Check this page often. First Saturday Walks and Second Saturday programs of the San Antonio Natural Areas are subject to change. Call (210) 207-3111 for Medina River Natural Area programs, and (210) 564-6400 for all other programs. Watch for flyers posted in the parks, in various media and newsletters. Reservations are recommended.
Join us for a natural history interpretive walk at
Crownridge Canyon Natural Area
7222 Luskey Blvd.
Get some exercise after the holiday feasts and learn about this great Natural Area at the same time! Nature is not sleeping in the winter – come see what’s going on!
Reservations are recommended, as the hike will not be conducted if there are no pre-registered participants. Call (210) 564-6400. Participants are limited to 15 per hike. For groups of 8 or more please call to schedule a separate hike. Meet at the restrooms near the parking lot in each park. Be sure to BRING WATER to drink! A donation of $2 per person is suggested.
First Saturday Nature Walks are planned to give people an introduction to the natural and cultural history of four of San Antonio's Natural Areas. They are conducted at Crown Ridge Canyon Natural Area, Eisenhower Park, Friedrich Wilderness Park and Walker Ranch Historical Landmark.
Reservations are recommended, as the hike will not be conducted if there are no pre-registered participants. Call 210/564-6400. Participants are limited to 15 per hike. For groups of 8 or more please call to schedule a separate hike. Meet at the restrooms near the parking lot in each park.
Be sure to BRING WATER to drink! A donation of $2 per person is suggested.
Second Saturday Programs of the San Antonio Natural Areas may be subject to change. Call (210) 564-6400 or watch for flyers posted in the parks, in various media and newsletters.
Many programs have limited space so reservations are recommended. There is a suggested individual donation of $3.00 per individual or $5.00 per family.
Eisenhower Park, 19399 NW Military Hwy. - Come join us for a walk with city forester, Michael Nentwich, to explore our trees in winter. Learn how they can be used in urban situations and begin to think about trees you may want to plant in your yard this year. Free tree to the first 20 families!
Reservations are recommended for this event. Please call 210-564-6400 There is a suggested donation of $3.00 per individual or $5.00 per family
Call (210) 564-6400 for reservations and information. Walk-ins will be accepted on a limited basis. Suggested donation: $3.00 per individual/ $5.00 per family. Bring water for this hiking tour.
January 9, 2010 - 9 am to 11 am:
Peregrine Falcons and the Art of Falconry
Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Hwy 16 South - Matt Reidy, TPWD Wildlife Biologist will provide information on the peregrine falcon and their adaptations for survival, the natural history of the peregrine falcon, the endangered species act and why the peregrine falcon was in trouble, and information on the sport of falconry.
Call (210) 207-3111 for reservations and information. Walk-ins will be accepted on a limited basis. Suggested donation: $3.00 per individual/ $5.00 per family.
February 6, 2010 - 6 pm to 8 pm:
Star Party
Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Hwy 16 South - Join the San Antonio Astronomical Association and view the early evening stars with high tech telescopes and see what is up in the winter sky. Bring a folding chair and a flashlight with red cellophane over the lens.
Call (210) 207-3111 for reservations and information. Walk-ins will be accepted on a limited basis. Suggested donation: $3.00 per individual/ $5.00 per family.
February 13, 2010 - 10:00 am to noon
Get the Point?
Eisenhower Park, 19399 NW Military Hwy. - Join local flint-knappers in demonstrations, examining displays and trying your hand at making an arrow point.
Call (210) 564-6400 for reservations and information. Walk-ins will be accepted on a limited basis. Suggested donation: $3.00 per individual/ $5.00 per family. Bring water for this hiking tour.
March 6, 2010 - 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Pollinators: Bees, Bats & Butterflies
Phil Hardberger Park, 12000 NW Military Hwy. - We will explore the various pollinators that without which we would not have so many of the food & beverages we all enjoy.
