Guide: James Kimmel, Jones Professor of Southwestern Studies, Department of Geography, Texas State University

The San Marcos and Guadalupe Rivers are unusual in Texas because they offered relatively constant flow that provided power for agricultural processing beginning in the mid-19th century. Germans, English, Polish, Czechs, and other Europeans recognized this opportunity and used the waterpower and the rich valley soils. Slaves and later African-American freemen, plus native Hispanics and immigrants from Mexico, added to the cultural landscape, which continues to evolve. We will visit several farming communities and the historic Zedler's Mill at Luling and attempt to read the landscape that continues to support an active agricultural sector.

Start Time: 9:00 a.m.
End Time: 3:00 p.m.; about 6 hours
Limited to: 12 participants
Meal: Lunch- $10 estimated cost

Guide: Emily Skop, Assistant Professor, Department of Geography and the Environment, University of Texas at Austin

This fieldtrip provides a geographical perspective concerning the social and spatial dynamics of racialization in the Austin Metropolitan Area. We will investigate in-depth case studies of particular racial/ethnic groups in specific racial/ethnic communities and landscapes to show how place is more than a passive backdrop for the negotiation of racial/ethnic identities. Throughout the fieldtrip, we will focus on particular issues associated with racial/ethnic diversity, like spatial segregation and social stratification. The fieldtrip starts in East Austin, an area known for its Latino and African-American communities, crosses over I-35 to a highly diverse, yet gentrifying neighborhood in South Austin, and moves west to West Lake, an area dominated by white, non-Latino residents.

Start Time: 9:00 a.m.
End Time: 5:00 p.m.; about 8 hours
Limited to: 25 participants
Meal: Lunch- $10 estimated cost

Guide: Frank de la Teja, Professor and Chair, Department of History, Texas State University

San Antonio has been Texas' gateway to Mexico since its founding in 1718. Originally a military-mission complex, it became capital of the Spanish province, district capital of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Texas, and cultural capital of the state of Texas subsequent to annexation to the U.S. Despite losing its Mexican-American majority in the 1840s, as German and Anglo-American immigration transformed the region, and despite its location far north of the border, San Antonio remained the entryway to Mexico. By the early twentieth century, San Antonio was the Texas destination of Mexican revolutionaries, exiled clergy, and economic and political refugees from revolutionary Mexico. All of this historical geography contributed to the creation of a distinctive town with an eclectic aesthetic and culture. By the late twentieth century, the city, once again with a Latino majority, had parlayed its colorful background into a thriving tourism industry that emphasizes Tex-Mex culture and military and immigrant history. This fieldtrip will visit strategic elements of San Antonio's historical legacy and place them into the broader context of Texas history and society. Stops include Missions San José and San Juan Capistrano, Espada dam and acequia, El Mercado, and the Riverwalk.

Start Time: 8:00 a.m.
End Time: 8:00 p.m.; about 12 hours
Limited to: 30 participants
Meals: Breakfast- tacos on bus: $5 estimated cost
            Lunch- $10 estimated cost
            Dinner- $20 estimated cost
Admission Costs: $10 approximately

Guide: Byron Augustin, Professor, Department of Geography, Texas State University

New Braunfels was one of the original German settlements in the Texas Hill Country. Today the city celebrates its German heritage with the same enthusiasm that has been a part of its history for almost 150 years. You will experience stops in historic Gruene with a visit to Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas, and a drive by Schlitterbahn, the "best water park in the world." Enjoying for about four hours New Braunfel's famous Wurstfest celebration will be the highlight of the trip.

Start Time: 1:00 p.m.
End Time: 9:00 p.m.; about 8 hours
Limited to: 35 participants
Meal: Dinner at Wurstfest- $10-15 estimated cost
Admission Cost: $7 approximately

Guide: Sally Caldwell, Texas State

Tour the Village of Wimberley to get a firsthand look at a historic community that incorporated only a few years ago. Learn how and why the community has won numerous planning awards, despite an organized backlash to incorporation. Visit the spectacular Blue Hole swimming venue; take some time to stroll around the town square; relax and enjoy the Texas Hill County. A must for folks who want to see pristine waterways.

Start Time: 1:00 p.m.
End Time: 4:00 p.m.
Limited to: 14

Guide: Brock Brown, Texas State

We will visit two Central Texas Census Designated Places (CDPs). Germans originally settled Redwood, and Latinos founded Geronimo. Both communities are now experiencing rapid population growth that is being influenced by changes in ethnic settlement patterns in Central Texas. Beginning with brief stops at each community's cemetery to place our visits into historical contexts, we will observe the different evolving cultural landscapes of each community.

Start Time: 1:00 p.m.
End Time: 5:00 p.m.
Limited to: 14

Environment, People, and Culture: Stories of San Marcos

Guides: Miguel Guajardo and Mike Gividen, Texas State

Join us in exploring the environment, history, and ethnic communities of San Marcos, Texas. Encounter ecological landmarks, pivotal events, diverse people, and fascinating places that have converged through time and space to shape this Central Texas community. Take a glass-bottom boat ride on ecologically unique Spring Lake; visit an African-American museum; stop by a tortilla factory; enjoy mariachi music. Do all this while engaging in conversations with people who have influenced ethnic neighborhoods during the past five decades and listening to their "San Marcos Stories."

Start Time: 9:00 a.m.
End Time: 5:00 p.m.
Limited to: 25
Meals: Lunch- $3-5 estimated cost
           Dinner- $10-15 estimated cost
Admission Cost: Glass-bottom Boat Ride: $4

St. Philip's College Fieldtrips
(Begins at St. Philip's College Main Entrance)

San Anto Cultural Arts Community Mural Project

Guides: Regis Shepard and Glynis Christine, St. Philip's College

See and learn about the stunning murals and public art pieces created by youth and adult residents of San Antonio's Westside neighborhoods. Discover the beauty and importance of muralism as it relates to human and community development and historical and cultural documentation and affirmation. After the tour, participants will visit the historic Market Square for lunch. At the end of the fieldtrip, participants return to St. Philip's College to work together to paint a mural documenting their overall conference and fieldtrip experiences.

Start Time: 10:00 a.m.
End Time: 5:00 p.m.
Limited to: 12
Meal: Lunch - $10 estimated cost
Transportation Cost: $10

University of Texas at San Antonio Institute of Texan Cultures

Guides: Jason Fabianke and Patrick Evans, St. Philip's College

The Institute of Texan Cultures is a museum dedicated to enhancing the understanding of cultural history, science, and technology and their influence upon the people of Texas. Through exhibits, programs, and publications that encourage acceptance and appreciation of our differences as well as our common humanity, the Institute provides a forum for diversity and the dynamics between cultural history and scientific discovery. After the tour, participants will visit the historic Market Square for lunch. At the end of the fieldtrip, participants return to St. Philip's College to work together to paint a mural documenting their overall conference and fieldtrip experiences.

Start Time: 10:00 a.m.
End Time: 5:00 p.m.
Limited to: 10
Meals: Lunch - $10 estimated cost
Admission Cost: $10
Transportation cost: $10