Guided Nature Experiences

Guided nature experiences are available for school groups and community organizations.

Led by the park’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.

Request a Guided Nature Experience

Guided Hike Request

Group Organizer Name

First Name

Last Name

Contact Email

Phone

(###)

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Cell Phone (optional)

Country

(###)

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School or Organization Name

Address

Address 1

Address 2

City

State/Province

Zip/Postal Code

Country

Requested Tour Date

Tours can be scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays. Please request two months, at minimum, in advance.

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DD

YYYY

Back-up Date #1

We are booking up quickly, please let us know if you have a second date that would work for you in case your first option is already reserved.

MM

DD

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Back-up Date #2

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Arrival Time

Can arrive as early as 8:30 a.m. and as late as 2 p.m.

Hour

Minute

Second

Departure Time

Hour

Minute

Second

Number of Children

How Many Classes in total?

If you are bringing more than one group or class, please tell us how many.

Grades/Ages (If multiple, list range)

Number of Adults

Number of Buses (if applicable)

Educational Objectives (optional)

(add TEKS requirements, if applicable)

Any Support Needs?

We are happy to make accommodations to get every BODY out into nature. Please tell us if you have anyone who needs extra support or mobility assistance. Please specify.

Guidelines

Guided Nature Experiences are scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
The hikes can begin as early as 8:30 a.m. and as late as 10:30 a.m. (Please be aware that afternoons from May to September can be very hot.)
Groups are limited to 60 people (students and adults). We also ask groups larger than 60 to consider splitting into multiple days or plan for a Monday field trip.
We ask that groups book at least two months in advance, to ensure we can schedule staff and volunteers.
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.