Presenter: Paul Cox, renowned botanist and co-author of the book, Texas Trees, A Friendly Guide.
Program Reservations: 624-2575,
Suggested donation: $3 per person/$4 per family
March 13, 2010 - 9:00 am to noon:
PEAK Training
Eisenhower Park, 19399 NW Military Hwy. - PEAK Training with Cyndy Nemcik, Leave No Trace Instructor. Promoting environmental awareness in kids. Learning hiking and camping skills.
Call (210) 564-6400 for reservations and information. Walk-ins will be accepted on a limited basis. Suggested donation: $3.00 per individual/ $5.00 per family
March 13, 2010 - 9 am to 11 am:
Solar Cooking for Spring
Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Hwy 16 South - Monika Salyer-Solar Cooking International. Solar cooking is the simplest, safest, most convenient way to cook food without consuming fuels or heating up the kitchen. Many people choose to solar cook for these reasons. For some in the world it is a life saving skill to have safe drinking water. Learn different methods and types of solar cookers. Make a mini solar cooker to take home.
Call (210) 207-3111 for reservations and information. Walk-ins will be accepted on a limited basis. Suggested donation: $3.00 per individual/ $5.00 per family.
April 3, 2010 - 10 am to noon:
Nature Walk - Walker Ranch Nature & History
Walker Ranch,
12603 West Ave.
- This State Historic Park contains striking interpretive panels by artist, Joy Fisher Hein, and is the home of numerous plant and animal species. Walker Ranch was once the place where large animals were raised to supply the Alamo. Join us for a exploration of this great little pocket of nature and its history!
Reservations are recommended, as the hike will not be conducted if there are no pre-registered participants. Call (210) 564-6400. Participants are limited to 15 per hike. For groups of 8 or more please call to schedule a separate hike. Meet at the restrooms near the parking lot in each park. Be sure to BRING WATER to drink! A donation of $2 per person is suggested.
April 3, 2010 - 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Waters, Aquifers & Conservation
Phil Hardberger Park, 12000 NW Military Hwy. - We will discuss water conservation and our aquifer. We will additionally have a kid friendly activity.
Presenters: Texas Rain Harvest Catchment Systems & Edwards Aquifer Authority.
Program Reservations: 624-2575,
Suggested donation: $3 per person/$4 per family
April 10, 2010 - 10 am to 11:30 am:
Meeting Snakes
Friedrich Park, 21395 Milsa - Enjoy a beautiful morning in one of San Antonio’s Natural Areas while learning about non-venomous and venomous snakes with members of the South Texas Herpetology Association. The program, presented by the association and various scaly friends, will allow those attending to get up close and personal with several snakes as they learn about the habits and habitats of several of these interesting local reptiles.
Call (210) 564-6400 for reservations and information. Walk-ins will be accepted on a limited basis. Suggested donation: $3.00 per individual/ $5.00 per family
April 10, 2010 - 9 am to 11 am:
Bugs, Bugs, and More Bugs
Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Hwy 16 South - Bug Lady Holly Camero invites you to look into the world of insects with hissing cockroaches, ox bow beetles, grub worms and butterflies. Kid Friendly Butterfly craft activity included.
Call (210) 207-3111 for reservations and information. Walk-ins will be accepted on a limited basis. Suggested donation: $3.00 per individual/ $5.00 per family.
May 1, 2010 - 10 am to noon:
Nature Walk - Crown Ridge Canyon Nature & Trees
Crown Ridge Canyon Natural Area, 7222 Luskey Blvd. The canyon should be lush and colorful for this guided nature walk.
Reservations are recommended, as the hike will not be conducted if there are no pre-registered participants. Call (210) 564-6400. Participants are limited to 15 per hike. For groups of 8 or more please call to schedule a separate hike. Meet at the restrooms near the parking lot in each park. Be sure to BRING WATER to drink! A donation of $2 per person is suggested.
