WHAT TO DO WHEN COMING AND GOING
Self-guided field trips are interesting stops and field trips you can take on your own while traveling to and from the symposium or during down time. There are no organized field trips planned for Thursday, Saturday, or Sunday. No NPSOT registration is required for self-guided field trips, but please check with any site of interest to plan your visit with regard to directions, hours, tickets and registrations, accessibility, and possible changes due to weather, fire-risk, road closures, or maintenance.
The list below is organized by county and city, so you can find and enjoy these destinations.
Table of Contents
Bexar County
San Antonio
Hardberger Park / Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge
Address: Three entrances: 13203 Blanco Rd.; 8400 NW Military Hwy; 1021 Voelcker Lane, San Antonio
Description: Phil Hardberger Park is a 311-acre sustainable natural urban park that is 75% wildlife preserve and 25% set aside for recreation. The park contains two playscapes and two dog parks on either side of the park, a nature play area for children, picnic facilities, basketball courts, an outdoor classroom, a children’s vegetable garden, a wildscape demonstration garden, a restored wetland, the Salado Creek overlook, the Skywalk, and the Robert L.B Tobin Land Bridge.
The park is bisected by Wurzbach Parkway running between N.W. Military Hwy and Blanco Rd. The park has been reconnected with the first dual-use land bridge for wildlife and pedestrians connecting the west side’s 3.64 miles of trails and the east side’s 2.84 miles of trails.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. It is mostly flat terrain with a gradual incline when on the land bridge.
Wheelchair/ADA Accessible: No; however, the trip is possible with participants being assisted in wheelchairs
Fees: No
Facilities: Yes
Hours: sunrise to sunset, seven days a week.
Comal County
Canyon Lake
Canyon Lake Gorge / Dinosaur Tracks
Description: Carved by the dam overflow flood in 2002 that removed rock and soil, the Canyon Lake Gorge is a real-life classroom where visitors can see the geology of the Texas Hill Country first-hand through visible faults, fractures and seeps in the limestone as well as fossils and 110 million year old dinosaur footprints.
The overflow created the gorge by removing rock and soil through layers of time and now reveals limestone layers from an ancient sea, perfectly preserved fossils, waterfalls and springs where the Trinity Aquifer is exposed, and even dinosaur tracks. Now it is a real-time example of native plant succession from bare stone.
Difficulty: Moderate; some steep elevation changes
Wheelchair/ADA Accessible: No
Fee: Self-guided overlook and nature trails–$5 person over 12
3-hour guided gorge tour–$20/person
90-minute guided gorge tour–$15/person
Facilities: Yes
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday; 8:00AM – 4:00PM; Last Trail Entry: 3:00pm
For more information: canyongorgetours.com/
James C. Curry Nature Center
Description: A popular 52-acre park that displays the beauty of the Hill Country. Observe native plants and wildlife.
Features: Drinking water is available at the entrance to the park. Benches are scattered around for a rest or watching nature. Dogs welcome. Wheelchairs not recommended because of elevation changes.
Trails: Follow a well-maintained .75 mile hiking loop with a significant elevation change. Moderate to easy 27-minute walk.
Fee: Free
Contact: cceo.org/parks/curry-nature-center
Madrone Trail in Canyon Park
Description: The Madrone Trail is a 7.6-mile loop trail that travels along the eastern side of Canyon Lake. It has some very rocky, challenging parts, and also some smooth, easy sections. This trail is intended to be multi-use and is shared by mountain bikers and hikers. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 40 min to complete. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Features: Madrone Trail is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. Trail head parking is located on Canyon Park Road approximately one mile off of FM 306 on the north side of the lake. Visitors are expected to respect the park’s natural resources on the Madrone Trail.
Trails: The trail is subject to seasonal closure for hunting. For more information, please visit www.swf-c.usace.army.mil/canyon/recreation/Trails/madrone.asp
Hours: Every day: 6 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Fee: Free
Contact: info@wordcc.com; (830) 907-2300
Madrone Trail Pollinator Garden at Canyon Park
Description: The Water Oriented Recreation District of Canyon Lake (WORD) and Texas Master Naturalists Lindheimer Chapter have turned an abandoned 1950s era Army radar station into a native plant garden. They used native flora to create a 40,000-square-foot butterfly-shaped garden. A high fence protects the native plants from deer and all Ash juniper trees have been removed.
