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2012 Events & Programs

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 Hardberger Park and Medina River Natural Area programs, and (210) 372-9124 for all other programs. Watch for flyers posted in the parks, in various media and newsletters. Reservations are recommended.

January

January 7, 2012- 10 am to noon:

Liken' Lichen - Nature Walk

Eisenhower Park, 19399 NW Military Hwy. - Crustose, foliose, fruticose? Sound like a bad disease or something in a vending machine? Come on this walk with Natural Areas Education Director Peggy Spring and find out. On this brisk first nature walk of the new year, we'll explore the lichens of Eisenhower Park and their contribution to the ecosystem. Reservations are suggested; walks occasionally change.

Reservations are recommended, as the hike will not be conducted if there are no pre-registered participants. Call (210) 372-9124. 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.

breaking geodes

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 210/372-9124. 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) 372-9124 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.

First Saturday Walks and Second Saturday Programs are sponsored by San Antonio Natural Area Parks &Bexar Audubon Society.

January 7, 2012- 9 am to 11 am

Native American Artifacts

Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Rd. - Join Master Naturalist Tony Kustelski, who is a self taught archeologist, as he displays his large collection of Native American Arrowheads and Artifacts for you to view. Learn about the tools that were used many years ago by hunters and gatherers from this region. Make an arrowhead necklace. This program will be held in the Salado Creek Classroom.

Program Reservations: (210) 207-3111, Suggested donation: $3 per person/$5 per family

January 14, 2012 - 10 am to Noon:

Tough Trees

Eisenhower Park, 19399 NW Military Hwy. - Come join us for a walk with city forester, Michael Nentwich, to see how our native trees are surviving this time of drought! Compare this to the survivorship of our urban trees and begin to think about what you may want to plant in your yard this year. Now is the time to think about planting! Reservations are recommended; call 210/372-9124 or email

Call (210) 372-9124 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 14, 2012- 9 am to 11 am:

Arrowheads & Flint Knapping

Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Hwy 16 South - Join Master Naturalist Tony Kustelski as he displays his collection of Texas arrowheads and artifacts. In addition, Sam Viera, Medina River Natural Area staff member will demonstrate the art of flint knapping. Make your own arrowhead necklace.

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 4, 2012 - 10 am to noon:

Nature's Storehouse Walk

Friedrich Wilderness Park 21395 Milsa - In the days of no Wal-mart or HEB, people made what they needed from the plants and animals around them. Put on your jacket and take a walk with us to explore the uses of native plants for food, fiber, shelter and more. Sotol fibers for cordage; juniper bark for 'diapers'; insect houses for ink. You don't want to miss learning about nature's storehouse of resources for us!

February 4, 2012 - 9 am to 11 am

Truth & Consequences of Exotic Invasives

Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Rd. - Salado Creek Outdoor Classroom. Park Naturalist, Wendy Leonard will discuss how exotic invasive species are overrunning our City Parks and Natural Areas by the thousands. These invaders include everything from feral hogs to grasses. They threaten the success of our native species and lead to a loss of diversity. Learn about our most troublesome exotic plant invaders and how you can be part of the solution. You will walk away from this presentation with native plant options for your yard and a native plant to get you started.

Program Reservations: (210) 207-3111, Suggested donation: $3 per person/$5 per family

February 11, 2012 - 10 am to noon:

Birding 101

Friedrich Wilderness Park, 21395 Milsa - Do you enjoy watching the birds outside the window in your yard squabbling over a seed, splashing in a puddle, or cruising around the flowers? This is your opportunity to explore your interest in birds and learn the basics of binocular use and bird identification. 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.

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

February 11, 2012 - 6 pm to 8 pm:

Star Party

Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Hwy 16 South - 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. Great for the whole family annual winter program. Reservations suggested.

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.

March 3, 2012 - 10 am to noon:

Leave No Trace Walk

Crownridge Canyon Natural Area, 7222 Luskey Blvd. - 'Leaving Your Mark is Overrated!' A trained 'Leave No Trace' facilitator will lead this spring walk in the canyon. They will share tips for environmental friendly hiking and camping as you enjoy this San Antonio Natural Area as it finishes waking up from winter.

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.

March 3, 2012 - 9 am to 11 am

Bats in Your Belfry

Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Rd. - Salado Creek Outdoor Classroom. Kim Hoskins, a long time member of Bat Conservation International, will be speaking about the world's bats and their ecosystems. Learn about what is threatening the Mexican Free-Tail Bat's habitat in this region. Kid friendly bat craft included.

