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THE NATURAL AREAS
(en Español tambien)


News & Articles

New Trail Entry

Friedrich Wilderness Park trail entry is getting a make-over. See FWP Constructionfor more info.


Educator Resources

Welcome to “Educator Resources”, our growing selection of activities to enjoy along the trail and in the classroom or at home.  Some of these activities are designed to happen in one of our Natural Areas, some can happen in any outdoor location and some can be wherever you want them to happen! Anyone can be an outdoor educator and we are here to help you! 

Teacher Resources Link


Pass it On

The most precious treasure we possess is the lifetime of knowledge stored in our memory bank.  The most precious treasure the world possesses is the potential in the life of a child.  The greatest resource to sustain the environmental movement is the knowledge gained from lives lived close to the land.  The most effective tool for growing a child with a consuming desire to nurture the environment is the passing of that knowledge to them.

At a recent Explore program in the Natural Areas, an Education Volunteer guided the hands of a young class participant in the grinding of a batch of cochineal insects.  The ground insects would be dissolved in water to produce a dye for yarn that would be wound into a model of a coral snake.  The insects ground by someone else colored the strawberry banana juice we drank that day.  The students will not soon forget ‘bug juice’.  They will remember that the white fuzzy stuff on cactus is the protection around those cochineal insects.

One connection to the natural world that will help grow a child who will enjoy, appreciate and care for that world.  One volunteer who shared his knowledge and ‘passed it on’. 


Got Rocks?

deer

Yes we do! Our Natural Area Parks & the Hill Country have very interesting geology with an important relationship with our water source, the Edwards Aquifer. Dr. George Veni provides information on our geology in the series, "Geology of Friedrich Park".

 

EVENTS & EDUCATION



Volunteer Days

Our February 11 Volunteer Project will tackle a little "spring cleaning" at one of our Natural Areas. This project is from 9 am to noon and is limited to 20 participants. Please call us at (210) 564-6401 for more info.


February 4, 2012

Nature's Storehouse
Friedrich Wilderness Park
10 am - noon

In the days of no Wal-mart or HEB, people made what they needed from the plants and animals around them. Take a walk with us to explore the uses of native plants for food, fiber, shelter and more. See February Programsfor more info.


February 11, 2012

Birding 101
Friedrich Wilderness Park
10 am to noon

Do you enjoy watching the birds outside in your yard squabbling over a seed, splashing in a puddle, or cruising around the flowers? Bring your family (recommended for children 7 and over) and join Tom and Patsy Inglet for this great program. You may bring your own binoculars if you wish or we will have a few pair to loan. See February Programsfor more info.


February 11, 2012

Star Party
Medina River Natural Area
6 - 8 pm

Join the San Antonio Astronomical Association for an evening of high tech telescopes to view the moon, planets and stars. A digital slideshow of the universe included. This is a night time clear weather permitting event. See February Programsfor more info.




FLORA & FAUNA

"EXTREME DROUGHT" means that even your native trees may be in trouble without your help. See this article from International Society of Arboriculture for more information.



Golden-cheeks 2011!

Golden-cheeked WarblerThe endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler makes its summer home and breeding grounds in the Texas hillcountry. Learn about their lifestyle and habits in this presentation featuring a Golden-cheeked family as they build their nest and raise their young in the spring of 2011.


A Pig in the Park

 feral hog

As you have been walking the trails of Friedrich Wilderness Park, have you noticed those areas that look like someone has been tilling the ground? No, we are not planning to plant potatoes and onions in the Natural Area. This is the work of feral hogs rooting through the park searching for food. Read more about it in this article by Peggy Spring, Pigs in the Park.


Mountain Lion

mt lion

Mountain Lion (also known as puma, cougar and by other names) is a native animal of Bexar County.  They have always been here and continue to survive in reduced numbers.  As our communities expand and wild areas become more rare, these large cats are being forced into areas they would not normally inhabit.

The Natural Areas are nature preserves.  Our goal is to preserve the natural landscape and its native flora and fauna, including mountain lions.  However, human safety comes first.  For your protection we are providing this information.

Please review the Texas Parks and Wildlife's "Mountain Lions in Texas" for more information and the best reaction for you if you have the rare occurrence of a meeting with this animal.


OUR MISSION:
1) Preserve and manage San Antonio's Natural Areas to protect natural ecosystems,
2) Promote inclusive and transformative relationships between people and natural systems.

Learn more about Friedrich Wilderness Park and its programming, visit the Friends of Friedrich Park.

 


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San Antonio Natural Areas