Features: The garden started with volunteers planting at least 50 types of native plants. As volunteers have removed invasive plants, such as KR Bluestem, more natives and native grasses have appeared. The garden includes a gazebo, a little free library, and benches build by local Eagle Scouts. The garden is within easy walking distance from the Madrone Trail parking lot.
Trails: The mulched trail is also in the shape of a butterfly. One trail is named in honor of Ferdinand Lindheimer, father of Texas botany.
Wheelchair/ADA Accessible: No
Fee: Free
Facilities: Benches in garden
Hours: 24 hours, seven days a week
More information: 830-907-2300
Susan Bogle Butterfly Garden at Tye Preston Memorial Library
Description:
Created in 2011, the Tye Preston Memorial Library Susan Bogle Butterfly Garden in Canyon Lake is a public demonstration garden, as well as a Certified Wildlife Habitat, Certified Butterfly Garden and a Monarch Waystation. The large majority of the plants are natives to the ecoregion. The garden has approximately 90 different varieties that are butterfly favorites. Plants include both host and nectar varieties. In addition to butterfly plants there are also multiple pieces of butterfly art, including the entry gate and chairs throughout the garden.
Difficulty: Easy
Wheelchair/ADA Accessible: Yes
Fees: No
Facilities: Yes in library
Hours: 9 AM–8:30 PM
New Braunfels
Landa Park–William & Delores Schumann Arboretum
Description: Landa Park in New Braunfels is the home of the William and Dolores Schumann Arboretum. Originally created in 1982 by the Guada Coma Garden Club, the arboretum was dedicated in 2007 to William and Dolores Schumann in honor of their endless devotion to this botanical jewel. The arboretum is home to over 80 species of native and non-native trees, making it one of the most diverse arboretums in Texas. This arboretum acts as a “living library” of trees, providing a classroom setting for the study of botany, arboriculture, and other popular interests. The 1.25-mile walk to tour the arboretum is easily accessible.
Difficulty: Easy
Wheelchair/ADA Accessible: Yes
Fees: No
Facilities: Yes
Headwaters at the Comal
Description: Headwaters at the Comal is a 16-acre conservation legacy project located at the headwaters spring of the Comal River. The prairie landscape has been reclaimed from the former asphalt parking lot and buildings of New Braunfels Utilities’ maintenance yard. The project is still in process of restoring the property to its natural state and repurposing the facilities into an innovative, nature-oriented community space. The open space has been replanted with natives that would have been found historically on the property.
Difficulty: Headwaters at the Comal trail is easy, with decomposed granite, concrete, and rubberized trails with slight elevation changes on the .25 mile trail.
Wheelchair/ADA Accessible: No
Fees: Members: Free; Adults: $5; Active Duty Military, First Responders, Educators, Students: $4;
Youth (6-17): $3; Child (5 & Under): Free
Tours: Group tours are available by request on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. To arrange a visit, click on this link headwaters@nbutexas.com
Facilities: yes
More information: 830.608.8937 info@headwatersatthecomal.org
headwatersatthecomal.com/our-story/organization/
headwatersatthecomal.com/the-headwaters/plan-your-trip/
Lindheimer House
Description: The Lindheimer House, home of Ferdinand J. Lindheimer, the father of Texas Botany, is one of the finest examples of traditional fachwerk construction, in which timber beams are infilled with brick or rock and sometimes covered with plaster. The Lindheimer house has two front rooms, each with its own front door, which was common with Germans but uncommon with their Anglo neighbors.
The gardens around the house contain some of the plants that Lindheimer named.
Difficulty: The house is very small and includes stairs.
Wheelchair/ADA Accessible: No
Fees: $5/ person
Facilities: Yes
For more information:
Tours are available upon request. 830-629-2943; info@newbraunfelsconservation.org
www.greatstems.com/2012/05/a-visit-to-the-home-of-lindheimer-father-of-texas-botany.html
Panther Canyon Trail Loop
Description: Panther Canyon is a 49-acre area adjacent to Landa Park and offers three different trails to explore. The trails ascend the Balcones Escarpment into the Edwards Plateau under the shade of oaks, Ashe juniper, cedar elm, and understory trees including Mexican buckeye, kidneywood, and Texas persimmon. One trail crosses a dry creek bed of an ephemeral stream. The trail area is home to many native plants and wildlife.
