Outings (trips)
Going out, I found, was really going in. - John Muir
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Outings are usually suitable for the whole family; check with the leaders for details and to verify dates. No dogs [unless the specified outing will allow dogs on the trip], radios, recreational drugs, firearms, or unescorted children are allowed on Sierra Club outings. Public consumption of alcohol is prohibited during scheduled activities. Most outings are free. Fees, if any, offset trip and administrative costs. If you have never been on an Alamo Group outing, or if it's been a while, please take a few minutes to read our complete Outings Rules. All participants on Sierra Club outings are required to sign a standard liability waiver. If you would like to read the Liability Waiver before you choose to participate on an outing please go to the Local Outings - Forms page or contact Stan Drezek, local Outings co-chair (493-0939), for a printed version. |
Outings Also Listed on Meetup
You can access our full menu of Outings, and arrange to be notified of upcoming outings by e-mail, by going to the Alamo Sierra Club Outings page on Meetup.
Saturday, May 26th: The Oak Loop Seasonal Nature Walk
This walk is jointly sponsored by the Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy, the Alamo Area Master Naturalists, and the Sierra Club. It will be lead by Wendy Drezek of the Sierra Club and staffed by an accompanying Master Naturalist.
The purpose of the walk is to appreciate the beauty of the natural areas along the Oak Loop Trail and how nature changes through the seasons. The walk will be repeated four times throughout the year.
Please meet by 8:00 am to sign up for departure from the sidewalk in front of the Children's Playground in Phil Hardberger Park West (8400 NW Military---about 0.2 miles SE on Military from Alon Market i.e. closer to Loop 410).
We will walk along the Savanna Trail to the savanna restoration area with a brief explanation there and then proceed to the Oak Loop Trail. There will be a few stops along the trail where certain plants and points of ecological interest will be explained with ample time for participant questions. Minors only when accompanied by an adult parent/guardian. Dogs allowed if leashed and socialized.
Difficulty: Easy, definitely suitable for families. Flat terrain, slow-paced. This will only be a 1.5 mile walk and last about and hour and a quarter to end back at the playground around 11:30am. The trail is a natural surface so be sure to wear sturdy shoes and, dependent on the weather, bring water, sun protection, and dress appropriate for the day and season. Donations may be made to the PHP Conservancy to support the park, but are not required.
Contact Wendy Drezek (493-0939) if you require further information.
Monday, June 4th: Bracken Bat Cave in San Antonio, TX
The Alamo Group of the Sierra Club cordially invites you to join us on a Bracken Bat Flight Experience! During our special evening program we will learn all about BATS, our fascinating and misunderstood mammal friends as we observe them "cave-side" as they emerge to commence their nightly feeding frenzy!
Our always popular and informative presentation will be conducted by a Trained Interpretive Guide of Bat Conservation International [See the website at batcon.org]. Share with us as we are introduced to the special world of MEXICAN FREETAIL BATS, some 20 million strong, who reside at Bracken Cave every summer.
We will meet at 5:30 p.m. as a group at the Educational Tour Entrance (by the orange cone) [Map and Directions] near Natural Bridge Caverns. We will then drive caravan-style about 2 miles to the cave site. Our program and viewing will conclude, as a group, by 9 p.m. or so.
A few notes: bring lots of water as none is available on-site, wear comfortable ankle-supporting shoes and bring binoculars. Do not bring snacks or pets; no fires or smoking; carry-in/carry-out; a port-o-potty is available; children are most welcome under supervision. Visit BCI's Bracken Bat Cave webpage for more info.
RSVP: Sierra Outings Leader Linda Higby, (585) 330-1890. All are welcome. The educational group discount for this evening is $15.00 per person, payable to the Sierra Club at the entrance gate. Donations to support the world-wide efforts of Bat Conservation International are welcome!
Saturday, June 9th: Hike the Canyon
Join the Friends of Government Canyon and the Sierra Club for a jointly-led guided hike on one of the many trails at Government Canyon State Natural Area. Length of the hike will range from 4 to 7 miles depending on the group.
