The 12th annual Grey Forest Open Studios Art Show will be held Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. Seven gardens and studios will be open for the public to view original art created by 17 participating artists. A wide range of work will be exhibited: Photography, sculpture, inspirational glass mosaics, oil painting, comic book art, birdhouses, gourd vessels, spirit figures, hooked rugs, canvas floor cloths, jewelry, functional pottery, tote bags, note cards, botanical vessels, prayer boxes, hand made dolls and personalized caricatures. Grey Forest is located on Scenic Loop Road and signage will direct visitors. Tour schedule will be available at each participating studio.

Ingram Park Mall is partnering with South Texas Blood and Tissue Center (STBTC) to hold a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The drive will ensure that San Antonio, and surrounding communities, will have an adequate blood supply for routine and emergency procedures. Staff members will be on hand to discuss health benefits of blood donation, educate the community about the National Marrow Donor Program and tissue donation. All donors will receive a STBTC T-shirt, refreshments, cholesterol testing and mini physicals that will include temperature, blood pressure, iron level and pulse tests. For information, contact Kimberly LaQue, Ingram Park Mall, at 523-1228.

The Institute of Texan Cultures will present a hands-on introduction to the cultural heritage of Mexican Texans at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Maverick Library. Try on a quinceanera dress or a charro outfit during this special Hispanic Heritage Month event. For more information, contact the Maverick Library, 8700 Mystic Park, at 680-9346.

The 2007 Walk to Cure Diabetes at The Shops at La Cantera. The 1.5-mile walk starts at 8 a.m. (7 a.m. registration). See www.walk.jdrf.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=walk.walk&eventID=2923&chapterid=4656 for details.

Monday

The San Antonio Museum of Art Docents and the San Antonio Symphony League announce an program of classical music and art exhibits at the eighth annual Music at the museum. Proceeds from this fundraiser support education and outreach programs of these two nonprofit groups. Tickets are $40 per person. Limited seating. The San Antonio Museum of Art is located at 200 West Jones Ave. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 978-8138.

Preservation Texas has announced that Monday is the deadline for nominations for the 2008 list of Texas’ Most Endangered Historic Places. Since the first list was compiled in 2004, inclusion on the list has helped identify some of the state’s most eminent historic preservation needs and supported communities in preservation efforts. Judging criteria include sites that are associated with events that made a significant contribution to and are identified with or represent the broad patterns of Texas history. Nominations are open to the public. Nomination form is available by visiting www.preservationtexas.org. For more on Texas’ Most Endangered Historic Places, phone Preservation Texas, Inc. at (512) 472-0102.

Oct. 19

The Daughters of the Republic of Texas Library are sponsoring the 20th annual Texas History Forum on the grounds of the Alamo. Topics to be addressed include papers of the early Texas republic, the legacy of quilting in the Lone Star State, and interesting Texans that did not make the history books. The Forum begins at 9 a.m. Registration is $15. For more information, call 225-1071 or visit: www.drtl.org. Funded by a grant from The Summerfield G. Roberts Foundation. 

Oct. 20

San Antonio Herb Market announces the16th annual market will be held at Aggie Park, 6205 West Ave, just outside northwest Loop 410. The market will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. Parking is free but limited in the Aggie Park lot. Numerous herb plants of all kinds will be offered for sale by vendors from San Antonio and Central Texas. The Herb Market incorporates tips for planting, care and use of herbs in the garden, the kitchen and home decor. Gardening advisors, culinary experts, and health-related herb speakers will offer free programs. For information, call 688-9421 or visit www.sanantonioherbmarket.org or www.gardeningvolunteers.org

Bexar Land Trust presents “Lessons from the Garden” 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 20 at the Cowles Life-Science Center, Trinity University. Learn ways to get children studying math, geography, history, science, language, and culture through a garden. Registration required. Bring a seedling to give to a garden. Workshops are presented in English and Spanish. The workshop is part of the community gardens initiative of the Bexar Land Trust. For information, contact Bexar Land Trust at 210-222-8430 or www.bexarlandtrust.org.  

