"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."
Theodore Roosevelt
Chapter Approved Activities
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The Approval Process
The following activities are approved for volunteer service hours or for advanced training hours by our Alamo Area Chapter. Most of this information can be found in the monthly newsletter as well.
Sometimes a popular activity will have more volunteers than is needed or the information listed may change without notification. To be sure about the latest information, please ask the activity contact for current details.
If you are a chapter member and you have an activity proposal that you want to submit to the chapter, then fill out our activity approval form on the right of this page and send it to the chapter activities coordinator. Even if the approved activity is an ongoing one, you need to resubmit it each year for approval.
If you are a chapter sponsor or partner and you have an activity proposal that you want to submit to the chapter, then fill out our partner activity approval form on the right of this page and send it to the chapter activities coordinator. Even if the approved activity is an ongoing one, you need to resubmit it each year for approval.
If you have any questions, then please contact the chapter activities coordinator for clarification.
Please remember to keep track of your hours for the hours report.
| Activity | Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Disclaimer | ||
The above list is a selection of activities which have been approved for volunteer service hours or for advanced training hours by our Alamo Area Chapter for the year marked. This list is dynamic and may change as new activities undergo the approval process. For activities to be approved, they must be submitted each year for chapter review. Additional activities can be found in the monthly newsletter. The listed information may change without notification. To be sure about the latest information on an activity, please ask the listed contact for current details. |
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Canyon Gorge Preservation and Docent Training What: Below Canyon Dam, the beautiful canyon gorge that was created in the 2002 flood is being prepared for public use as a park. Master Naturalists are at work clearing and building trails, developing plans for docent training, and leading selected visitors through the gorge. If you are interested in trail building or serving as docent, you will be welcome as a member of the team that is working in the gorge. If you have questions about the work we are doing, feel free to contact Sasha Kodet or visit their Web site www.canyongorge.org. The docent training portion is approved for advanced training and once trained, participation as a docent is approved for volunteer hours. Trail building is also approved for volunteer hours. Where: Canyon Gorge Contact: Sasha Kodet (830) 885-4066 or sashacross@hotmail.com |
Ongoing | VO/AT |
Cibolo Nature Center What: Located about 30 miles northwest of San Antonio in Boerne City Park, the Cibolo Nature Center (CNC) is 100 acres of Hill Country trails and wilderness. The CNC provides education, research, entertainment, and outdoor activities while promoting sound stewardship of land, water, and wildlife. The CNC offers many volunteer opportunities all year round. Since these are subject to change, contact the CNC for current activities. Some past examples are listed below: The CNC Arborist maintains memorial arboretum at the Cibolo Nature Center and its drip irrigation system; and participates in related educational and other public activities. Contact for dates and times. The primary purpose of the CNC Citizen Science Wildlife Field Research Program (CSWFRP) is to establish an ongoing assessment of biodiversity within the landholdings of the Cibolo Nature Center and use this information to promote regional conservation of biodiversity through education. Specific objectives are to: conduct surveys to determine the abundance and distribution of selected species within CNC; develop land management methods that conserve native species; provide training and information promoting conservation of biodiversity to landowners within the upper Cibolo Creek watershed region; and transfer field research, data management, and analytical methodologies to secondary school teachers and students. The program conducts periodic surveys, both observational and measurement, of prairie vegetation, birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, aquatic invertebrates, insects, and water chemistry. Data are collected semi-annually (spring and fall) during 3-day field research campaigns. A series of topical workshops is an integral component of these survey events. Typically, the field research teams are lead by practicing professionals such as a wildlife scientist and Master Naturalists. The training portion is approved for advanced training and once trained, participation is approved for