Open to ages 13 and over; minors must be accompanied by an adult; no pets please. Dress appropriately and wear sturdy shoes for hiking over rough terrain; bring two liters of water and a snack.
GCSNA is located at 12861 Galm Rd (Take FM 1560 west from Helotes to Galm Rd). There is a $6 entrance fee ($3 seniors). Meet at the Visitors Center by the rainwater harvesting tower by 7:45 am for an 8:00 am departure with finish by noon; subject to cancellation. Difficulty: Moderate (some steep/rocky sections).
Contact Sierra Club co-leader Terry Jermolajevs, (830) 980-4183, if you require additional information.
Saturday, July 14th: Hike the Canyon
Join the Friends of Government Canyon and the Sierra Club for a jointly-led guided hike on one of the many trails at Government Canyon State Natural Area. Length of the hike will range from 4 to 7 miles depending on the group.
Open to ages 13 and over; minors must be accompanied by an adult; no pets please. Dress appropriately and wear sturdy shoes for hiking over rough terrain; bring two liters of water and a snack.
GCSNA is located at 12861 Galm Rd (Take FM 1560 west from Helotes to Galm Rd). There is a $6 entrance fee ($3 seniors). Meet at the Visitors Center by the rainwater harvesting tower by 7:45 am for an 8:00 am departure with finish by noon; subject to cancellation. Difficulty: Moderate (some steep/rocky sections).
Contact Sierra Club co-leader Terry Platt, (210) 695-9570, if you require additional information.
Saturday, August 11th: Hike the Canyon
Join the Friends of Government Canyon and the Sierra Club for a jointly-led guided hike on one of the many trails at Government Canyon State Natural Area. Length of the hike will range from 4 to 7 miles depending on the group.
Open to ages 13 and over; minors must be accompanied by an adult; no pets please. Dress appropriately and wear sturdy shoes for hiking over rough terrain; bring two liters of water and a snack.
GCSNA is located at 12861 Galm Rd (Take FM 1560 west from Helotes to Galm Rd). There is a $6 entrance fee ($3 seniors). Meet at the Visitors Center by the rainwater harvesting tower by 7:45 am for an 8:00 am departure with finish by noon; subject to cancellation. Difficulty: Moderate (some steep/rocky sections).
Contact Sierra Club co-leader and Texas Master Naturalist Stan Drezek, (210) 493-0939. if you require additional information.
Saturday, September 22nd: The Oak Loop Seasonal Nature Walk
This walk is jointly sponsored by the Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy, the Alamo Area Master Naturalists, and the Sierra Club. It will be lead by Wendy Drezek of the Sierra Club and staffed by an accompanying Master Naturalist.
The purpose of the walk is to appreciate the beauty of the natural areas along the Oak Loop Trail and how nature changes through the seasons. The walk will be repeated four times throughout the year.
Please meet by 10:10 am to sign up for a 10:20 am sharp departure from the sidewalk in front of the Children's Playground in Phil Hardberger Park West (8400 NW Military---about 0.2 miles SE on Military from Alon Market i.e. closer to Loop 410).
We will walk along the Savanna Trail to the savanna restoration area with a brief explanation there and then proceed to the Oak Loop Trail. There will be a few stops along the trail where certain plants and points of ecological interest will be explained with ample time for participant questions. Minors only when accompanied by an adult parent/guardian. Dogs allowed if leashed and socialized.
Difficulty: Easy, definitely suitable for families. Flat terrain, slow-paced. This will only be a 1.5 mile walk and last about and hour and a quarter to end back at the playground around 11:30am. The trail is a natural surface so be sure to wear sturdy shoes and, dependent on the weather, bring water, sun protection, and dress appropriate for the day and season. Donations may be made to the PHP Conservancy to support the park, but are not required.
Contact Wendy Drezek (493-0939) if you require further information.
Government Canyon State Natural Area
For information about programs and activities at Government Canyon State Natural Area go to the Friends of Government Canyon website or the TX Parks & Wildlife Calendar for Government Canyon SNA.E-mail Jim Stewart to receive a copy.