlie Blank, Founder and Executive Director of RiverAid San Antonio, for an inspiring conversation about environmental stewardship, volunteer power, and building a nonprofit that creates real, measurable impact. Charlie shares the story behind RiverAid's founding, how the organization helped revitalize the iconic Basura Bash, and why turning a once-a-year cleanup into a year-round mission has transformed San Antonio's waterways. From removing millions of pounds of trash to deploying innovative litter boom systems and training citizen scientists, RiverAid is proving what's possible when community passion meets smart systems. If you care about nonprofits, collaboration, sustainability, or how to scale impact without losing heart, this is an episode you don't want to miss. 🌱🎧