volunteer hours. The national Monarch Larva Monitoring Project (MLMP) at http://www.mlmp.org was developed by researchers at the University of Minnesota and funded by the National Science Foundation to learn the distribution and abundance of Monarch butterflies during their breeding season in North America. The MLMP involves citizen scientists doing weekly long-term data collection on Monarch larval populations and milkweed habitats. The CNC has one of the most-studied MLMP plots in the country. The data is analyzed by UM ecology researchers and is used for scientific publications and presentations. Texas Master Naturalist Kip Kiphart is the coordinator for this ongoing project, and will advise on locating and counting the Monarch larva. The training portion is approved for advanced training and once trained, participation is approved for volunteer hours. CNC Outdoor Classroom Trail Guides lead a small group of students (K-6) through different activities that allow them to explore and enjoy nature, and teach them conservation of our natural resources. No is experience needed. Outdoor Classrooms are usually conducted Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 AM to noon during the school year at the CNC under the shade of the big oak trees, along the creek, at the marsh, on the prairie, or on the back porch. Volunteers choose the activity they prefer and the day they wish to participate. Advanced training sessions are available, otherwise trail guides can shadow the classes for on-the-job training. The training portion is approved for advanced training and once trained, participation is approved for volunteer hours. Where: Cibolo Nature Center in Boerne. Contact: Volunteer Coordinator, (830) 249-4616 or volunteer@cibolo.org. |
Ongoing | VO/AT |
City of San Antonio Neighborhood Tree Planting Challenge What: The purpose of this challenge is to bring us together for a common purpose: to help in the greening of San Antonio and to help us have a stake in the future of our community by organizing and working together on a project that will enhance our neighborhood and be environmentally beneficial as well. Master Naturalists! If you can help a local neighborhood in this effort, you will be using your training in the best possible way! If you can at least help spread the word about this to neighborhood groups, you could be the spark that gets a neighborhood involved. For more information, download the Neighborhood Tree Planting Challenge application in Adobe PDF, or contact Alamo Area Master Naturalist Michael Nentwich (Class 17). Participation is approved for volunteer hours or advanced training, where appropriate. Where: San Antonio neighborhoods Contact: Michael Nentwich, City Forester, (210) 207-3108 or michael.nentwich@sanantonio.gov. |
Ongoing | VO/AT |
City of San Antonio Citizen Forester Brigade What: There are advanced training opportunities with the San Antonio Parks & Recreation Department and City of San Antonio experts. These new projects headed by Michael Nentwich will include native and exotic species identification, educating the public in proper tree planting techniques, urban forestry management, city tree inventory, non-native invasive control, tree rescue and propagation, and the development of a Citizen Forester Brigade. This is a newly energized initiative to train volunteer naturalists in the many aspects of tree and plant identification and management. Keep checking for updates in upcoming newsletters for more information as training classes are organized. We will publish the times and dates of classes as they are organized. If you have any questions, or want to put your name on the list of interested potential volunteers, contact Alamo Area Master Naturalist Michael Nentwich (Class 17). The activities are approved for advanced training or volunteer hours, as appropriate. Where: Varies Contact: Michael Nentwich, City Forester, (210) 207-3108 or michael.nentwich@sanantonio.gov. |
Ongoing | VO/AT |
Daughtrey Wildlife Management Area Trail Project What: We will resume the trail building project at Daughtrey Wildlife Management Area on the weekends before the dog days of summer. This trail is designated as part of the Great Texas Birding Classic. It will be a nature trail with many native species of plants. Many species of wildlife live in this area and the walking trail will give nature lovers an opportunity to see and enjoy watching the animals in their natural habitat. Volunteers may camp out if they wish. Camping is free, though semiprimitive. If anyone is interested in a weekend of trail building, contact Ron. Facilities at the cabin are available. Participation is approved for volunteer hours. Where: Daughtrey Wildlife Management Area, one hour south of San Antonio on Hwy 16. Contact: Ron Dowda 210-680-0047 (home), 210-378-1204 (cell), or rdowda@texas.net |
April-May | VO |