Canyon Trail, a gently sloped pedestrian trail, leads about .6 mile through the Escarpment, crossing a dry creek bed.
Small Loop Trail begins off Ohio Avenue near New Braunfels High School. It includes about .5 mile of a moderately strenuous hike with a variety of flora and fauna.
Rim Trail also begins at the headwaters of Comal Springs. It is approximately .75 mile long. It is considered moderately strenuous due to elevation changes. Allow at least 1.5 hours to explore all 1.8 miles of trails.
Difficulty: Moderately strenuous
Wheelchair/ADA Accessible: No
Fees: No
Facilities: Not on trail (restrooms available in Landa Park)
Hours: 6:00 AM – Midnight Daily
For more information: newbraunfels.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Panther-Canyon-Nature-Trail-83
New Braunfels Chapter-maintained Gardens
Landa Park
Pioneer Memorial
The memorial is built in the shape of a 5-pointed star. Each point is a raised planting bed that the chapter has planted with various native plants. Signs identify the plants.
Landa Family Memorial Butterfly Garden
The butterfly garden encircles a monument to the Landa family. The garden is planted with milkweed and various host and nectar plants favored by butterflies.
Park Hours: 6:00 AM – Midnight
Fee: Free
Contact: parks@newbraunfels.gov
Conservation Plaza
Butterfly Garden
The garden is tucked between the old cabinet shop and the billiards hall. It is planted with native nectar and host plants for the butterflies.
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday
9:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Closed Sunday & Monday
Fee: free
Spring Branch
Guadalupe River State Park
Description: A dominant feature of the 1938.7 acre Guadalupe River State Park is the 4 miles of riverfront. In addition the park offers both primitive, walk-in camping and sites with water and electricity, hike and bike trails, fishing and boating.
Features: At 9:00 AM on Saturday, rangers lead a 2.5 hour guided tour of the Honey Creek State Natural Area. Rangers give programs on a variety of topics from native plants to stargazing. Check posted schedules for the talks.
Trails: The more primitive Bauer Unit day-use area offers hiking and biking trails with ratings from moderate to challenging.
Hours: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Fee: Adult: $7 Daily; Child 12 Years and Under: Free; if staying overnight, reservations are recommended.
Contact: tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/guadalupe-river
(830)438-2656; Guadalupe.River@tpwd.texas.gov
Honey Creek State Natural Area
Description: Honey Creek Natural Area was created in 1981 with 2,294 acres being donated to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. In 2022 an easement protecting an additional 621 acres around the Natural Area was added. Recently The Nature Conservancy and Texas Parks and Wildlife added 515 acres more to the area, preserving the Hill Country as it was 100 years ago. This area harbors plants and animals that are nurtured by a 1.5-mile spring-fed creek. Take a guided tour of Honey Creek to learn about the history, geology, plants and animals of this special place.
Access by guided tour only. Contact Guadalupe State Park office, 830-438-2656 for information. Tours are generally on Saturdays and start at 9:00 AM. Confirm tours at park office. Tour groups begin at the Rust House in the state park.
Difficulty: Moderate; much is flat, with some rocky areas, slopes, and two steep but short hills. Using the access road is an option. It is rocky, but the climb is gradual.
Wheelchair/ADA Accessible: No
Fees: Pay $7 entry fee or use Texas State Park Membership.
Facilities: The Rust House has a single bathroom; the guided walk has none. The park’s day-use area has more facilities.
For more information:
tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/honey-creek
travelrealist.com/honey-creek-guided-walk-texas-us/
Gonzales County
Gonzales
Palmetto State Park
Description: This 270-acre state park on the San Marcos River is known for its namesake, the dwarf palmetto. This unusual area resembles the tropics more than Central Texas. Eastern and western species’ ranges merge here. This results in an amazing diversity of plant and animal life. The park is located on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail and is a birding “hot spot.”
Features: Eight hiking trails, birding, and the 1930s-era Civilian Conservation Corps refectory, artesian well and water tower are the attractions. Cabins, playground, restrooms and camping are available.
Trails: The Palmetto Interpretative Trail is a quarter-mile circular walk and offers the best views of the dwarf palmetto plants. It connects with the Ottine Swamp Loop Trail, 1.1 miles.
