I’ve been struck lately about how many hidden treasures we have here in San Antonio. There are so many beautiful parks & natural areas that are virtually unknown to the general population… what a shame!!

In the news today was a story about the long-awaited opening of Joshua Springs Park & Preserve in Kendall County. This jewel is over 300 acres of Texas hill country at it’s best, complete with hay fields, rocky trails, a flowing river and hundreds of white-tail and Axis deer. We’re no stranger to the charm of this park — its has been the venue of the SARR Fall Fest 25k & 8 miler (the final race of the Alamo Series) for the past three  years — and we look forward to it’s public opening.

Speaking of races… those of you who participated in the SARR Fiesta Missions 10k last weekend got a glimpse at another beautiful area of town, the San Antonio Missions Trail. In what other city can you run along the river and visit national landmarks dating back to the 18th century? If taking your family out to this trail doesn’t make you want to get out and enjoy the day, I don’t know what will!

Another treasure that I recently discovered was the Media River Natural Area. What a beautiful place! The trails were wide open and the signage was great — making it easy to “get lost in nature” without getting lost. Jogging along the flowing Medina River while counting colorful birds is a sure way to lift anyone’s cloudy spirit.

Which reminds me of the ambitious Linear Creekways project that is currently underway in San Antonio. The goal is to create a linear park within the city limits, a continuous linkage along Salado Creek, Leon Creek and their tributaries.  Did you know that there are already 23 miles of completed greenway trails open to the public and another 14 miles are under construction? There are new parks opening across the city, providing convenient access no matter where you live or work.

And there are so many more! Government Canyon, Friedrich Wilderness Park, the list goes on and on.

So… where is your favorite local natural area? What’s on your “must see” list this spring? Tell us!!