Euretta Fairchild Park Bike Expo and Camp out What: This annual event sponsored by San Antonio Parks & Recreation and the San Antonio River Authority will involve an 18-mile bike ride from Fairchild Park to Calderas Lake Park and a camp out. We need several volunteers to set up a nature exhibit for the Kids Nature Expo at Calaveras Lake Park. Participation is approved for volunteer hours. Where: Euretta Fairchild Park 1214 East Crockett Street (one block south of Houston Street off of Pine Street) Contact: Carlotta Hargrove (210) 643-3606, (210) 207-3045 fax or lottagrove@aol.com |
October | VO/AT |
Euretta Fairchild Park Wildscape Garden Project What: Located near the historic downtown cemetery area, volunteers needed to help manage Wildscape Garden Exhibits and to provide nature related educational experiences to inner-city youth. The garden exhibits include a spring-fed pond, a stream, a still pond with aquatic life, hummingbird & butterfly garden, a woodland area, native grasses, a dry creek bed, Hill Country native plants, and a wildflower meadow. The Wildscape Garden Project is a youth-focused project with the objective of involving youth in each phase of its development and long-term management. The exhibits provide an interactive medium to communicate ecological habitat messages to youth. The garden is used to inspire and initiate conservation efforts and responsible recreational use of natural resources, i.e., birding and other wildlife observation, camping, biking, hiking, wildlife photography, fishing, etc. The garden is also used as an example for schools, community centers, and individuals in the community to start other Wildscape Gardens and to provide co-habitation areas for humans and area fauna. Call for project needs and/or the next organized workday. Participation is approved for volunteer hours. Where: Euretta Fairchild Park 1214 East Crockett Street (one block south of Houston Street off of Pine Street) Contact: Carlotta Hargrove (210) 643-3606, (210) 207-3045 fax or lottagrove@aol.com |
Ongoing | VO |
Government Canyon State Natural Area Naturally Fit Hikes Tour Guides What: This is a monthly interpretive program on each first Saturday where the person leading the hike determines the interpretive emphasis and length of hike, usually 2-4 hours. Volunteers are needed to lead hikes at various months of the year. Volunteers can choose partners to work in pairs. Please contact John Koepke and indicate which of the first Saturdays you would be able to handle. The training portion is approved for advanced training and once trained, participation is approved for volunteer hours. Where: Government Canyon State Natural Area Contact: John Koepke, Interpreter & Peace Officer (210) 688-9055 ext.291 or john.koepke@tpwd.state.tx.us |
First Saturday of the Month | VO/AT |
Government Canyon State Natural Area Hike The Canyon Tour Guides What: This is a monthly interpretive program on each second Saturday where the person leading the hike determines the interpretive emphasis and length of hike. Volunteers are needed to lead hikes at various months of the year. Volunteers can choose partners to work in pairs. Please contact Catherine McKee and indicate which of the second Saturdays you would be able to handle. The training portion is approved for advanced training and once trained, participation is approved for volunteer hours. Where: Government Canyon State Natural Area Contact: Catherine McKee, Education Committee, Friends of Government Canyon ckmckee@sbcglobal.net |
Second Saturday of the Month | VO/AT |
Government Canyon State Natural Area Explore The Canyon Tour Guides What: This is a monthly interpretive program on each third Saturday where the person leading the tour determines the interpretive emphasis and length of tour. Volunteers are needed to lead tours at various months of the year. Volunteers can choose partners to work in pairs. The training portion is approved for advanced training and once trained, participation is approved for volunteer hours. Please contact John Koepke and indicate which of the third Saturdays you would be able to handle. Where: Government Canyon State Natural Area Contact: John Koepke, Interpreter & Peace Officer (210) 688-9055 ext. 291 or john.koepke@tpwd.state.tx.us |
Third Saturday of the Month | VO/AT |
Government Canyon State Natural Area Family Fun Hikes Tour Guides What: This is a monthly hour-long interpretive program on each fourth Saturday where the person leading the hike determines the interpretive emphasis in a kid-friendly manner. Volunteers are needed to lead tours at various months of the year. Volunteers can choose partners to work in pairs. Please contact John Koepke and indicate which of the fourth Saturdays you would be able to handle. The training portion is approved for advanced training and once trained, participation is approved for volunteer hours. Where: Government Canyon State Natural Area Contact: John Koepke, Interpreter & Peace Officer (210) 688-9055 ext.291 or john.koepke@tpwd.state.tx.us |
Fourth Saturday of every month | VO/AT |