May 1, 2010 - 9:00 am to 11:00 am
May Day Spring Wildflowers
Phil Hardberger Park, 12000 NW Military Hwy. - We will celebrate May-Day by taking a stroll through the park to identify the blooming spring wildflowers. We will also have a kid friendly activity.
Presenter: Lottie Milsap, expert on the Wildflowers of Texas.
Program Reservations: 624-2575,
Suggested donation: $3 per person/$4 per family
May 8, 2010 - 9 am to noon:
Neighborhood Birds
Friedrich Park, 21395 Milsa - Explorations in the world of birds with Tom and Patsy Inglet. Learn to use binoculars.
Call (210) 564-6400 for reservations and information. Walk-ins will be accepted on a limited basis. Suggested donation: $3.00 per individual/ $5.00 per family
May 8, 2010 - 9 to 11
Celebrate Mother Earth
Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Hwy 16 South - Celebrate Mother Earth with Apache Del Rio- South Texas Native American Dancing and Storytellings
Call (210) 207-3111 for reservations and information. Walk-ins will be accepted on a limited basis. Suggested donation: $3.00 per individual/ $5.00 per family.
June 5, 2010 - 10 am to noon:
Nature Walk - Friedrich Park Family Walk & Crafts
Friedrich Wilderness Park, 21395 Milsa. - Join us for a family oriented leasurly walk through parts of San Antonio's premier Natural Area.
Reservations are recommended, as the hike will not be conducted if there are no pre-registered participants. Call (210) 564-6400. Participants are limited to 15 per hike. For groups of 8 or more please call to schedule a separate hike. Meet at the restrooms near the parking lot in each park. Be sure to BRING WATER to drink! A donation of $2 per person is suggested.
June 5, 2010 - 8:00 am to 10:00 am
Tails on the Trails (Dogs)
Phil Hardberger Park, 12000 NW Military Hwy. - We plan to have presentations from the Rescue Dog Society, the Service Dog group and the Military or Police Dog units. We will additionally have Animal Care Services have an adoption day at the park.
Presenters: Rescue Dog Team, Animal Care Services, Guide Dogs of Texas & USAF Canine Security Unit.
Program Reservations: 624-2575,
Suggested donation: $3 per person/$4 per family
June 12, 2010 - 10 am to noon:
Canyon Plants
Crown Ridge Canyon Natural Area, 7222 Luskey Blvd - Walk through Crown Ridge Canyon Natural Area with native plant expert, Janis Merritt to experience the bounty of plantlife in this Natural Area.
Call (210) 564-6400 for reservations and information. Walk-ins will be accepted on a limited basis. Suggested donation: $3.00 per individual/ $5.00 per family
June 12, 2010 - 9 am to 11 am
Snakes Alive
Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Hwy 16 South - South Texas Herpetology Association. View up close native non-venomous and venomous slithering cold blooded reptiles. Snakes are Cool! Create a snake mobile to take home.
Call (210) 207-3111 for reservations and information. Walk-ins will be accepted on a limited basis. Suggested donation: $3.00 per individual/ $5.00 per family
July 3 2009 - 10 am to noon:
Nature Walk - Walker Ranch Nature & Trees
Walker Ranch,
12603 West Ave.
- This State Historic Park contains striking interpretive panels by artist, Joy Fisher Hein, and is the home of numerous plant and animal species. Walker Ranch was once the place where large animals were raised to supply the Alamo. Join us for a exploration of this great little pocket of nature and its history!
Reservations are recommended, as the hike will not be conducted if there are no pre-registered participants. Call (210) 564-6400. Participants are limited to 15 per hike. For groups of 8 or more please call to schedule a separate hike. Meet at the restrooms near the parking lot in each park. Be sure to BRING WATER to drink! A donation of $2 per person is suggested.
JuLy 10, 2010 - 10 am to noon:
Growing Up WILD
Eisenhower Park, 19399 NW Military Hwy. - This program targets children ages 3 - 7 and their families with nature games, crafts, hands-on displays and other activities.