Government Canyon State Natural Area sponsors “Woody Plants of GCSNA” from 9 a.m. to noon. Hike the evergreen woodland and deciduous forest trails with naturalist Ranger Carl Green. Wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing; bring water (at least 1 quart per person), and a snack if desired. Group size is limited; participants must be 12 years or older and should be able to hike over rugged terrain. Reservations are required and will be accepted by e-mail only. For reservations or more information, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Include name, e-mail address and telephone number. Call 688-9055, ext. 292 for details.

Oct. 21

Government Canyon State Natural Area sponsors ”Finding Your Way: A Map and Compass Workshop” on Oct. 21 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. when Lee Dodge and Tom Dukes of the Alamo Group of the Sierra Club will demonstrate how to read a map and use a compass, whether you’re on the trails at Government Canyon SNA, or in a remote wilderness setting. Instruction will last until about 11:30 a.m., followed by a field exercise. Wear boots and clothes appropriate for the weather; bring sunscreen, insect repellent; at least 3 quarts of water, lunch; a clipboard and pencil, and an orienteering-type or protractor-based compass (Silva 1,2,3 or Suunto). This program is open to all ages, but children must be accompanied by a parent. Space is limited to 20 individuals. There will be a materials fee of $1.50 collected by the presenters. Reservations are required. To make your reservation, or to get more information, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Include name, email address/telephone number for each reservation. Natural Area entrance fees apply. Donations to the Friends of Government Canyon help make these and other programs possible.

Oct. 22

The Friends of Northside ISD libraries and Northside Education Foundation are hosting a districtwide Barnes and Noble Book Fair, to coincide with National Friends of Libraries Week. During the week of October 22-28,

Northside parents, students, employees, and friends may submit a voucher with their purchase and The Friends of Northside ISD Libraries and Northside Education Foundation will receive 10-20 percent of these sales at the Barnes and

Noble stores within Northside’s boundaries: Ingram, Bandera, and DeZavala @ Interstate 10. Friends of Northside ISD Libraries’ purpose is to bring awareness to the organization, promote literacy and reading, and to use money raised to offer simple grant opportunities to Northside’s campus libraries for resources or activities. Get a voucher from your student, campus, or the FONL website (http://library.nisd.net/friends) or call 397-8190 for more information.

Oct. 26

The Bloomin’ Onion & Bluegrass dinner to raise funds for the historic Onion House is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Leon Valley Community Center. Cost is $35 per person and seating is limited. Dinner will be catered by the Outback Steakhouse and includes sirloin, chicken breast, salad, rice, beverage and dessert. Music will be by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Proceeds will be used to restore the Onion House and grounds. Call 684-8586 or 684-0885 for more information.

Oct. 30

Animal Defense League is sponsoring a “Fall Friendraiser For Our Furry Friends” to benefit the league’s work. A luncheon will be held at Pearl Stables and will feature Texas authors performing excerpts from their books about animals. Pearl Stable is located on the grounds of the Pearl Brewery at 312 Pearl Parkway (just off of Broadway and north of downtown).  The four authors featured at the October 30 Friendraiser are: Bob Harvey, Patsy Swendson, Taddy McAllister and Doug Harlan. Books by each author will be available for sale at the event, which will be catered by the RK Group. Registration will begin at 11 a.m. with the luncheon beginning at 11:30 a.m. Sponsorships for tables of eight are available in three categories: “Lifelong Friend” at $2,500; “Best Friend” at $1,500; and “Good Buddy” for $1,000. Individual tickets are $100. For more information or to sponsor a table, call Ron Aaron at (210) 655-1481. For more information visit www.adltexas.org. Or call (210) 655-1481.

Nov. 4

First Sunday Haiku Hikes allow participants to 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 every month for the rest of the year from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Includes an introduction to haiku and other short poem forms, a 3-mile hike, and quiet sitting along the trail to write. Open to ages 14 and older. Wear sturdy shoes; bring at least a quart of water, a journal to write in, and mosquito repellent. Snack and towel or padded seat are recommended. Participation is limited to 6. Reservations are required. To make your reservation or to get more information, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 688-9055, ext. 292. Include name, e-mail address or telephone number for each reservation. Natural Area entrance fees apply.

