The Mission Reach of the San Antonio River is one of the largest urban ecosystem restoration projects in the United States. The restored river corridor now supports recreation, native habitat, and conservation efforts such as the reintroduction of the Guadalupe Bass, helping reconnect the community to a revitalized urban fishery.

Mitch Magruder is an Aquatic Biologist with the Environmental Sciences Department at the San Antonio River Authority. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences from Texas A&M University and a Master’s degree in Natural Resources Sciences from University of Nebraska.

Mitch has worked across the western and southern United States in fisheries ecology, aquatic conservation, and sportfish management. His experience includes work with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Utah Department of Natural Resources, and Wyoming Game and Fish Department on projects involving native fish conservation, fisheries monitoring, and habitat restoration.

At the River Authority, Mitch helped lead the inaugural River Rodeo, a community fishing challenge focused on conservation and citizen science. Hundreds of anglers submitted thousands of fish catches, generating valuable fisheries data while showcasing the growing angling opportunities within the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River.