Rows of large limestone benches sit in a shady clearing at Government Canyon State Natural Area, waiting to be filled by students eager to learn about nature.
The park is closed at least through April 30 due to the coronavirus pandemic, but when it’s open again, those benches will seat up to 100 children and adults for a variety of presentations.
The Government Canyon Outdoor Education Amphitheater was partially funded by a 2018 High Impact Grant from Impact San Antonio to the Friends of Government Canyon, a group of volunteers whose goal is to preserve, protect and improve the State Natural Area. The amphitheater is now basically complete.
Programs will include school presentations, ranger talks, professional presentations, educational videos and more, said Mary Flannigan, Support Specialist with the Friends of Government Canyon. A projection screen will be installed soon, and other programs, such as Explore the Night Sky star parties, are planned for the fall, she said.
The North Side Independent School District, including nearby Kallison Elementary School, will be partners to host school groups, she said, giving students the chance to be outdoors and learn about nature.
The State Natural Area is the result of 45 organizations that formed a coalition in the early 1990s to buy a parcel of land in Northwest Bexar County and convert it to a nature preservation area managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Over the years, more land has been purchased, and now the area totals 12,244 acres. It was dubbed “Government Canyon” after a military supply road from San Antonio to Bandera that ran through the canyon starting in the mid-1800s.
In addition to the seating, the facility has a fire pit, accessible walkways, and a stone stage area. The site is located next to trailhead parking for the front country trails, accessible restrooms and the Nature Playscape. The campground is within easy walking distance.
If you haven’t been to this lovely area — or if it’s been awhile since you’ve seen it — be sure to pay a visit when it’s open again. Check out the website, where you’ll find a calendar of upcoming events and other information. And click HERE to see an infographic on the park and the amphitheater project on our website.
