Guided Nature Experiences

Guided nature experiences are available for school field trips and community organizations.

Led by the Conservancy’s Nature Educators and Master Naturalist volunteers, the hikes offer up-close lessons on a variety of topics, including birds, pollinators, the water cycle, geology, plant identification, observing insects and spiders, ethnobotany, and the history of Phil Hardberger Park’s dairy farm.

The tours can be to the Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge and back, or tailored to the group's needs and age range.

Starting points at either the NW Military HWY entrance or out Blanco Road entrance.

We have several points of interest worth visiting on both sides, including Phil's Tree, our Butterfly Learning Center garden, the Savanna Restoration Area, and our Wildscape Demonstration Garden.

Guided Nature Experiences Reservation Calendar

Guidelines

  • Guided Nature Experiences are scheduled on weekdays mornings and/or by special request for other dates and times.

  • Guided Nature Experiences can begin as early as 8:30am and as late as 10:30am.

  • Groups are limited to 80 people. Groups larger than 80 people will need to visit over multiple days.

  • To ensure that we can accommodate your group on your requested dates, please book your reservation at least two months in advance.

  • If the group has minors, one chaperone, or teacher, per 15 minors, is required.

  • All participants should dress for the weather, wear closed-toe shoes, and bring water.

What to Expect

  • The hikes usually last about 1.5 hours. The length of the walk can be tailored for the group. 

  • We begin with an introduction to the park, discussing expectations and trail safety, and offer a restroom break before heading out onto the trails.

  • During the hike, we will stop at points of interest.

  • Many groups also choose to have lunch at the park. Both sides of the park have shaded picnic tables and playgrounds. Lunch is after the guided hike.

Nature Activities

Nature Activities are available upon request. We draw from Growing Up Wild lessons that help children explore nature in a fun safe way.

For example, older children exploring plant anatomy and then making seed balls to take home is an option.

For younger children, a popular activity is looking at insect body parts and then making coffee-filter butterflies to take home.

For more information, email Education Coordinator Jesse Hillger at programs@philhardbergerpark.org or call the Conservancy at 210-492-7472.