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THE RIVER PIERCE FOUNDATION
San Ygnacio, Texas
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
The River Pierce Foundation feels it is imperative to explore the pre-settlement terrain as well as the pioneer technologies and cultures of peoples reflected in the vernacular of buildings. Currently the Foundation develops the following programs:
Summer Heritage Camp
The annual Summer Heritage Camp explores the history of the settlers, indigenous Native Americans and New World pioneers in a remote terrain that is once again at the frontlines of today’s borderlands issues. The Heritage Camp has its roots in the early “Artist In The School” curriculum provided by the River Pierce Foundation for students at A. L. Benavidez Elementary School from 1991 to 1995. While it was only an hour a day for 8 weeks, with an emphasis on the fine arts, the format was revised in 2003 when award-winning teacher Melita “Gigi” Rodriguez was invited to participate in program planning.
Kathleen Guerrero is an educator born in Laredo, Texas. She graduated from St. Edward’s University in Austin, and has taught language arts, Social Studies, science for 30 years, retired since 2001. Her first insect net is 63 years old and hangs in the “bug room” displayed along with entomological specimens, bird nests, feathers, sands, seeds, leaves, sea life, mushrooms and lichen, and other natural specimens collected while traveling the U.S. and various countries in the world.Her involvement with The River Pierce Foundation is centered on leading summer and outdoor education camps, informed by her training at Region 16 Education Support Center, Amarillo; Panhandle Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists; and Math and Science Conferences. Guerrero remains current by attending advanced training programs, and undertaking extensive research developing new programs.
Kathleen Guerrero is an educator born in Laredo, Texas. She graduated from St. Edward’s University in Austin, and has taught language arts, Social Studies, science for 30 years, retired since 2001. Her first insect net is 63 years old and hangs in the “bug room” displayed along with entomological specimens, bird nests, feathers, sands, seeds, leaves, sea life, mushrooms and lichen, and other natural specimens collected while traveling the U.S. and various countries in the world.Her involvement with The River Pierce Foundation is centered on leading summer and outdoor education camps, informed by her training at Region 16 Education Support Center, Amarillo; Panhandle Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists; and Math and Science Conferences. Guerrero remains current by attending advanced training programs, and undertaking extensive research developing new programs.
International Artists in Residence Program
An International Artists in Residence Program for visual artists, writers, poets and musicians encourages exploration and creativity in supportive and beautiful surroundings.
Poetry Reading Under the Sundial
Each spring, the River Pierce Foundation invites local and visiting poets to welcome the Equinox through verse, music, and refreshment in the Treviño-Uribe Rancho. Past events have honored the environment, the planting of trees, and social justice.
Publications Program
Since 2017, The River Pierce Foundation has published limited edition projects about the history of the Treviño-Uribe Rancho, including brochures, booklets, and wall calendars produced with the cooperation or writers, artists, and photographers.
Archeology and Architecture
Archeology and Architecture programs include training, workshops and fellowships created for the study of the architectural techniques, materials and cultures of the time.
Environmental Activism
Environmental Activism engages participants in the planting and care for indigenous flora; protects riverbank native vegetation and wildlife sanctuary; hosts symposia and debate on such environmental issues as the contamination of the Lower Rio Grande Valley; and seeks to promote a thoughtful and proactive approach to utility infrastructure failures through alternative energy production and residential water harvesting.
Oral History
The Oral History of the families of San Ygnacio is documented, archived and made available through public presentations, publications and videos.
Crossing Borders of Awareness Programs
Crossing Borders of Awareness Programs explore the history of the settlers, indigenous Native Americans and New World pioneers in a remote terrain that is once again at the frontlines of today’s borderlands issues. Rewarding academic excellence in local students, the Foundation’s Youth programming provides extra-curricular activities at no cost to Hispanic youth offering a merit-based academic advantage, while seeking to identifying leadership and lowering local high school drop-out rates.
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