UTSA Trainer Course

Government Canyon State Natural Area (GCSNA),  near San Antonio Texas, provided a fantastic arena for our trainer course this past weekend.  GCSNA is a Natural Area that lies on the Balcones Escarpment, an area of deeply entrenched canyons that defines the eastern boundary of the Edwards Plateau.  Approximately 88% of the Natural Area overlays the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone.  This area is great for hiking, biking, bird watching, and exploration.  One of our favorite spots along the Joe Johnson route was passing through trees draped with Spanish Moss.  

During the course, we discussed the importance of practicing the Leave No Trace skills and ethics while at GCSNA.  Since this area is over an aquifer recharge zone, contamination of water sources is a major concern.  Also, this area was home to many Native American tribes throughout centuries past and it is important to "Leave What You Find" to protect the many historical and cultural resources that lie within the area.   John Koepke, an interpreter at GCSNA, was especially helpful to have on the course, as he was a wealth of knowledge specific to the site.  Thanks John!

Safe travels...Kate and Tracy