Government Canyon State Natural Area Hikes and Interpretive Programs What: Government Canyon provides monthly hikes and interpretive nature programs for the public. Contact for details. Any training is approved for advanced training and once trained, participation is approved for volunteer hours. Where: Government Canyon State Natural Area Contact: John Koepke, Interpreter & Peace Officer (210) 688-9055 ext. 291 or john.koepke@tpwd.state.tx.us |
Ongoing | VO/AT |
Judson Montessori School Nature Trails What: The school needs help building and maintaining an eleven-acre natural area over our aquifer. Volunteers are needed to help remove rocks, prune small tree branches, and cut down Ashe juniper shrubs for a nature trail in the wooded area on campus. Also, signs designating plant material, aquifer features, and other items of significance are to be made and placed along the trail. The trail is part of the school's plan to create an outdoor environmental education opportunity for the students. No training is required. Bring water, gloves, pruning tools, shovels, and wheelbarrows. Participation is approved for volunteer hours. Where: Judson Montessori School 17722 Rogers Ranch Parkway (just off Loop 1604) Contact: Patty Gaskins (210) 822-3148 or pattygaskins@gmail.com |
Ongoing | VO/AT |
Master Naturalist Regional Holiday Party What: This is our Master Naturalist holiday party collectively celebrated by our chapter and by the neighboring chapters in our region. We usually need volunteers to help with the planning and setting up. Contact our chapter president if you are able to help. Participation in planning and setting up is approved for volunteer hours. Where: Varies Contact: Chapter President |
December | VO |
Medina River Natural Area Master Naturalist Field Guide Mini-Training What: Want to learn more about the San Antonio Natural Areas? We need you! You don't have to know a lot about nature. You need an interest and willingness to share. We provide the training and the opportunities. Those who wish to participate and volunteer can call to arrange for individual training. The training portion is approved for advanced training and once trained, participation is approved for volunteer hours. Where: Medina River Natural Area 15890 Highway 16 South Contact: Daniel Silvas, Education Coordinator, (210) 624-2575 or fax (210) 624-3121 |
Ongoing | VO/AT |
Medina River Natural Area Second Saturday Program What: Variously scheduled events. Call for details. The training portion is approved for advanced training and once trained, participation is approved for volunteer hours. Where: Medina River Natural Area 15890 Highway 16 South Contact: E. Gail Dugelby, Nature Preserve Officer, (210) 624-2575 or fax (210) 624-3121 |
Ongoing | VO/AT |
Medina River Natural Area Viva Voluntarios! What: Volunteers are needed on the last Saturday of every month from 8:00 AM to noon. Volunteers will help with native landscaping, clearing, trail maintenance, and other needs. Participation is approved for volunteer hours. Where: Medina River Natural Area 15890 Highway 16 South Contact: E. Gail Dugelby, Nature Preserve Officer, (210) 624-2575 or fax (210) 624-3121 |
Last Saturday of the Month | VO |
Mitchell Lake Audubon Center What: Ongoing work includes installing and tending a wildscape garden with plants native to the Rio Grande Plains, which attract hummingbirds, songbirds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Other activities may include making presentations and leading tours. Any training is approved for advanced training and once trained, participation is approved for volunteer hours. Where: Mitchell Lake Audubon Center Contact: Illiana Pena (210) 913-9798 or ipena@audubon.org |
Ongoing | VO/AT |
Robber Baron Cave Workday What: Robber Baron Cave is open and we need your help working on the plantings and trails. Please plan on helping out. Any caving can be done after the work, and we welcome your participation and your coming to see the cave. Contact Linda for the next workdays. Participation is approved for volunteer hours. Where: Robber Baron Cave Contact: Linda Palit, lkpalit@sbcglobal.net |
Ongoing | VO |
San Antonio Botanical Garden Bootanica! What: Usually on the Sunday before the week of Halloween, this annual tradition for the whole family celebrates the fall harvest and Halloween themes in a fun and educational natural setting involving music, games, costumed characters, food and drink, and activities. Master Naturalists are represented in our own activity area. Participation is approved for volunteer hours. Where: San Antonio Botanical Garden Contact: Siri Lindholm, (210) 207-3270 or slindholm@sanantonio.gov |
October | VO |
San Antonio Botanical Garden Walk Across Texas What: This is an official Fiesta event. Help with static nature displays and share your love of nature along the Texas Native Trail at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Please contact Cindy to help out with the activities. Participation is approved for volunteer hours. Where: San Antonio Botanical Garden Contact: Cindy Sims, (210) 499-5165 or d_csims@prodigy.net |
