Spring 2006 NEWSLETTER

Finally!!!

We are most happy to report that Crownridge Canyon Natural Area (CCNA) is open. FOFWP is now the citizen oversight group for this property, as well as for Friedrich Wilderness Park. CCNA is the first acreage purchased with Proposition 3 funds to open to the public. Please join us for the Grand Opening celebration and unveiling of the interpretive artwork that FOFWP commissioned for this property through an “Arts in the Community” Grant. The event begins at 9:00 AM on March 25 at CCNA, at 7222 Luskey Boulevard. Directions to CCNA are provided below. Refreshments will be served and guided tours will follow.

Crownridge Canyon Natural Area is located at 7222 Luskey Blvd (MapQuest). To get there exit IH-10 at Camp Bullis Road. Proceed West on Camp Bullis Rd for 1.4 miles, turn right on Luskey Blvd.; the entrance to the Natural Area is about 1⁄2 mile down Luskey on your right; a metal ranch gate is at the entrance.

Special Opportunity

We are offering a members-only tour of Windgate Natural Area on Saturday, May 6, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This is one of the larger and more westerly of the properties purchased by the City through Proposition 3, and is not yet open to the public. This is your opportunity to experience this rugged specimen of Texas Hill Country through the guidance of Natural Areas staff. The property is unimproved: no trails; no water; no toilets, and this will be a fairly adventurous hike through brush and junipers. Long pants and long sleeves are highly recommended and hikers will bring their own water and sack lunch. Reservations are required (call 698-1057) and participation is limited to 20. Watch for future members-only field trips.

Natural Areas News

Another special opportunity for FOFWP members is a discount for Wild! Weeks. This popular program for children, run by City Natural Areas staff, is held from June 19 - 23 and June 26 - 30, 8:30 AM to noon each day, at Friedrich Wilderness Park. The normal $85.00 fee will be discounted to $70.00 for FOFP members who pre-register by May 1. These day camps give children a chance to explore the workings of the natural world, with emphasis on direct experience with nature; older campers are challenged to ‘dig deeper’ into daily topics.  The second week has an art emphasis. Call 698-1057 for details.

Park Naturalist JayNe NeaL reminds us that our endangered birds will soon return to the Natural Areas. Golden-cheeked Warblers usually arrive the first week or so of March, with Black-capped Vireos flying in about a month later. If you go birding, remember we all need to respect birds and their nesting habit—please stay on trails, do not play tapes of bird songs, do not “pish” or use other methods to try to draw the birds towards you.

Membership

PLEASE don’t forget to renew your membership (adult $25; senior $15; family $30; contributing $50) Your membership expiration date is shown on the address label. Friends of Friedrich Wilderness Park is a non-profit, charitable organization; contributions are tax-deductible. Dues and donations may be sent to Friends of Friedrich Park, 21395 Milsa Dr., San Antonio, TX 78256-9610.