Mark Your Calendars - November 6, 2026
Texas Groundwater Invertebrate Forum 20262026 Texas Groundwater Invertebrate Forum and Workshop Registration
Join us for the 2026 Texas Groundwater Invertebrate Forum (TGIF), November 6 (9 - 4pm).
This year’s forum will be a great opportunity to connect with researchers, students, and other professionals involved in the study and conservation of Texas groundwater invertebrates. Expect to enjoy engaging conversations, shared research, and valuable time to make new professional contacts and potential collaborators. Whether you are actively conducting groundwater-invertebrate research or simply interested in learning more about these unique ecosystems, TGIF is a welcoming place to exchange ideas and build connections.
TGIF Workshop- Smartphone Science: Specimen Photos with Your Smartphone.
Workshop will be held November 5th (12-4pm) at the San Antonio Zoo. (Workshop will be limited to 30 participants).
The 2026 Texas Groundwater Invertebrate Forum (TGIF) is now accepting registrations for oral presentations (15 minutes includes 3 minute Q & A) and posters (max size: 36" x 48"). There are still opportunities available for both oral presentations and poster presentations. We encourage anyone working in groundwater-focused work to consider sharing their research, monitoring efforts and applied projects.
2026 TGIF Photo and Art Contest
Calling all photographers, artists, and creatives! Help us celebrate the biodiversity of Texas’ underground ecosystems by submitting your best photo, drawing, painting, or digital art inspired by groundwater invertebrates or subterranean life. [Only one submission per person] Entries will be displayed during the TGIF conference, and select works will receive small prize. Deadline to submit: October 30, 2026
*Please use your name for your picture/art file name upload.
| TITLE | ABSTRACT | PRESENTER | CO-AUTHORS |
|---|
| TITLE | ABSTRACT | PRESENTER | CO-AUTHORS |
|---|
| Elizabeth Borda - Texas A&M University San Antonio |
| Fernando Calderon-Gutierrez - Stephen F. Austin State University |
| Kathryn Perez - University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley |
| Amelia Hunter - USFWS - Southwest Regional Office |
| Randy Gibson - USFWS– San Marcos Aquatic Resources Center |
| Victor Castillo III - Edwards Aquifer Research & Data Center |
| Benjamin Schwartz - Edwards Aquifer Research & Data Center |
| Benjamin Hutchins - Edwards Aquifer Research & Data Center |
Interactive Map for Directions--Click Blue Triangle Below
TEXAS GROUNDWATER INVERTEBRATE FORUM PHOTOS
GREAT TALKS-POSTERS WITH AN AWESOME GROUP OF ENTHUSIASTS!
GOAL
To bring together people who are working on subterranean biology so that knowledge and information can be shared and transferred and future efforts to increase knowledge of groundwater ecosystems can be coordinated.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the organizers of TGIF is to encourage collaboration and exchange of ideas and information, and to more efficiently and clearly convey and transfer information to those who need and/or use it.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
A number of people are currently working on Texas groundwater organisms, however, there is infrequent research coordination and information exchange about the diverse projects and ongoing efforts that can cause barriers for those who want to fully understand groundwater biodiversity, promote efficient dissemination, and effectively use the data for research and management purposes.