Program Reservations: (210) 207-3111, Suggested donation: $3 per person/$5 per family

March 10, 2012 - 10 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.

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 10, 2012 - 9 am to 11 am:

Apache Del Rio Intertribal

Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Hwy 16 South - Celebrate Spring with the Apache Del Rio Intertribal who drum, dance and tell stories like their ancestors before. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets for this outside program. Great for the whole family. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for outdoor seating. Make an arrowhead necklace

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 7, 2012 - 8 am to 10 am:

Sounds of Spring Walk

Friedrich Wilderness Park, 21395 Milsa - In the spring, the birds are very vocal while attracting their mates and defending their territories. This is a fine time to take a walk in this lovely Natural Area with experienced local birders, Patsy and Tom Inglet. They will help you identify and enjoy the avian songsters.

April 7, 2012 - 8 am to 10 am

Snakes Alive!

Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Rd. - Jeff Dominguez of the South Texas Herpetology Association displays and talks about venomous and non-venomous snakes of Texas. Hold a friendly live snake. Kid friendly activity included.

Program Reservations: (210) 207-3111, Suggested donation: $3 per person/$5 per family

April 14, 2012 - 10 am to noon:

Super Serpents!

Eisenhower Park, 19399 NW Military Hwy. - Exploring snakes of the San Antonio area with members of the South Texas Herpetology Association.

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 14, 2012 - 9 am to 11 am:

Spring Bird Migration

Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Hwy 16 South - Spring bird migration is an annual spectacle in Texas. Thousands of birds travel through Texas on their way to northern North America for the summer breeding season. Join Peggy Darr, Nature Preserve Officer at Medina River Natural Area, for a discussion about spring bird migration and a short hike to spot a multitude of marvelous migrants!

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 5, 2012 - 9 am to 11 am:

Family Walk with Crafts

Eisenhower Park, 19399 NW Military Hwy. - This walk is planned for families with young children and will proceed at a leisurely pace on the paved trails of the park. We'll search for sharp, prickly things on this hike: spines, thorns, prickles and needles. Afterwards, we make a thorny cactus to take home. Don't even think about coming without full water bottles!

May 5, 2012 - 9 am to 11 am

Running Waters

Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Rd. - Dance to the beat of the drum from Running Waters. Join the Apache Del Rio Intertribal as they dance, tell stories and sing songs of their ancestors. This event will be held on the west side at 8400 Military Pkwy entrance. See signs off parking lot. Make your own corn husk doll.

Program Reservations: (210) 207-3111, Suggested donation: $3 per person/$5 per family

May 12, 2012 - 10 am to noon:

Nature Photography

Eisenhower Park, 19399 NW Military Hwy. - Photography instructor Cindy Simms, shares how to shoot great photographs of nature's beauty!

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 12, 2012 - 9 AM to 11 AM

Bees are Beneficial

Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Hwy 16 South - Join Master Naturalist Eva Fromme and her husband as they discuss the benefits of beekeeping. Learn how bees really make honey and the products we use from their production. Sample some of their sweet product. Kid Friendly 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.

June 2, 2012 - 9 am to 11 am:

Grasses of Crown Ridge Canyon Walk

Crown Ridge Canyon Natural Area, 7222 Luskey Blvd. - In the world of plants, grasses don't get much attention. Yet, they provide much of the food for the world and are critical components of ecosystems. On this hike, we will try to identify some of the grasses in the canyon and examine their importance. It can be very hot; bring at least one full water bottle per person!

June 2, 2012 - 9 am to 11 am

Pooch Parade

Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Rd. - Bring your dog on a leash to the Annual Pooch Parade. Prizes awarded for most unique dog, cutest and looks most like its owner. Sponsored by Camp Bow Wow and the Silver Stars Hoops and Hounds event. In addition. Hike with your dog on the trails with the San Antonio Big Dawgs Association. Demonstrations from Search and rescue Dogs and Military Dogs.

Program Reservations: (210) 207-3111, Suggested donation: $3 per person/$5 per family

JuNE 9, 2012 - 10 am to noon:

Wetland Detectives

Eisenhower Park, 19399 NW Military Hwy. - Mitchell Lake Audubon Center will help you detect water quality by viewing small aquatic animals living in it.

