Second Saturday of every month

Hike the Canyon —  Unfamiliar with the trails at Government Canyon or just want to go hiking there with other people? Join the Friends of Government Canyon Volunteers on the second Saturday of every month for a guided, 5-7-mile hike on one of the many trails at the State Natural Area. Meet at the Visitors Center by the rainwater harvesting tower at 8:30 AM. The trails are rough and rocky, so wear boots or sturdy hiking shoes. Bring water and a snack. Participants must be 13 or older. No pets please, minors must be accompanied by an adult, and group size limited to the first 15 people. These do not require reservations but are subject to cancellation; call to confirm (210) 688-9055

Third Saturday of every month

Explore the Canyon — Join us at 8:30 every third Saturday for a guided exploration of Government Canyon. Knowledgeable guides will discuss the flora, fauna, natural and cultural history of this awesome State Natural Area. Length of walks and interpretive topics will vary, depending on the group. Meet at the GCSNA Visitors Center by the rainwater harvesting tower.  Bring a liter of water, snacks and wear sturdy footwear appropriate for rough trails. Sunscreen and hat recommended. Open to all ages, though group size is limited to the first 15 people. No pets please. Entry fees apply. These hikes are subject to cancellation; call to confirm (210) 688-9055; ext. 291

Learn about the Balcones fault and different rock layers, such as the Glen Rose Formation and the Edwards Limestone, and how and when they were formed.  Starting at 9:00 a.m. hear geologist Bill Ward give a presentation and slide show followed by a hike to observe the geology of Government Canyon State Natural Area first-hand. Program, including hike, will be 3 to 4 hours long, depending on interests. Open to ages 14 and older; participants under 18 must be accompanied by their parent or guardian. All participants must be able to hike over broken, rocky terrain with some changes in elevation. Wear sturdy shoes and weather appropriate clothing; bring water (1 liter per person), and a snack if you like. Participation is limited; no pets, please. Reservations required and will be accepted beginning at noon February 13, 2010 and ending at noon March 12, 2010. Please include names of each participant, age if under 18, and email address and telephone #. To get more information, email reservations@friendsofgc.org. Natural Area entrance fees apply.  

Join Nature Conservancy of Texas Botanist Bill Carr, one of the foremost authorities on the native plants of Central Texas, for a stroll around the natural area. Starting at 9a.m. we will be looking at anything and everything of interest -- from trees and shrubs down to grasses and sedges (and probably even some insects, amphibians and reptiles). Program, including hike, will be 3 to 4 hours long, depending on interests. Open to ages 14 and older; participants under 18 must be accompanied by their parent or guardian. All participants must be able to hike over broken, rocky terrain with some changes in elevation. Wear sturdy shoes and weather appropriate clothing; bring water (1 liter per person), and a snack if you like. Participation is limited; no pets, please. Reservations required and will be accepted beginning at noon March 25, 2010 and end at noon April 24, 2010. Please include names of each participant, age if under 18, and email address and telephone #. To get more information, email reservations@friendsofgc.org. Natural Area entrance fees apply.  

Saturday, May 1, 2010 – Explore The Night Sky

Explore the night sky with the San Antonio Astronomical Association on Saturday, May 1 from 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM. View our Milky Way, Venus, Mars, Saturn, nebulae, star clusters and a few distant galaxies.  You can also learn the basics of telescope operation. Bring your own telescope or binoculars, or use one of the SAAA’s telescopes. Please arrive by 7:45 PM.  Bring water, a snack if you like and your own flashlight with a red lens cover for it. Participants must be 12 years or older. Natural Area entrance fees apply. Reservations may be made at reservations@friendsofgc.org beginning  on April 1, 2010 and ending at noon on Friday April 30, 2010.  Include name, e-mail address and telephone  number for each reservation.  For additional information, e-mail education@friendsofgc.org. or call (l210) 688-9055, Ext. 292.  Program is subject to cancellation due to weather conditions so check the web site if you are in doubt.