Government Canyon Natural Area is taking reservations for a Jan. 5 event, “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 p.m., depending on participants. Dress in layers appropriate to the weather.

Carry at least three 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. To make your reservation, or to get more information, email rec_cmte@ yahoo.com. Include names of each participant, age if under 18, and e-mail address and telephone number. Natural area entrance fees apply. 

Friday

Government Canyon Natural Area invites children and adults to 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 animals seen around Government Canyon.

Open to kids and adults of all ages, the event is set 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Friday. Join fellow participants at the park store breezeway by the Visitor Center.

No reservations required. Call 688-9055, ext. 286, for details. 

Saturday

Government Canyon Natural Area invites children and adults to “How Did Native Americans Celebrate Special Occasions? Part 2:  Native Crafts and Kid Stories.” Enjoy hands-on projects mimicking American Indian crafts with Natural Resource Specialist Niki Lake. Listen to stories geared for kids of all ages. Meet in the pavilion at the Visitor Center. Open to adults and kids of all ages. The event will be 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. No reservations needed. Call 688-9055, ext 286, for details.

Sunday

Government Canyon Natural Area offers a 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. Meet at the Visitor Center by the rainwater harvesting tower. No pets. Event will be 9 a.m. to noon and is subject to cancellation. Call 688-9055, ext 286 for more information.

Government Canyon Natural Area offers “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. Event is 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; no reservations needed. Call 688-9055, ext 286 for more information.

Monday, Dec. 24

Government Canyon Natural Area offers How Did Native Americans Celebrate Special Occasions?  Part 2:  Native Crafts and Kid Stories. Enjoy hands-on projects mimicking Native American crafts and kids stories with 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. Event is 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday. No reservations needed. Call 688-9055, ext 286 for details.

Jan. 5

Government Canyon Natural Area offers “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 p.m., depending on participants. Dress in layers appropriate to the weather. Carry at least three 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. 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 names of each participant, age if under 18, and e-mail address and telephone number. Natural area entrance fees apply. 

Feb. 15

Texas Cooperative Extension will be conducting its spring Master Gardener class for adults interested in gardening and learning about horticulture, in which they return their knowledge and time back into providing educational outreach to the community. Deadline to register is Feb. 15 and classes run every Wednesday from 1 to 5 p.m., Feb. 27 to May 21 at The Neighborhood Place, 3014 Rivas St., San Antonio, TX 78228. For more information call 467-6575 or visit http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu/HomeHort/MasterGardener/BCMGIndex.htm