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 9, 2012 - 9 am to 11 am

Solar Cooking

Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Hwy 16 South - Join Sam Vierra, master naturalist and MRNA staff crew leader in learning about international uses for solar ovens. Sample food cooked from his homemade solar oven, weather permitting. Make a take home solar oven.

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 7 2012 - 9 am to 11 AM:

Insects Walk

Friedrich Wilderness Park, 21395 Milsa - Now the leaf munchers and other insects are busy with their chores. As the guide points out the delightful features of Friedrich Park, we'll have a 'buggy' expert along to help you learn more about the 6-legged critters. Bring a filled water bottle for each walker – you will need it!

July 7, 2012 - 9 am to 11 am

To Be Announced

Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Rd. -

Program Reservations: (210) 207-3111, Suggested donation: $3 per person/$5 per family

JuLY 14, 2012 - 10 am to 11 am:

Horned Lizards

Eisenhower Park, 19399 NW Military Hwy. - TPWD biologist Ryan Darr will share the life and habits of this fierce lizard and tell us why they are so scarce today.

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 14, 2012 - 9 am to 11 am

Bicycle Safety

Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Hwy 16 South - Join Park Police C.OR.E. Unit Officers for National Bike Month. They will be conducting bicycle safety inspections of your bicycle. Learn safety and trail courtesy while riding on the trails with Park Police. Bicycle safety and trail information provided by the San Antonio office of Environmental Policy and the San Antonio Bexar County Metropolitan Planning Organization.

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

August 4, 2012 - 9 am to 11 am:

Limestone Legacy Walk

Dwight D Eisenhower Park, 19399 NW Military Hwy. - This walk will focus on the geologic history of the limestone in the park. The Edwards Limestone, home to the Edwards Aquifer, was deposited over 100,000 million years ago. This hike will whet your appetite for the September Second Saturday fossil program! Bring water! It will be hot!!

August 4, 2012 - 9 am to 11 am

Grassland Restoration

Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Rd. - Join Lee Marlowe, San Antonio River Authority Natural Resource Management Specialist; discuss the ecological development of the Mission Reach Trail along the south end of the San Antonio River. Learn about the progression of the rivers grassland restoration project. Suggested for middle school and older children and adults. Wildflower seed packets provided to participants from the PHP Conservancy.

Program Reservations: (210) 207-3111, Suggested donation: $3 per person/$5 per family

August 11, 2012 - 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

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 11, 2012 - 9 am to 11 am

Fishing Fun

Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Hwy 16 South - Matthew Driffill, San Antonio River Authority Educational Specialist will be conducting a kid friendly fishing clinic. Explanation of the State of Texas rules for fishing and knot tying included. Practice casting and then go fishing on your own along the Medina River. Suggested for families with children 5-12 years old. Reservation recommended.

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 1, 2012 - 9 am to 11 am:

Tree Muses Walk

Crown Ridge Canyon Natural Area, 7222 Luskey Blvd. - Master Naturalist, Ron Tullius, will again lead this leafy hike in Crownridge Canyon. Our focus will be the largest members of the plant kingdom. There's such a diversity of tree bark, leaves and growth habit that you can't be bored on this walk. It's still warm around here; don't forget a full water bottle for each person!

September 1, 2012 - 9 am to 11 am

Leave No Trace - Impact in the Natural Area

Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Rd. - Leave No Trace is an international program designed to assist outdoor enthusiasts with their decisions about how to reduce their impacts when they hike, camp, picnic, run, bike, hunt, paddle, ride horses, fish, or climb. The program strives to educate all those who enjoy the outdoors about the nature of their recreational impacts as well as techniques to prevent and minimize such impacts. Leave No Trace is best understood as an educational and ethical program, not as a set of rules and regulations. Kid Friendly activity included.

Program Reservations: (210) 207-3111, Suggested donation: $3 per person/$5 per family

september 8, 2012 - 10 Am to Noon:

Fossils 101

Eisenhower Park, 19399 NW Military Hwy. - Local educators who are also archaeologist/paleontologists introduce you to the fine fossils of Texas.

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.

September 8, 2012 - 9 am to 11 am

Educación Sobre la Pesca (Fishing Clinic in Spanish)

Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Hwy 16 South - Paul Jaure, Especialista en Educación del Parque Estatal Choke Canyon hablara (en español) sobre las Reglas y Regulaciones de Pesca en Texas.

