Friends of Government Canyon

Upcoming Events

- Sun: 7/6/2008

Haiku Hikes - Enjoy an experience of Government Canyon that combines immersion in the natural world and creative writing, led by local poet Mobi Warren on the first Sunday of every month; from 8:30 AM until 12:30 PM. Includes an introduction to haiku and other short poem forms, a 3 mile hike, and quiet sitting along the trail to write. Participation is limited to 6; open to ages 14-up. Wear sturdy shoes; bring at least a quart of water, a journal to write in, and mosquito repellent. Snack and towel or pad to sit on recommended.

Reservations required. Include name, email address or telephone # for each reservation. Natural Area entrance fees apply. Please click here for Reservation Form. Program is subject to cancellation due to weather conditions so check the web site if you are in doubt. For more information email education@friendsofgc.org .

- Sat. 7/12/2008

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 10 people. Entry fees apply. These hikes are subject to cancellation; call to confirm (210) 688-9055.

- Sat: 7/12/ 2008

Stars Over The Canyon - Explore the night sky with the San Antonio Astronomical Association on Saturday, July 12 from 8pm to 10pm. View our Milky Way, Jupiter, star clusters, distant galaxies and Saturn with its beautiful ring system and moons! You can also learn the basics of telescope operation. Bring your own telescope or binoculars, or use one of the SAAA’s telescopes. This special “after-hours” program requires that you arrive at the Government Canyon’s front gate entrance no later than 7:45PM or you won’t be able to get in! Front gates locked at 7:45PM sharp! 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.

Reservations required and begin on June 12, 2008 and end at noon on Friday July 11, 2008. Include name, email address or telephone # for each reservation. Natural Area entrance fees apply. Please click here for Reservation Form. Program is subject to cancellation due to weather conditions so check the web site if you are in doubt. For more information email education@friendsofgc.org .

- Sat: 7/19/2008

Explore the Canyon — Interested in the flora, fauna, natural and cultural history of Government Canyon? Willing to court a little mystery? “Exploring the Canyon” interpretive walks may be for you! Meet at the Visitors Center by the rainwater harvesting tower at 9:30 AM on the third Saturday and Sunday of every month. Bring a liter of water, snacks and wear sturdy footwear appropriate for rough trails. Length of walks and interpretive topics will vary. Sunscreen and hat recommended. Open to all ages, though group size is limited to the first 10 people. No pets please. Entry fees apply. These hikes are subject to cancellation; call to confirm (210) 688-9055.

- Sat: 7/19/ 2008

Animal Signs - Spend the morning with TPWD Urban Wildlife Biologist Judit Green learning about some of our local Texas wildlife with hands-on activities that will include skins, skulls, tracks and scat. There is no scheduled hike for this event. The class is for children, but parents are encouraged to attend. Class size limited to 40. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; donations to the Friends of Government Canyon accepted and help make these and other programs possible;

Reservations required and begin on June 23, 2008 and end at noon on Friday July 18, 2008. Include name, age if under 18, email address or telephone # for each reservation. Natural Area entrance fees apply. Please click here for Reservation Form. Program is subject to cancellation due to weather conditions so check the web site if you are in doubt. For more information email education@friendsofgc.org .

- Sun: 7/20/2008

- Sat: 7/26/ 2008

Government Canyon SNA – Dutch Oven Cooking Demonstration – Members of the San Antonio Chuck Wagon Gang Chapter of the Lone Star Dutch Oven Society will demonstrate how to cook in a Dutch oven. Help them prepare various delicacies in Dutch ovens then sample the outcome. This event will take place at the covered pavilion so come prepared to be outside for several hours. Bring plenty of drinking water. This program is open to all ages but participation is limited. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Clinic held 9am – 12pm; a $3 supply fee will be payable to the presenters.

Reservations required and begin on June 26, 2008. Please email names of each participant, age if under 18, email address or telephone # for each reservation. Natural Area entrance fees apply. Please click here for Reservation Form. Program is subject to cancellation due to weather conditions so check the web site if you are in doubt. For more information email recreation@friendsofgc.org or (210) 688-9055; ext.292.

- Sat: 7/26/2008

Family Fun: For Goodness SNAKES - Enjoy an hour of kid-friendly interpretation and activities focused on snakes and their importance in our ecosystem. Programming targeted at kids, but open to all ages; group size limited. Meet at the Visitor Center by the rainwater harvesting tower, rain or shine. No pets please. 11 a.m.-noon and 2-3 p.m.; for more information, call (210) 688-9055, ext 292

- Sun: 8/3/ 2008

Reservations required. Please email names of each participant, age if under 18, email address or telephone # for each reservation. Natural Area entrance fees apply. Please click here for Reservation Form. Program is subject to cancellation due to weather conditions so check the web site if you are in doubt. For more information email education@friendsofgc.org.

- Sat. 8/9/2008

- Sat: 8/16/2008

-Sun: 8/17/2008

Nature Crafts for Children 9:00 -11:30 am. Learn while having fun. Join TPWD Park Ranger Niki Lake as she teaches kids to make pressed leaf and flower bookmarks, yucca rope, rain gauges and buffalo gourd rattles while learning natural and historical concepts .Open to children over age 4; children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring water and a snack.

Reservations required and begin on July 17, 2008, one month prior to event and end at noon on Friday, August 15,. Please email names of each participant, age if under 18, name of accompanying adult ,email address or telephone # for each reservation. Natural Area entrance fees apply. Please click here for Reservation Form. Program is subject to cancellation due to weather conditions so check the web site if you are in doubt. For more information email education@friendsofgc.org or (210) 688-9055; ext.292.

- Sun: 8/17/2008

- Sat: 8/23/2008

Family Fun: Get To Know Government Canyon’s Endangered Species - Enjoy an hour of kid-friendly interpretation and activities focused on the endangered species found at Government Canyon SNA. Programming targeted at kids, but open to all ages; group size limited. Meet at the Visitor Center by the rainwater harvesting tower, rain or shine. No pets please. 11 a.m.-noon and 2-3 p.m.; for more information, call (210) 688-9055, ext 292

Other Events:

Look for future programs which might include such topics as...

Beginner Mountain Biking / Camping Skills / Campfire Cooking / Backpacking / Compass and Orienteering / Ethnobotany / Butterflies / Woody Plants & Trees / Arachnids / Reptiles / Animal Signs

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