Call (210) 564-6400 for reservations and information. Walk-ins will be accepted on a limited basis. Suggested donation: $3.00 per individual/ $5.00 per family.
July 10, 2010 - 9 am to 11 am
Rocks, Minerals and Stones
Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Hwy 16 South - Mr. Emmett Jackson How are rocks formed? Discussion of minerals and their formations. See his display of different types of minerals and semi-precious stones. Kid friendly activity of polishing rocks/stones.
Call (210) 207-3111 for reservations and information. Walk-ins will be accepted on a limited basis. Suggested donation: $3.00 per individual/ $5.00 per family
July 14, 2010 - 9:30 am to 11:30 am:
WILD WEDNESDAYS - Limestone Legacy
Friedrich Wilderness Park, 21395 Milsa. - Limestone Legacy: Hike to explore the limestone and other rocks of our area. Make a sedimentary rock.
Family oriented – target ages: 7 – 11 years $5.00/class – max $10/family. Please call at (210) 372-9124 or email at pspring@sanantonio.gov for more information or reservations.
July 21, 2010 - 9:30 am to 11:30 am:
WILD WEDNESDAYS - From Insect to Ink!
Friedrich Wilderness Park, 21395 Milsa. - Make ink from an insect house; sample some ‘bug juice’. Write with a quill pen and take it home.
Family oriented – target ages: 7 – 11 years $5.00/class – max $10/family. Please call at (210) 372-9124 or email at pspring@sanantonio.gov for more information or reservations.
July 28, 2010 - 9:30 am to 11:30 am:
WILD WEDNESDAYS - Paws & Claws
Friedrich Wilderness Park, 21395 Milsa. - Examine animal pelts, skulls and model feet. Learn about tracking. Make a cast of an animal track.
Family oriented – target ages: 7 – 11 years $5.00/class – max $10/family. Please call at (210) 372-9124 or email at pspring@sanantonio.gov for more information or reservations.
August 4, 2010 - 9:30 am to 11:30 am:
WILD WEDNESDAYS - Water, Water Everywhere
Friedrich Wilderness Park, 21395 Milsa. - Hike to our windmill. Study a model of a stream. Take home a test tube with an oil/water demo.
Family oriented – target ages: 7 – 11 years $5.00/class – max $10/family. Please call at (210) 372-9124 or email at pspring@sanantonio.gov for more information or reservations.
August 7, 2010 - 10 am to noon:
Nature Walk - Eisenhower Park Family Walk with Crafts
Dwight D Eisenhower Park, 19399 NW Military Hwy. - Join us for a family oriented leasurly walk through parts of this hill country Natural Area.
Reservations are recommended, as the hike will not be conducted if there are no pre-registered participants. Call (210) 564-6400. Participants are limited to 15 per hike. For groups of 8 or more please call to schedule a separate hike. Meet at the restrooms near the parking lot in each park. Be sure to BRING WATER to drink! A donation of $2 per person is suggested.
August 11, 2010 - 9:30 am to 11:30 am:
WILD WEDNESDAYS - Roaches to Go
Friedrich Wilderness Park, 21395 Milsa. - Explore the lives of insects with Holly Camero’s six-legger critters. Make an insect habitat.
Family oriented – target ages: 7 – 11 years $5.00/class – max $10/family. Please call at (210) 372-9124 or email at pspring@sanantonio.gov for more information or reservations.
August 14, 2010 - 10 am to noon:
Roaches to Go
Eisenhower Park, 19399 NW Military Hwy - We all love those creeping and crawling bugs. Holly Camero leads our exploration into the world of the six-legged.
Call (210) 564-6400 for reservations and information. Walk-ins will be accepted on a limited basis. Suggested donation: $3.00 per individual/ $5.00 per family.