Hours: Open daily
Fee: $3 per person 13 years and older
Contact: tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/palmetto
Guadalupe County
Schertz
Crescent Bend Nature Park
Description: This 180-acre park was once a residential neighborhood. Devasted by floods in 1997 and 1998, the area was designated as a flood zone unsuitable for housing. Government agencies purchased the land and undertook an immense removal of homes and debris. It reopened as a nature park in 2009, owned by Bexar County and managed by the City of Schertz.
Features: The park borders Cibolo Creek. Amenities include restrooms, parking area, remains of old streets, bird blinds, picnic areas, benches, fishing areas, Scout group camping site. It is an excellent location for nature photography
Trails: 1.3 mile loop trail of crushed granite with points of interest markers
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Fee: Free
Contact: schertz.com/610/Parks
Gutierrez Garden Park
Description: This 2-acre city park has gardens that are planted and maintained by the Guadalupe County Master Gardeners, the Lions Club and the Schertz community. The gardens feature a mix of native and non-native plants.
Features: Parking lot, picnic tables, benches, and a .19 mile lighted walking trail bordered by gardens. The gazebo is perfect for photo opportunities. There are a butterfly garden, hummingbird garden, and a Texas A&M SuperStar garden featuring natives and non-natives. A Hackberry-lined walk at the back of the garden is designed as a bird habitat, with native plants providing food, shelter, and nesting material for the area birds.
Fee: Free
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Contact: schertz.com/610/Parks
Seguin
Park West
Description: This 48-acre park was funded by a bond that allowed the City of Seguin to purchase a defunct farm. While the park features pavilions, restrooms, a playscape, splash pad, basketball, soccer, skateboard, and BMX areas, nearly half the park remains a natural forested area
Features:
Forest restoration in the park is an ongoing process of clearing invasive ligustrum and chinaberry trees to reveal mature native trees. Changes in topography and soil types are evident on the south portion of the park, with typical Hill Country plants including Ashe juniper, Evergreen sumac and Mountain laurel. A sole Black Walnut tree divides two soccer fields.
Just west of the Splash Pad is the 800 sq. ft. pollinator garden, maintained by the Guadalupe Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas. It is a Monarch Monitoring site for Guadalupe Master Naturalists.
Trails: Park West Loop: 1 mile. Connects with the 4-mile Walnut Springs Trail at the low-water crossing and also at Vaughan Ave. This new hike-bike trail crosses Seguin from the Guadalupe River in Max Starcke Park East to Hwy 78 to the west.
Hours: 8AM to dusk daily
Fee: Free
For trail and park maps: www.seguintexas.gov/parks
Contact: 830-401-2480
Starcke Park East
Description: Starcke Park is a 227-acre park located along the scenic Guadalupe River. The park property was a pecan orchard prior to the park’s dedication in 1938. The regulation 18-hole golf course, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts are west of Hwy 123. The east side of the park has a Playscape, Little League complex, a Wave Pool, natural fishing area, paddling trail, and a walking trail (0.8 miles). Pavilions and picnic areas are available throughout the park.
Features: For native plant enthusiasts, the walking trail along Walnut Branch is the most productive. Look for black willow, box elder and other native trees. It continues northward to the Seguin Public Library and beyond. The trail is the southern-most end of the 4-mile Walnut Springs Trail.
Trails: Paved, shaded, with occasional benches. Excellent for birdwatching.
Wheelchair/ADA Accessible: No information
Hours: Sunrise to sunset daily
Fee: Free
For information: 830-401-2480
Hayes County
San Marcos
San Marcos Discovery Center
Description: The San Marcos Discovery Center serves as an interpretive center for the Blanco and San Marcos rivers, parks, and associated trails and provides offices for Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and Urban Forester. Specializing in native and adapted plant production and promotion, the Discovery Center hosts bi-annual plant sales and features certified wildlife habitat displays and demonstration garden beds to increase public education and awareness of native landscapes. Themed gardens include a certified monarch way station butterfly garden, cacti, grass, shade, spiral/seedball, vegetable, and herb gardens. Stroll through William and Eleanor Crook Park and enjoy the themed gardens, check out the programs, events and workshops offered at the Center.
