Paddle & Pick-up: Steward Our Waterways

Paddle & Pick Up: Stewarding Our Waterways

Paddle with purpose! Join Shamballah Home and Gardens for a morning of outdoor adventure, community connection, and care for Austin’s waterways.

At Shamballah Home and Gardens, we believe that stewardship means creating the conditions in which life can flourish—not only in our gardens, but throughout the ecosystems and communities we share.

Join us at the Texas Rowing Center for Paddle & Pick Up: Stewarding Our Waterways, a joyful community cleanup on the water. We’ll take to Lady Bird Lake on paddleboards, enjoy the beauty of Austin from a different perspective, and collect litter along the way to help protect the water and wildlife that make this place so special.

And because service should include a little play, our paddle will also take us to one of the lake’s refreshing hidden springs for a secret swimming stop. (Shhh…you didn’t hear it from us!)

No previous paddleboarding experience is necessary—just bring your sense of adventure, your willingness to lend a hand, and your love for this beautiful city.

What to Expect

• Paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake
• A community cleanup from the water
• A visit to a hidden spring for an optional refreshing swim
• Time to connect with fellow nature lovers and environmental stewards
• A meaningful—and genuinely fun—way to care for our shared home

What to Bring

• Comfortable clothing that can get wet
• Secure water shoes or sandals
• Sun protection, including sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses
• A reusable water bottle
• A swimsuit or quick-drying clothing if you would like to swim
• A towel and change of clothes for afterward
• A waterproof phone pouch, if desired

Cleanup supplies incuding gloves, bags, and grabbers, will be provided. Please avoid bringing loose items that could fall into the water.

Paddleboard Information

Participants may bring their own paddleboard or rent one through the Texas Rowing Center. Paddle boards will not be provided by Shamballah Home and Gardens.

Important Notes

Participants should be comfortable around water and able to swim. Life jackets should be worn while paddling. Anyone under 18 must attend with a parent or legal guardian.

This is an outdoor event and may be rescheduled in the event of unsafe weather or water conditions. Registered participants will receive an update if plans need to change.

Stewardship Can Be Joyful

Environmental care doesn’t have to feel like an obligation. It can look like sunshine on the water, laughter with new friends, a cool swim in a hidden spring, and the satisfaction of leaving a beloved place better than we found it.

Come paddle, play, and serve with us as we put environmental stewardship into action—one piece of litter at a time.

Space is limited, so reserve your place and join us on the water!

Hosted by Shamballah Home and Gardens
Supporting Stewardship at Every Scale