| By Whitney Lawrence. Information borrowed from
the Government Canyon flyers and documents
You probably didn't know that the largest
urban park in the country is right here in Bexar County.
The Government Canyon State Natural Area (GCSANA) is an
8200-acre karst preserve located northwest of San Antonio.
Named for a 1850s-era military route that passed San Antonio
on its way to frontier forts in the West, Government Canyon's
steep slopes and summits provide striking views of downtown
San Antonio's tall buildings, as well as scenic vistas of
surrounding Texas Hill Country.
|
The Canyon
offers volunteer opportunities on every second Saturday
of the month, except June, July, August and September (Too
Hot!). This involves 4-5 hours of work on the trail crew,
pruning, dragging limbs, removing rocks and whatever else
is required to maintain the trail system. Work hours become
recreation hours at a rate of one to one and can be used
for hiking/running and biking when invited back for the
volunteer appreciation days. Workdays have a limited capacity
for participants and therefore only individuals that have
pre-registered can take part. You must call Government Canyon
Natural History Association (210) 588-9603 and be put on
the Volunteer List. |