Difficulty: Easy
Wheelchair/ADA Accessible: Yes
Fees: No
Facilities: Yes
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday – Friday
For more information: 512-393-8327
discoverycenter@sanmarcostx.gov
sanmarcostx.gov/873/Discovery-Center
sanmarcostx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11216/The-Discovery-Arboretum-Trail-Map
Meadows Center for Water and the Environment
Description: The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment is an educational center focused on Spring Lake and the more than 200 springs that form part of the San Marcos River. The river is a critical habitat home to several aquatic animals and Texas Wild Rice. Visitors can take a glass bottom boat ride, tour wetlands along the San Marcos River on a boardwalk, and participate in other activities.
Difficulty: Easy
Wheelchair/ADA Accessible: No
Fees: Glass bottom boat 30 min. rides- Adults: $12.00; Seniors (65+): $10.00; Children (3-12): $8.00
Facilities: Yes
Hours: Spring Lake Park Hours–9:30 AM – 5 PM daily
For more information:
Purgatory Creek Natural Area
Address: Three trail heads in San Marcos:
Lower Purgatory Natural Area Trail Head, 2101 Hunter Road
Prospect Park Trailhead, 1409 Prospect St
Upper Purgatory Natural Area Trail Head, 1751 Valencia Way
Description: The 700+ acre Purgatory Creek Natural Area was established to preserve the riparian greenbelt and protect endangered species. Trails wind through upland meadows, juniper groves, tall canyon bluffs and champion oak trees. The area has more than 9 miles of well-marked trails. The park is home to countless species of wildlife; trails are relatively flat with a few gentle rolls.
Note to trail users from the City of San Marcos: Check the map at the trail head or take a paper copy with you. Bring water and stay on marked trails; avoid deer runs and renegade trails. Do not cross fences.
Difficulty: Moderate difficulty with some elevation changes and uneven terrain
Wheelchair/ADA Accessible: No
Fees: No
Facilities: Yes
Hours: Sunrise to sunset daily
For More Information and Maps:
https://www.visitsanmarcos.com/things-to-do/outdoors-and-nature/purgatory-creek-natural-area/
San Marcos
Jacob’s Well Nature Area
Description: This 81-acre natural area features Jacob’s Well, a 12′ diameter artesian spring, the most significant and largest continually flowing karstic spring in the Texas Hill Country. The well is the headwaters of Cypress Creek, which flows through Blue Hole Regional Park and feeds into the Blanco River. Year round the water temperature is a constant 68 degrees. The cave system below is extremely dangerous to explore; thus only permitted cave diving research professionals are allowed to dive. Their efforts have charted the cave system to nearly 140 feet deep at its lowest point and almost a mile in length. Limestone cliffs and native vegetation surround the spring.
Hays County purchased land around Jacob’s Well in 2010 in an attempt to protect the spring from development. The site has plant displays, water harvesting and rain garden, along with a walking trail to the spring.
Difficulty: Some stairs; various compacted granite and natural surface trails. Walkway to the well is steep with no handrails.
Wheelchair/ADA Accessible: No
Fees: Visitors are free; fee for swimming
Facilities: Yes
Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM Daily
For more information: www.visitwimberley.com/jacobswell/
Old Baldy Park
Description: The 4.3-acre Old Baldy Park derives its name from the lack of vegetation growing on its summit. Located a short distance from downtown Wimberley, the park was created in 2015 after the land went up for sale. Citizens created the Save Old Baldy Foundation to raise money for purchasing the beloved area. Foundation funds were combined with City of Wimberley money and the land purchased as the city’s newest park.
Features: The park is known for the 360-degree view of the Hill Country from the top of Old Baldy. Visitors “summit” after climbing a 218-step limestone staircase straight to the top. The effort is well worth the reward of a breathtaking view. Parking is limited.
Trails: 128-step staircase that goes straight to the summit. Cool down from the warm climb at Jacob’s Well which is right around the corner.
Hours: 8:00 AM to Sunset
Fee: Free
Contact: www.cityofwimberley.com/206/Old-Baldy-Park
512-660-9111
Patsy Glen Bird Refuge
Description: A 1.8 acre nature park that has been restored as a showcase for local plants and wildlife, plus a haven for migrating birds. It is part of the Wimberley park system and is located next to the Community Center. The restoration process used at the Patsy Glenn Refuge is an excellent example of responsible stewardship of natural resources and a good example for property owners, regardless of the property size.