Nov. 10

Bexar Land Trust presents “Overwintering in the Garden” 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 20 at the Cowles Life-Science Center, Trinity University. Texas gardeners can grow and harvest throughout the year. Learn more about natural soil enhancements and season extension techniques as well as winter plant care. Registration required.  Bring a seedling to give to a garden. Workshops are presented in English and Spanish. The workshops is part of the Community Gardens initiative of the Bexar Land Trust. The organization is currently working with about 20 garden groups in the city. Some gardens are focused on education, others on plants.

 For more information, contact Bexar Land Trust at 210-222-8430 or www.bexarlandtrust.org.  

“Overwintering in the Garden”

Saturday, November 10, 9:30 – 11:30 am
Cowles Life-Science Center, Trinity University

November 17 & 18, 2007—Camp With a Ranger

Join John Koepke (GCSNA staff interpreter and former outdoor guide for UT-Austin) on this very special program for an overnight backpack trip into the heart of Government Canyon State Natural Area. Along the way you’ll learn the story of Government Canyon, tips and tricks for backpacking and backcountry travel, capped off by a unique opportunity to pitch your tent under the stars and swap outdoor adventure stories in the midst of this awesome natural area. Pack your rucksack for fun and adventure and be sure to bring lots of questions about San Antonio’s largest expanse of urban wilderness!

This very special program is by reservation only, limited to 10 adults (must be 18 or older) with previous backpacking experience. There will be a pre-trip meeting on November 10 you must attend prior to attend the campout. More details will be provided when you make your reservation. No pets please.  Reservations are accepted by e-mail only, at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it beginning at noon on Wednesday October 31, 2007 and ending at noon on Friday, November 9, 2007. No more than two people per reservation will be accepted. Program is subject to cancellation; entry fees apply plus a special, non-refundable program fee of $4.00 per person.

December 1, 2007—It’s All About Water!

Join Government Canyon State Natural Area Park Interpreter, Laura Cauley, as she discusses the unique qualities of both the Edward’s Aquifer and Government Canyon.  Learn how the aquifer was formed, why it is so special to residents of San Antonio, Government Canyon’s role in aquifer protection, and what you can do to help protect this very important resource.  The class will feature a lecture portion and then participants will be able to take a guided hike within Government Canyon to see features of the aquifer. The lecture will last about an hour and the hike component will be about two hours.  Participants should dress appropriately and wear sturdy hiking shoes; bring plenty of water and a snack. 9am-12pm.  This program is by reservation only, group size is limited.  Participants should be at least 12 years of age or older.  No pets please.  Reservations are accepted by e-mail only, at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , beginning at noon on Monday, November 19, 2007 and ending at noon on Friday, November 30, 2007.  Please be certain to include on the reservation the complete name, phone number(s), and e-mail contact information for each reservation.  Hiking component subject to cancellation depending on trail conditions; entry fees apply. 

December 8, 2007—From Aquifer-to-Zizelmann

Join our staff interpreter on a hiking adventure through Government Canyon State Natural Area. Learn about its mission, history, and the many stories that relate to the land and its significance for the Edwards Aquifer and San Antonio. Be prepared for a full day and about 6-8 miles of hiking. Bring lots of questions, plenty of water (no less than 1 liter per person), a sack lunch and sturdy footwear. 9AM-3PM; no pets please. This very special program is by reservation only, group size limited to 12 and participants must be 12 years of age or older. Reservations are accepted by e-mail only, at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ., beginning at noon on Monday, November 19, 2007 and ending at noon on Friday, December 7, 2007. Please be certain to include complete name, phone number(s) and e-mail contact information for each reservation. Subject to cancellation; entry fees apply plus a special, non-refundable program fee of $4.00 per person; payable upon entry to GCSNA. (210) 688-9055; ext 292.

December 21, 2007 —Animal Furs and Stamping

Touch real skin furs from animals found in Government Canyon provided by TPWD urban biologists.  Let staff help you in making take-home papers with stamped paw prints.  The paw prints are molds also made from critters you see around Government Canyon.  Open to kids and adults of all ages. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.  Join us at the park store breezeway by the Visitor Center.  No Reservations required.  (210) 688-9055, ext. 286. 