April | VO |
San Antonio Natural Areas First Saturdays Interpretive Hikes What: We've got a lot going on at the San Antonio Natural Areas, so we are looking for Hiking Field Guides. Please take time to look at the schedule listed in the monthly newsletter and see what you would like to attend, observe, or help with, and then let Peggy know. It helps if she knows that you are coming so that when there are changes, she will know to notify you. Call Peggy for more volunteer details. Any training is approved for advanced training and once trained, participation is approved for volunteer hours. Where: Natural Areas throughout San Antonio Contact: Peggy Spring, Park Naturalist, (210) 564-6402 or www.sanaturalareas.org |
First Saturday of the Month | VO/AT |
San Antonio Natural Areas Second Saturdays Interpretive Hikes What: We've got a lot going on at the San Antonio Natural Areas, so we are looking for Hiking Field Guides. Please take time to look at the schedule listed in the monthly newsletter and see what you would like to attend, observe, or help with, and then let Peggy know. It helps if she knows that you are coming so that when there are changes, she will know to notify you. Call Peggy for more volunteer details. Any training is approved for advanced training and once trained, participation is approved for volunteer hours. Where: Natural Areas throughout San Antonio Contact: Peggy Spring, Park Naturalist, (210) 564-6402 or www.sanaturalareas.org |
Second Saturday of the Month | VO/AT |
San Antonio Natural Areas Volunteer Days What: This is an ongoing volunteer opportunity and will take place at the various San Antonio Natural Areas throughout the city. There will be regular orientation training sessions as well as some on-the-job training to help volunteers identify vegetation and expand and sharpen their Master Naturalist skills. Trained volunteers will facilitate field studies of natural areas. Expect to bring water, snacks, work gloves, sunscreen, and bug spray. Dress for the weather. We've got a lot going on, so please take time to look at the schedule listed in the monthly newsletter and see what you would like to attend, observe, or help with, and then let Peggy know. It helps if she knows that you are coming so that when there are changes, she will know to notify you. Call Peggy for more volunteer details. Any training is approved for advanced training and once trained, participation is approved for volunteer hours. Where: Natural Areas throughout San Antonio Contact: Peggy Spring, Park Naturalist, (210) 564-6402 or www.sanaturalareas.org |
Ongoing | VO/AT |
San Antonio Parks & Recreation Department Community Training on Management Practices for Natural Drainage Ways What: This program will train knowledgeable volunteers who will be on call to deliver training to homeowner association members and other community folks. Two presentations will be developed and two training sessions will be given by UTSA. It is anticipated that the Master Naturalist volunteer team will attend the training and then use the training package to deliver additional training to the community members. Contact Debbie or Michael for more details and updates. The training portion is approved for advanced training and once trained, participation is approved for volunteer hours. Where: Natural Areas throughout San Antonio Contact: Debbie Reid, City Arborist, and Michael Nentwich, Park Naturalist, (210) 213-8499 or debbie.reid@sanantonio.gov and michael.nentwich@sanantonio.gov |
Ongoing | VO/AT |
San Antonio Parks & Recreation Department NALUMP Data Collection What: NALUMP Data Collection provides in-field training for fun and challenging surveys using GPS and map and compass skills to help locate places to use vegetation identification and assessment skills. We meet on Thursdays at various natural areas for training and data collection. During the spring and summer, the hours are 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM. During the fall and winter, the hours are 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM. The training portion is approved for advanced training and once trained, participation is approved for volunteer hours. Where: Natural Areas throughout San Antonio Contact: JayNe NeaL (210) 698-1057 or JayNe.Neal@sanantonio.gov |
Ongoing | VO/AT |
San Antonio Parks & Recreation Department Wild! Week Summer Ecology Day Camp What: Help Peggy Spring work with 7-12 year-old children on a variety of nature-related activities. The second week of the two-week Day Camp emphasizes nature and art. If you have questions, call for more information or to sign up. Participation is approved for volunteer hours. Where: Friedrich Wilderness Park Contact: Peggy Spring (210) 564-6400 or peggy.spring@sanantonio.gov |
June | VO |
