Monthly Education Programs

Monthly Programs

For program inquiries call (210) 207-3106 or (210) 226-8339.

A donation of $3 per individual or $5 per family is suggested unless otherwise noted (all donations go to the Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy). Programs will be held at 13203 Blanco Rd. (PHP East Blanco) at the Salado Creek Classroom unless stated otherwise.

Spring Bloomer: What did your lunch cost wildlife?

Tues., May 21
Time: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
PHP East (Blanco)

Investigate the origins of an item from your lunch bag. Chart its course and determine what impact it may have on the environment.

Geological History: Classroom Concepts & Trail-side Formations

Sat., May 25
Time: 8:00 a.m.
PHP East (Blanco)*

*(Only Seasonal Walk on the East Side) Randy Kilian-Smith will explain the park's geology and limestone in the Outdoor Classroom and then  lead a hike with further explanations including fluvial geology.

Secrets of the Spring Savanna

Sat., May 25
Time: 9 - 11 a.m.
PHP West (NW Military)

Investigate the wonders of our restored savanna with Wendy Leonard, Park Naturalist. Play "Savanna Bingo" and win prizes while learning about our urban savanna.

Pooch Parade

Sat., June 1
Time: 9 - 11 a.m.
PHP West (NW Military)

Bring your dog (on a leash) to the annual Pooch Parade located in the field behind the playground. Prizes are awarded for most unique, best costume and cutest dog.

Growing Up Wild: Busy Bees

Wed., June 5
Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.
PHP East (Blanco)

Busy Bees: Outdoor nature activities for pre-school age children (3-7 year olds).

Friday Growing Up Wild: Busy Bees

Fri., June 7
Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.
PHP East (Blanco)

Busy Bees: Outdoor nature activities for pre-school age children (3-7 year olds).

Seasonal Walk: Photographing Nature

Sat., June 22
Time: 8:00 a.m.
PHP West (NW Military)

This Oak Loop walk led by Don Ewers will focus on photographing nature. 

Hydrology: from Rocks to our Water Faucets

Sat., June 22
Time: 9 - 11 a.m.
PHP East (Blanco)

Greg Wukasch of SAWS will teach about the Edwards Aquifer and the importance of protecting it.

Bats Are Beneficial

Sat., July 6
Time: 9 - 11 a.m.
PHP East (Blanco)

Join Texas Parks and Wildlife Biologist, Nyta Brown as she talks about the bat emergence at Old Tunnel State Park near Comfort, Texas.

Growing Up Wild: Aqua Charades

Wed., July 17
Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.
PHP East (Blanco)

Aqua Charades: Outdoor nature activities for pre-school age children (3-7 year olds).

Friday Growing Up Wild: Aqua Charades

Fri., July 19
Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.
PHP East (Blanco)

Aqua Charades: Outdoor nature activities for pre-school age children (3-7 year olds).

Learning Landscapes/Urban Ecology Center Seasonal Walk

Sat., July 27
Time: 8:00 a.m.
PHP West (NW Military)

Especially for parents and teachers--Wendy and Stan Drezek will explain how to use Phil Hardberger Park as a "learning landscape." 

Nature's Pesticides

Sat., July 27
Time: 9 - 11 a.m.
PHP East (Blanco)

Learn about natural pesticides from Bob Webster of Shades of Green. Mother nature has remedies to thwart common pests of South Texas without using chemicals or poisons.

Fishing Fun!

Tues., July 30
Time: 9 - 10:30 a.m.
PHP West (NW Military)

Learn how to bait a hook, practice casting and hold a fish. Kids will also learn Texas fishing regulations. Please RSVP at (210) 307-3106.

Mammals of Texas

Sat., Aug. 3
Time: 9 - 11 a.m.
PHP East (Blanco)

Texas Parks and Wildlife Urban Biologist Jessica Alderson will host a hands-on interactive discussion about the mammals of Texas.

Bicycle Fun!

Wed., Aug. 7
Time: 9 - 11 a.m.
PHP East (Blanco)

Learn basic bicycle trail etiquette, safety practices and maintenance inspection tips. Bicycle the Salado Greenway with Park staff. Please RSVP at (210) 307-3106.

Growing Up Wild: Oh Deer!

Wed., Aug. 14
Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.
PHP East (Blanco)

Oh Deer!: Discover predator-prey relationships

Friday Growing Up Wild: Oh Deer!

Fri., Aug. 16
Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.
PHP East (Blanco)

Oh Deer!: Discover predator-prey relationships

Desert Adaptations Seasonal Walk

Sat., Aug. 24
Time: 8:00 a.m.
PHP West (NW Military)

The Desert Adaptations Oak Loop walk will be lead by Texas Master Naturalist, Patty Pasztor.

Superstar Plants

Sat., Sept. 7
Time: 9 - 11 a.m.
PHP East (Blanco)

Presented by Bexar County Master Gardeners: learn which superstar, native and drought-tolerant plants work best in this area and take a native plant home with you!

Fall Grasses Seasonal Walk

Sat., Sept. 28
Time: 8:00 a.m.
PHP West (NW Military)

Floyd Waller will lead a tour focused on fully developed grasses and the expanded savanna area.

Revisit the Voelcker Farm and Homestead

Sat., Sept. 28
Time: 9 - 11 a.m.
PHP East (1021 Voelcker Lane)

Details to come...

Doc Edwards™ Amazing Aquifer Adventure!

Sat., Oct. 5
Time: 9. - 11 a.m.
PHP East (Blanco)

This award-winning program raises the awareness of the Edwards Aquifer as a natural resource through a fun, interactive approach.

Wildlife Seasonal Walk

Sat., Oct. 26
Time: 8:00 a.m.
PHP West (NW Military)

Come walk the Oak Loop trail as Christine Westerman shares information about wildlife in the park.

Whoo wants to know about Owls?

Sat., Oct. 26
Time: 2 - 4 p.m.
PHP East (Blanco)

Master Naturalist Patsy Inglet and staff from the San Antonio Zoo will present a program about owls with an owl friend named Twig.

Apache Del Rio Intertribal

Sat., Nov. 2
Time: 9 - 11 a.m.
PHP West (NW Military)

Apache Del Rio Intertribal will tell stories and sing songs of their ancestors. Participants can dance to the beat of the drum from Running Waters and make an arrowhead necklace to take home.

Wild Turkeys in Texas

Sat., Nov. 16
Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
PHP East (Blanco)

Bill Masden of the National Wild Turkey Federation will give a kid-friendly presentation on wild Texas turkeys.

Dinosaur George

Sat., Dec. 7
Time: 9 - 11 a.m.
PHP West (NW Military)

George Blasing's dinosaur program has thrilled families for over 35 years. Come early to this well-attended event!

Weed Wednesdays

Please join us each Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for our weekly Weed Wednesday Volunteer Program.  Please contact Wendy Leonard for directions to each week's location. (210) 207-3292 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Show Your Support

Contributions are now being accepted to create this premier urban green space.

 

Phil Hardberger Park West [map]
8400 NW Military Highway, 78230 • (210) 207-3284

Phil Hardberger Park East [map]
13203 Blanco Road, 78216 • (210) 207-3284