Aprenda acerca del tipo de peces que pueden ser encontrados en el río Medina utilizando prácticas de conservación de pesca. Actividades de diversión para familias con niños. Edad sugerida: 5-12 años de edad. Se recomienda hacer reservaciones.

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 6, 2012 - 10 am to noon:

Animal Signs Walk

Friedrich Wilderness Park, 21395 Milsa - When people come to walk with us, they always ask, "Where are the animals?" Well, they are hiding and they are nocturnal and they can be almost unnoticeably small, but we can see 'signs' of their presence even if we don't see them. We'll look for those signs as we enjoy all that is going on in nature this fall. It may still be warm enough that each person needs a full water bottle!

October 6, 2012 - 9 am to 11 am

Amazing Aquifer Adventure

Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Rd. - The award-winning Doc Edwards' ™ Amazing Aquifer Adventure! This program raises awareness of the Edwards Aquifer as a natural resource through a fun, interactive approach. Recommended for elementary aged children and their families. Kid friendly activity included.

Program Reservations: (210) 207-3111, Suggested donation: $3 per person/$5 per family

October 13, 2012 - 7 pm to 9 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 13, 2012 - 9 am to noon

Medina River Natural Area - Fall Fest!

Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Hwy 16 South - The 8th annual FALL FEST activities include art in the park, live snakes, mammal skins, native plants, water conservation, and fishing fun. Bring your whole family, troop or organization for a morning of outdoor nature fun activities. Free trees for the first 50 families attending.

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 3, 2012 - 10 am - noon

Crownridge Canyon Restoration Walk

Crownridge Canyon Natural Area, 7222 Luskey Blvd. - Sometimes nature needs a little help to modify some of the environmental changes brought on by man's activities. Join park staff and volunteers to hike to certain restoration areas and see what the Natural Areas are doing in this important work.

November 3, 2012 - 9 am to 11 am

Falconry

Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Rd. - Matt Reidy, Texas Parks and Wildlife Biologist, will discuss the art and hard work of falconry. View a peregrine falcon up close.

Program Reservations: (210) 207-3111, Suggested donation: $3 per person/$5 per family

November 10, 2012 - 10 am - noon

Native American Stories

Dwight D Eisenhower Park, 19399 NW Military Hwy. - Lipan Apache story teller, Emma Ortega, shares her stories including the story of what the turkeys saved!

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.

November 10, 2012 - 6 pm to 8 pm

Owl Prowl

Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Hwy 16 South - The annual Owl Prowl is presented by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Biologist and Manager, Richard Heilbrun. Join us for an evening about owls. Take a 1/2 mile hike to the interpretive area along the Medina River where barred owls will be called in with owl calls as they stake out their territory. Due to the sensitivity of the owls no participants will be admitted after 6:30pm. Limited to the first 30 people who reserve a spot. Reservations accepted Oct. 22-Nov. 2 only at 210-207-3111. Suggested for adults and children older than 7 years old. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating.

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 1, 2012 - 10 am to noon:

Friedrich Fall Color Walk

Friedrich Park, 21395 Milsa - Have you ever noticed the alternating layers of vegetation color here in the fall? As we walk and see what fall has brought to the canyon, we will solve the mystery of why you can look at the 'balcones' of the hills and see a red and green layer cake of color. And that's not the only sign of winter's approach – see how many more you can find!

December 1, 2012 - 9 am to 11 am

Dinosaur George

Phil Hardberger Park, 13203 Blanco Rd. - George Blasing is a self taught paleontologist and animal behaviorist who speaks to all ages about dinosaurs. His enthusiasm for dinosaurs has been entertaining families for over 35 years. Come early to this well attended event that will be held on the west side at 8400 Military Pkwy. Show starts at 9:15am. Great event for the whole family.

Program Reservations: (210) 207-3111, Suggested donation: $3 per person/$5 per family

December 8, 2012 - 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm:

Star Party

Dwight D 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 8, 2012 - 9 am to 11 am

Trees are the Answer

Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Hwy 16 South - The Texas Forest Service Regional Forester, Paul Johnson, will discuss the state of the South Texas Urban Forest. Learn about the way the drought has affected our regional forest. Free Tree Guides for the San Antonio Region available. Kid Friendly tree 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

Natural Areas parks have elements that may be extremely challenging or limiting for accessibility, physical strength and endurance. If you have questions about visiting a Natural Area or participating in a Natural Areas program, please call 210-372-9124.

design by woodland company | sponsored by Friends of Friedrich Park