Government Canyon State Natural Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Government Canyon State Natural Area |
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| Location | Bexar County, Texas, United States |
| Area | 12,244 acres (49.55 km2) |
| Established | 1993 |
| Governing body | Texas Parks and Wildlife Department |
| Website | Government State Natural Area |
Welcome to Government Canyon State Natural Area (GCSNA)! This special place opened in October 2005. It protects over 12,000 acres of rugged hills and canyons. These are typical of the beautiful Texas Hill Country.
GCSNA is called a Natural Area instead of a State Park. This means its main goal is to keep nature safe and untouched. Sometimes, activities might be limited to protect the plants and animals. This is decided by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD).
This amazing area is in northwestern Bexar County. It protects a large, wild part of the Hill Country. It is home to many different plants and animals. It also protects the Culebra Creek and Leon Creek watersheds. Most importantly, it helps refill the Edwards Aquifer. This aquifer is a huge underground water source for San Antonio.
Over the years, more land has been added to GCSNA. In 2009, the City of San Antonio added 3,000 acres. This helped protect the Edwards Aquifer even more. In 2013, another 461 acres were added. This was thanks to funding from San Antonio, TPWD, and a special grant. Now, GCSNA covers a total of 12,244 acres!
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Amazing Animals You Might See
Government Canyon is home to many different animals. You might spot some amazing birds here. Two special birds, the golden-cheeked warbler and the black-capped vireo, nest here. Both of these birds are considered endangered. This means they are very rare and need our protection.
The most common large animal you'll see is the white-tailed deer. But there are many other cool creatures too! Look for wild turkeys, armadillos, skunks, and raccoons. You might also spot opossums, cottontail rabbits, and fox squirrels.
Sometimes, you might even see exotic axis deer or porcupines. Keep an eye out for rock squirrels and ringtailed cats. Bobcats and coyotes also live here, along with red and grey foxes. Mountain lions are very rare, but they do live in the area too.
Plants and Trees of the Canyon
The natural area is filled with many types of plants. The most common tree is the Ashe juniper. It is also known as "mountain cedar." You'll also find several kinds of oak trees.
Other trees include sycamore, mesquite, and persimmon. Look for Texas madrone, redbud, and maple trees. Hackberry, cedar elm, and mulberry trees also grow here. You might see wild grape vines too.
The ground is covered with different types of brush. You'll also spot prickly pear cactus, yucca, and sotol plants. Various grasses grow throughout the canyon. You can find a more complete list of plants and animals at the GCSNA Ranger Station.
Visiting Government Canyon
Government Canyon State Natural Area is open four days a week. You can visit from Friday to Monday, if the weather is good. There are over 40 miles of trails for hiking and biking! The trails have more than 500 feet of elevation changes. This means some parts are quite hilly.
The entrance fee is $6 for adults. Children aged 12 and under can enter for free. You can even camp overnight on Fridays and Saturdays! Camping is allowed only in the "Front Country" section. There are regular campsites for walk-ins. There are also two group campsites that can hold up to 16 people each.
Rules for a Great Visit
The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department wants all visitors to follow the LEAVE NO TRACE rules. These rules help protect the natural area for everyone.
- 1) Plan Ahead and Prepare: Know what to expect and bring what you need.
- 2) Travel on Marked Trails Only: Stay on the paths to protect plants and animals.
- 3) Always Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out everything you pack in.
- 4) Leave Behind What You Find: Don't take rocks, plants, or other natural items.
- 5) Never Build An Open Fire: Fires are not allowed to prevent wildfires.
- 6) Respect All Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance and never feed them.
- 7) Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Share the trails and keep noise down.