August 14, 2010 - 9 am to 11 am
Bicycle Safety on Trails
Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Hwy 16 South - San Antonio Park Police. Includes free water bottles, Learn about parts of the bicycle, taking care of your bike and trail riding safety. Bring your own bike and ride with the officers. Suggested for ages 5-12 years old.
Call (210) 207-3111 for reservations and information. This event is very popular and is limited to 20, so reserve your spot early. Suggested donation: $3.00 per individual/ $5.00 per family
September 4, 2010 - 10 am to noon:
Nature Walk - Friedrich Park Nature & Trees
Friedrich Wilderness Park, 21395 Milsa. - Explore this beautiful park and learn about it's ecology and trees.
Reservations are recommended, as the hike will not be conducted if there are no pre-registered participants. Call (210) 564-6400. Participants are limited to 15 per hike. For groups of 8 or more please call to schedule a separate hike. Meet at the restrooms near the parking lot in each park. Be sure to BRING WATER to drink! A donation of $2 per person is suggested.
September 4, 2010 - 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Arachnids
Phil Hardberger Park, 12000 NW Military Hwy. - We will explore the interesting & fascinating world of spiders. We will walk through the park looking for spiders in various habitats. We will additionally have a kid friendly activity. Presenter: Dr. Cary Guffey of Our Lady of the Lake University.
Program Reservations: 624-2575,
Suggested donation: $3 per person/$4 per family
September 11, 2010 - 10 am to noon:
Animal Tracking
Eisenhower Park, 19399 NW Military Hwy. - Join wildlife biologist Richard Heilbrun (Texas Parks & Wildlife Department) for an interactive workshop to explore wildlife tracks of central Texas.
Call (210) 564-6400 for reservations and information. Walk-ins will be accepted on a limited basis. Suggested donation: $3.00 per individual/ $5.00 per family.
September 11, 2010 - 9 am to 11 am
Native Plants of the South Texas Brushlands
Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Hwy 16 South - Hike with author and local botanist Patty Leslie Pasztor and learn about edible and native plant uses.
Call (210) 207-3111 for reservations and information. Walk-ins will be accepted on a limited basis. Suggested donation: $3.00 per individual/ $5.00 per family
October 2, 2010 - 10 am to noon:
Nature Walk - Walker Ranch: Nature and the Artist
Walker Ranch,
12603 West Ave.
- This State Historic Park contains striking interpretive panels by artist, Joy Fisher Hein, and is the home of numerous plant and animal species. Walker Ranch was once the place where large animals were raised to supply the Alamo. Join us for a exploration of this great little pocket of nature and its history!
Reservations are recommended, as the hike will not be conducted if there are no pre-registered participants. Call (210) 564-6400. Participants are limited to 15 per hike. For groups of 8 or more please call to schedule a separate hike. Meet at the restrooms near the parking lot in each park. Be sure to BRING WATER to drink! A donation of $2 per person is suggested.
October 2, 2010 - 8:00 am to 10:00 am
Birds – Fall Migration
Phil Hardberger Park, 12000 NW Military Hwy. - We will take a birding walk and discover what birds are normally found at HP and what birds are migrating through. We will additionally have a kid friendly activity. Presenters: Tom & Patsy Inglet, Local Birding Experts.
Program Reservations: 624-2575,
Suggested donation: $3 per person/$4 per family
October 9, 2010 - 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm:
Welcome to My Web
Eisenhower Park, 19399 NW Military Hwy. - A lively investigation of spiders with a brief walk to look for them with Dr. Cary Guffey from Our Lady of the Lake University.
Call (210) 564-6400 for reservations and information. Walk-ins will be accepted on a limited basis. Suggested donation: $3.00 per individual/ $5.00 per family.
October 16, 2010 - 8 am to noon
Medina River Natural Area - Fall Fest!
Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Hwy 16 South - The 6th Annual Fall Fest! Bring the whole family for a fun filled Saturday morning activities such as Art in the Park, Texas Mammal Skins & Skulls, Flint Knapping, Live Snakes, Search & Rescue Dogs, Leaf Animals, Nature Tattoos and Water Conservation with many more activities.
In conjunction with Land Heritage Institute, there will also be a 10K race (“The Trail” 10K) through Medina River Natural Area trails and a Heritage Festival & BBQ on the Land Heritage Institute property. See Land Heritage Institute for more information
Call (210) 207-3111 for reservations and information. Walk-ins will be accepted on a limited basis. Suggested donation: $3.00 per individual/ $6.00 per family
November 6, 2010 - 10 am - noon
Nature Walk - Crown Ridge Canyon Family Walk & Crafts
Crown Ridge Canyon Natural Area, 7222 Luskey Blvd. Enjoy this family-oriented hike in this unique Natural Area.
Reservations are recommended, as the hike will not be conducted if there are no pre-registered participants. Call (210) 564-6400. Participants are limited to 15 per hike. For groups of 8 or more please call to schedule a separate hike. Meet at the restrooms near the parking lot in each park. Be sure to BRING WATER to drink! A donation of $2 per person is suggested.
November 6, 2010 - 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Wild about Turkeys
Phil Hardberger Park, 12000 NW Military Hwy. - We learn many things about our “national bird” including how to call for it, its typical habitat, and how different the “wild” bird is compared to the one on our Thanksgiving table. We will also have a kid friendly activity. Presenter: Phil Stratton of the National Wild Turkey Federation.
Program Reservations: 624-2575,
Suggested donation: $3 per person/$4 per family
November 13, 2010 - 10 am - 11 am
Native American Stories
Eisenhower Park, 19399 NW Military Hwy - November 13, 2010 10:00 am - 11:00 am Native American stories Lipan Apache story teller, Emma Ortega,shares her stories including the story of what the turkeys saved! Eisenhower Park
Call(210) 564-6400 for reservations and information. Walk-ins will be accepted on a limited basis. Suggested donation: $3.00 per individual/ $5.00 per family.
Saturday, November 13, 2010 - 6 pm to 8 pm
Owl Prowl
Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Hwy 16 South - Richard Heilbrun, TPWD Wildlife Biologist for an evening about owls, take a walk to the interpretive area where live barred owls will be called in with owl calls as they stake out their territory. This program is very popular and limited to 50 people, so call 210-624-2575 today to RSVP.
Call (210) 207-3111 for reservations and information. Walk-ins will be accepted on a limited basis. Suggested donation: $3.00 per individual/ $5.00 per family
December 4, 2010 - 10 am to noon:
Nature Walk - Friedrich Park Nature & Animal Signs
Friedrich Wilderness Park, 21395 Milsa. - Explore this beautiful park and learn about it's habitat and wildlife.
Reservations are recommended, as the hike will not be conducted if there are no pre-registered participants. Call (210) 564-6400. Participants are limited to 15 per hike. For groups of 8 or more please call to schedule a separate hike. Meet at the restrooms near the parking lot in each park. Be sure to BRING WATER to drink! A donation of $2 per person is suggested.
December 11, 2010 - 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm:
Star Party
Eisenhower Park, 19399 NW Military Hwy. - Star gazing with the San Antonio Astronomical Society. What's to see in the crisp, clear winter skies?
Call (210) 564-6400 for reservations and information. Walk-ins will be accepted on a limited basis. Suggested donation: $3.00 per individual/ $5.00 per family.
December 11, 2010 - 10 am to noon
Bare Branches
Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Hwy 16 South - Come join us for a walk with city forester, Michael Nentwich, to explore our trees in winter. Learn how they can be used in urban situations and begin to think about trees you may want to plant in your yard this year. Free tree to the first 20 families!
Call (210) 207-3111 for reservations and information. Walk-ins will be accepted on a limited basis. Suggested donation: $3.00 per individual/ $5.00 per family