San Antonio Riverwalk Garden What: Volunteers needed to cut, trim, and plant to maintain our demonstration garden along the banks of the Riverwalk. Bring cutting tools such as shears, rakes, clippers, gloves, and water for this monthly workday. It would be great to see some new faces at this garden, our own Alamo Area Master Naturalist project. Participation is approved for volunteer hours. Where: At the Riverwalk, at the corner of Aubrey and Old Guilbeau (north of Durango, on the west side of the San Antonio river) Contact: Lan Eng (830) 980-2300 or lanjim@earthlink.net |
Ongoing | VO |
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo What: Participation at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo has been a long-standing tradition with our chapter. We need volunteers to help staff the tables every day at the Texas Experience Building on the Rodeo grounds. We will have chapter information, nature activities, and a separate partner-run table. This is an approved activity for your volunteer service hours where your family and friends can help you out! There are no admission fees and free parking for volunteers when you ride the shuttle at the San Antonio Water System Building parking lot at 3930 East Houston. This is a well-attended event where our chapter gets a lot of exposure. Please email or call Holly for more information. Participation is approved for volunteer hours. Where: AT&T Center Contact: Holly Camero (210) 490-4882 or (210) 861-5004 or chcamero@aol.com |
February | VO |
Texas Master Naturalist Annual State Meeting What: One great thing about attending the state meeting is that members can get all the advanced training hours required for the year from the statewide presenters. Also, we get good ideas for our chapter by seeing and hearing what others are doing. Mo Ranch, near Hunt, Texas, is a great Hill Country setting with ranch style accommodations in various buildings and decors. Nighttime programs include a bonfire by the Guadalupe River. A large cafeteria serves three meals each day, which are included in the registration cost. The training portion is approved for advanced training hours. Where: Varies Contact: For more information regarding the annual registration and program events, please refer to, as it nears October each year, either the Texas Master Naturalist Program calendar or to the Texas State Event Management & Planning calendar. |
October | AT |
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Expo What: Begun as a tribute to hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors, the free Texas Parks & Wildlife Expo is an outdoor experience where visitors fish, shoot, kayak, rock climb, mountain bike, see and touch wildlife, and learn about outdoor recreation. Most importantly, visitors can learn how they can help to conserve this precious resource. Volunteer opportunities are available for Master Naturalist members who want to assist with the Texas Master Naturalist exhibit and conduct several teaching activities during the two-day event. Volunteers are also needed to assist various TPWD officials with other exhibits. Details are available at the TPWD Web site. Any training is approved for advanced training and once trained, participation is approved for volunteer hours. Where: TPWD headquarters 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744 Contact: Judit Green, TP&WD Urban Wildlife Officer, (210) 688-6444 or judit.green@tpwd.state.tx.us, or go to www.tpwd.state.tx.us |
October | VO/AT |
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Hunter Education Course What: This special Outdoor Education Course occurs once in the spring (March) and once in the fall (October) on two consecutive Saturdays and was developed so that interested students can receive their lifetime Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Hunter Education certification. Contact Ron Dowda for information regarding any volunteer service needs. Participation is approved for volunteer hours. Where: National Shooting Complex, Baretta Pavilion, 5931 Roft Road (three miles northwest of the intersection of FM 471 and Loop 1604) Contact: Ron Dowda (210) 378-1204 or rdowda@texas.net |
Ongoing | VO |
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department WildFest San Antonio What: The San Antonio Annual Bird & Nature Festival is held in May and offers the local and nationwide visitors an opportunity to experience local natural and historical sites as well as to learn more about these exciting environments through lectures, workshops, and field trips. In order to make WildFest a success, we will need volunteers to register participants and vendors, serve as room monitors for conference speakers, serve as guides on field trips, assist with field activities, as well as other necessities required to put on this festival. For more information about the festival, please log onto the WildFest Web site. If you are interested in assisting us with this event, please contact Judit. Participation is approved for volunteer hours. Where: Various areas around Bexar County Contact: Judit Green, TP&WD Urban Wildlife Officer, (210) 688-6444 or judit.green@tpwd.state.tx.us |
Ongoing | VO |
