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Valentine’s Day and the Brazos River

Valentine’s Day and the Brazos River

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to your depth, and width and height.
I love to camp along your banks, day or night.
I love to fish and play and canoe,
Oh, Brazos River, I love you.

It’s not Emily Dickinson or Edgar Allan Poe, but this sentiment still conveys what so many feel. There's something special about the Brazos River.

The longest river in Texas, the Brazos River crosses most of the physiographic regions of Texas and is a popular destination for fishing, hunting and general recreation, as well as home to a variety of plant and animal life. With important landmarks and sites along its banks, the river is a vital resource to meet the water supply needs of the Brazos River basin.

This Valentine’s Day, let’s show our love for the Brazos and reflect on some ways we can treat the river a little better.

By using water more efficiently and protecting our freshwater resources, we can ensure everyone has access to drinking water and that there is enough water for agriculture, which is crucial for feeding the growing population.

From turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, to fixing leaks and using water-saving appliances or drought-tolerant plants, small behavioral changes can make a big difference in our future. Conservation allows us to stretch our limited resources further and ensure enough water for everyone’s needs. Plus, conserving water at home can help lower your bill and leave those extra dollars in your pocket.

So, what are a few ways you can incorporate your love of the Brazos with the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday?

Photo submitted by Bob Lusk of his wife Debbie with her catch on the river
  • Grab your Bluetooth speaker, a giant cozy blanket and cushion, a bag of popcorn and find a new location along the Brazos River and make time to watch the sunset. They don’t call it the “Magic Hour” for nothing. Plus, they say it’s good for your mental health to get outside and slow down.
  • There are countless beautiful locations along the Brazos River calling out for you to enjoy. So, lace up those shoes, grab a water bottle, and hike with your best friends. Clear your mind and reduce your stress as you share in the beauty of the river with friends. While you walk, see if you can find natural objects in the shape of a heart – you might be surprised by what you find.
  • What’s more romantic than getting bait, setting the hook and reeling in fish after fish with the one you love? Pack your gear, a few snacks, bug spray and sunscreen and take your loved one fishing at a new spot on the Brazos. Share in the joy of a catch while getting some vitamin D from the sunlight and taking in the fresh air.
  • Ditch the tent and camp in style with the one you love. Glamping is short for “glamorous camping.” This is for when you want to enjoy nature and get away from it all while still having things such as a real mattress, running water or a real toilet. So maybe your perfect Valentine’s Day getaway this year with the family includes a beautiful view of the Brazos without having to forego the essentials.

Maybe work or life will prevent you from getting away this upcoming holiday, but you’d still like to pay tribute to the river you love. 

How about a song?

Check out the Texas River Song, a folk song that manages to name 14 Texas rivers, that’s been sung since the 1800s, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Check the song out here. Or check out something more recent with ‘Brazos River Run’ by Chris Kleiber here.

Add another county song with “Cross the Brazos at Waco” by Billy Walker, which you can listen to here. Walker was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame and honored in the West Texas Music Hall of Fame, according to the Texas State Historical Association.

You could also sing along with Theodore A. Henning II about “Lazy Tubin Brazos River Blue” here.
 

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