December 21, 2007—How Did Native Americans Celebrate Special Occasions?  Part 1:  Native Cooking and Plant Usage.

Take a guided hike to a Burned Rock Midden with Site Naturalist Carl Green and Ranger Brian Davis-Brothers.  Learn how the Native Americans used local plants for cooking and celebrating.  Open to ages 12 and older; rocky terrain; group size limited; wear sturdy shoes and weather appropriate clothing; bring at least a quart of water and a snack.  1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.; Meet at the Visitor Center by the rainwater harvesting tower.  Reservations required and will be accepted beginning at noon December 10, 2007. For reservations, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Include title and date of event, your name, age if under 18, e-mail address and telephone number for each reservation.  Subject to cancellation. (210) 688-9055, ext 285.

December 22, 2007—Holiday Habitat Hike

Hike to the Protected Habitat area of Government Canyon with members of the volunteer Trail Patrol. Open to ages 14 and older who are physically able to hike 12 to 13 miles over broken, rocky terrain with a good portion of elevation gain and loss; group size limited; dress in layers appropriate to the weather and wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots; bring at least three liters of water per person, snacks, lunch, sunscreen, hat, and raingear. 8:15 a.m.-3 p.m.; Meet at the Visitors Center by the rainwater harvesting tower;  Reservations are required and will be accepted beginning at noon December 10, 2007. For reservations, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Include title and date of event, your name, age if under 18, e-mail address and telephone number for each reservation. Subject to cancellation. (210) 688-9055, ext. 286.

December 22, 2007—How Did Native Americans Celebrate Special Occasions?  Part 2:  Native Crafts and Kid Stories

Enjoy hands-on projects mimicking Native American crafts with Natural Resource Specialist Niki Lake.  Also, listen to Native American based stories geared for kids of all ages.  Meet in the Pavilion at the Visitor Center.  Open to adults and kids of all ages. 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.  No reservations needed.  (210) 688-9055, ext 286.

December 23, 2007—Friends Group Guided Hike

Tired of bright holiday lights and crowded malls?  Try experiencing a place that has more trees than people.  This casual hiking experience can be a great holiday de-stressor.  Open to all ages; group size limited to the first 10 people. Dress appropriately and wear sturdy hiking shoes; bring water and a snack. Group size limited to the first 10 people.  Meet at the Visitor Center by the rainwater harvesting tower. No pets please. 9:00 a.m. - noon; Subject to cancellation.  (210) 688-9055, ext 286.

December 23, 2007—How Did Native Americans Celebrate Special Occasions?  Part 3:  Native Traditions and Folklore

From a storyteller and a musician to an archeologist, GCSNA staff and special guests will share ideas and folklore rooted in earth-based Native American traditions.  Songs and display boards will be presented to enhance your experience.  Meet at the Pavilion in the Visitor Center.  Open to adults and kids of all ages. 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.;  No reservations needed.  (210) 688-9055, ext 286.

December 24, 2007—How Did Native Americans Celebrate Special Occasions?  Part 2:  Native Crafts and Kid Stories.

Enjoy hands-on projects mimicking Native American crafts with Natural Resource Specialist Niki Lake.  Also, listen to Native American based stories geared for kids of all ages.  Meet in the Pavilion at the Visitors Center.  Open to adults and kids of all ages. 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.  No reservations needed. (210) 688-9055, ext 286.

January 5, 2008—Guided Hike to the Protected Habitat

Members of the Recreation and Education Committees of the Friends of Government Canyon will lead a hike to the Protected Habitat starting at 8:30 a.m.  An interpreter will be available to answer questions.  Participants must be at least 14 years of age and physically able to hike 12 to 13 miles over broken, rocky terrain with a good portion of elevation gain and loss.  The hike will last until around 3:00 p.m., depending on participants.  Dress in layers appropriate to the weather.  Carry at least 3 liters of water per person, snacks, lunch, sunscreen, hat, and raingear.  Wear sturdy, well-broken-in hiking shoes or boots.  Participation is limited.  Reservations are required and will be accepted beginning at noon on Monday, December 17, 2007.  To make your reservation, or to get more information, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Please include names of each participant, age if under 18, and email address and telephone #.  Natural Area entrance fees apply.