City Nature Challenge BioBlitz/Blacklight Event

Name: City Nature Challenge BioBlitz/Blacklight Event
Start: 2025-04-26T19:00:00-05:00
End: 2025-04-26T21:45:00-05:00
Location: Government Canyon State Natural Area - Texas Parks and Wildlife

Schedule

Sat Apr 26 2025 at 07:00 pm to 09:45 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Government Canyon State Natural Area - Texas Parks and Wildlife | Helotes, TX

This event requires registration at the Friends of GCSNA link listed under Tickets, above. Registration opens on Saturday two weeks prior to the event and closes at noon the Thursday before the event.
Join Jane Weeden, City Nature Challenge Bexar County Coordinator, and her volunteer team on a stroll in the canyon followed by an insect blacklighting event.
The program will begin with a short overview on identifying and documenting species using the iNaturalist app. The group will then head onto the Discovery Trail to identify as many species as possible. Afterwards, blacklight stations will be available for you to observe and photograph insects!
The City Nature Challenge is an international competition to see which city can document the most species of living things from April 25-28. The San Antonio effort includes the Texas Master Naturalists, San Antonio Natural Areas, Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy, TPWD and many others. It's easy to participate by joining an event or making observations on your own using iNaturalist! To find out more about CNC 2025 and how to download iNaturalist visit: CNC-SA.org. The San Antonio Metro Area has a title to defend, having placed first in the nation last year! Every observation counts toward protecting and celebrating our region’s biodiversity.
Who Is Invited:
This activity is open to all ages and includes both a short, seated activity followed by an easy hike to make identifications. Minors must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. No pets please. Please download the free iNaturalist app prior to arrival.
Where to Meet:
Park in Lot A and meet at the Group Picnic Pavilion.
How to Prepare:
Registration required! Reserve your spot at the Friends of Government Canyon website. Registration opens on Saturday two weeks prior to the event and closes at noon the Thursday before the event.
Though the program is free, entrance fees to the Natural Area do apply. The Natural Area can be very busy! To ensure entrance and save time at the Fee Booth, please pre-purchase and print out a day pass. SPECIAL NOTE: Reserving a Day Pass is NOT the same as making a program reservation. You also need to register on the Eventbrite page hosted by Friends of Government Canyon.
Dress for hiking outdoors. Bring your phone or camera for taking photos. Please download the free iNaturalist app prior to arrival. Comfortable shoes, sunscreen and bug spray are recommended. Bring at least 1 liter of water per person.
If ADA assistance is required, please request modifications by emailing [email protected] at least 2 weeks in advance.
Cancellation:
This program is weather-dependent and subject to cancellation. Check trail conditions by calling GCSNA's main office at 210-688-9055, or go to the GCSNA webpage, Instagram, or Facebook.