Features: Many native plants are found in the park. A plant list with pictures and information for each plant can be found in the LBJ Wildflower Center’s Special Collections. Use the link below to access the information. www.wildflower.org/collections/collection.php?collection=Organization_1517
Observe birds and butterflies in the park in addition to the plants that attract them.
Trails: Follow a winding trail through the park and past a wetlands/lake area. Easy walking.
Hours: 8:00 AM to Sunset
Fee: Free
Contact: www.cityofwimberley.com/207/Patsy-Glenn-Refuge
512-660-9111
Blue Hole Regional Park/Cypress Creek Nature Trail & Preserve
Description: Blue Hole Regional Park is in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. The park’s key feature is the iconic Blue Hole, a stunning natural swimming area fed by the crystal-clear waters of Cypress Creek. The water’s distinct blue hue, combined with its lush surroundings, creates a serene and inviting atmosphere.
Blue Hole was saved from possible residential development in 2005 after the City of Wimberley launched a sustained fundraising effort and purchased the land for the 126-acre community. Hiking trails, playground, and picnic areas are free and open to the public. During swim season, May 1st through Labor Day, and on weekends in September, reservations are required for the swim area.
Cypress Creek Nature Trail & Preserve is a 7.24 acre city park adjacent to Blue Hole and features hiking and biking trails.
Difficulty: Easy but with some uneven ground
Wheelchair/ADA Accessible: No
Fees: No
Facilities: Yes
Hours: 8:00 AM – Sunset
Kendall County
Boerne
Cibolo Nature Center
Description: Come walk through a native prairie, wade in the creek, look for wildlife in the spring-fed marsh, and feel the awe of the live oak or cypress canopy. The Cibolo Nature Center features more than six miles of trails through four distinct ecosystems. A place for both serious and recreational hikers, visitors of all ages and abilities can find something to enjoy. Trail maps are available outside the Visitors Center and at trailheads. The full trail circle takes approximately two hours to complete.
View the success of restoration efforts along the Native Texas Prairie Trail and Marshland Trail. The boardwalk along the Marshland Trail is ADA accessible. The Cibolo Creek Trail runs along the banks of the creek, lined by massive cypress trees. Overlooking the creek and winding rough shade of Ashe junipers and oak trees, the Woodland Trail is popular for all skill levels.
Features: Creek access, hiking trails, bird watching, native plant gardens
Trails: 6 miles
Hours: Visitor Center is open Monday – Friday 9 AM – 4:30 PM; Saturday 9 AM – 2 PM
Trail Hours: 7 days a week, 8 AM – Dusk
Fee: Donation
Contact: For questions, (830) 249-4616 or nature@cibolo.org .
More information is at www.cibolo.org
Herff Farm – Cibolo Center for Conservation
Description: Historically significant and protecting an irreplaceable freshwater source, the Herff Farm provides access to outdoor learning for children and a model for land stewardship for the greater community. Home to native prairie grasses and a bird sanctuary, the Herff Farm offers a variety of walking and hiking opportunities for hikers of all skill levels.
Purchased in 1854 by German Ferdinand Herff, the 10,000 acre Herff Farm was one of Boerne’s first settlements by European immigrants. Today the Herff Farm keeps the past alive on 60 acres at the confluence of the Cibolo and Menger Creeks. The Homestead is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Inspiration Garden, Teaching Garden, Children’s Garden and Pollinator Garden exhibit what is possible to grow and thrive in the Texas Hill Country using organic gardening methods and native plants.
Features: Pollinator garden, hiking trails, bird watching, historical structures
Trails: Walking and hiking for all skill levels
Hours: Saturday 9 AM – 1 PM (Garden and Trails, Farmers Market)
Fee: Donation
Contact: (830) 249-4616 or nature@cibolo.org www.cibolo.org.
Wilson County
Stockdale
Jackson Nature Park
Description: The Jackson Nature Park is a 50-acre park owned by Wilson County and managed by the San Antonio River Authority. Families can enjoy a day of hiking, nature study, bird watching and picnicking.
Features: Parking, port-a-let toilets, picnic tables, self-serve pay station for donations.
Trails: Six interconnecting trails, well-marked. The terrain varies from creek bottoms to rocky outcrops to oak forest and open views of adjacent fields. A Guadalupe NPSOT chapter field trip identified 53 native species in one morning.
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Fee: $1.00 per person (recommended donation)
