Texas Nature Tracker Results from City Nature Challenge 2022 -San Antonio Area

https://tpwd.texas.gov/documents/279/CNC2022_SanAntonioSummary.pdf

To find other Texas Cities that participated in CNC2022:
Go to : https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/wildlife_diversity/texas_nature_trackers/naturechallenge/results.phtml

CNC- SA Bioblitz 2022  - Identification period (May 3-8).
THANKS TO ALL WHO HAVE CONTRIUBUTED OBSERVATIONS! We are ahead of the curve compared to all our previous years! THANKS to all our observation event partners! 
 Now is time to finish uploading your observations photos/sounds  from your smart device, camera or sound recording devices by May 8^th. Sooner the better to help contribute and get our identifiers -validating before the May 8^th.  

           
iNaturalist Identifiers – It’s your time to SHINE!
ID iNat Observations from the comfort of your own home, favorite WIFI hotspot (i.e., coffee shop…) or come out to an ID Party.

What is – ID [iNat] Party?  Basically, group of iNaturalist participants come together-collectively to start the identification of all the possible observations made in the San Antonio Area. So, bring your laptops, iPad, smart devices, ID books on plants, birds, herps, etc.… to have fun working as a team to ID SA-Area wildlife.

SA-Area will be hosting two ID Parties  

• Craig Hensley, TPWD-Texas Nature Tacker Biologist-will be at both events.
• WIFI available @ both sites
• Hybrid meeting will not be available. In-person only.. 
• Masking is not required but recommended.
• Lite/Pizza refreshments at both parties.

“May the 4^th be with you” ID Party  -4pm-7pm
Sponsor: San Antonio River Foundation / San Antonio River Authority
Location : Confluence Park Conf. RM. 310 W Mitchell St San Antonio, TX 78204
Lite Pizza / refreshments provide by SARF.  Some SARA swag will be available.  
Please RSVP / POC – PeterJoseph – hernandez@swbell.net

 May 5^th- “Cinco de Mayo” ID Party  - 6pm-7:30pm
Sponsor - City of San Antonio Parks & Rec -Education Team   @ Friedrich Park
Location: Friedrich Park - 21395 Milsa Dr, San Antonio, TX 78256.
Meet at Education building (Parking Lot to building Map )
POC - David Goree with COSA-Parks & Rec. at david.goree2@sanantonio.gov
Lite Pizza / refreshments provided by Bexar Audubon Society   

 
BIG THANK YOU to SARF, SARA and COSA- Parks and Rec. Friedrich Park Ed. Coord. for ID a HOSTING ID Parties! FIRST IN SA-Area after a City Nature Challenge- observation period.

Come out and HAVE FUN!

1. View and share this inspiring “Global - CNC-2022” !
   CNC 2022 - Video - Click here
   
   

2. CNC -FAQ:

   •  What are the dates for the Bioblitz?City Nature Challenge 2022 important dates:
     
     ● Make and share observations: April 29 - May 2 (in the 12 Counties)
     ● Get all your observations uploaded and work on identifying: May 3-8
     ● Results announced: May 9th
     
     
   •  Where can we make observations in the San Antonio Area?
     Anywhere -you can observe plants and wildlife within the 12 counties area surrounding San Antonio?  Those counties are: Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Gillespie, Goliad, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Medina, Wilson.

3. CNC-SA Area Events - Join a guided walk.

4. Find a SARA Park or Trail. 

5. Exploring Nature in and around your home.

6. "After Party" - ID Parties-scheduled.

7. FYI- 15 Texas Cities participating in CNC-2022: Map

Be Safe - Have Fun. 
PeterJoseph

City Nature Challenge - San Antonio Area Flyer with QR

Link :
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KO44QISPXJf22epvd_mz3o5872HOornZ/view

ROUND TWO – ID TIME. 

This is part of the CNC bioblitz where we focus on identifying -verifiable observations from the comfort of your home or at an ID Party.

What is an ID Party? Basically a group of iNaturalist participants come together to start the identification of all the verifiable observations made in the CNC bioblitz - San Antonio Area. So bring your laptops, iPad, smart devices, ID books on plants, birds, herps, etc… to have fun working as a team to ID SA-Area wildlife. Craig Hensley - TPWD -Biologist will be available. 
FREE WIFI @ both sites. 

 “May the 4th be with you” ID Party  -4pm-7pm

Sponsor: San Antonio River Foundation / San Antonio River Authority.
Location : Confluence Park Conf. RM. 310 W Mitchell St San Antonio, TX 78204
(RSVP  / POC PeterJoseph - hernandez@swbell.net)  May 4th - 4pm-7pm 
Limited to -25 participants    Hybrid Call- TBD.
Pizza / Refreshments  - provided by San Antonio River Foundation. Some Swag provide by San Antonio River Authority 

May 5th- “Cinco de Mayo” ID Party  - 6pm-7:30pm

Sponsor - City of San Antonio Parks & Rec -Education Coordinator @ Friedrich Park
Location: Friedrich Park - 21395 Milsa Dr, San Antonio, TX 78256.
Meet at Education building top right of Parking Lot (Map)
RSVP  / POC David Goree.
Pizza / Refreshments  - provided by Bexar Audubon Society.

BIG THANK YOU to SARF, SARA and COSA- Parks and Rec. Friedrich Park Ed. Coordinator   for hosting ID a HOSTING Party! FIRST IN SA-Area after CNC-2022 Observation period.

Thanks - Have Fun
Peter Joseph

Ideas and resources to help you look for, find, attract, and document nature in your house or yard!   Great article from California Academy of Sciences: (Click Here)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lT9f5exi0kEIkJD8a0YzUk2_EDJYJVym/view

In the article: 

Getting Started with iNaturalist  (how to use the app/videos)

Searching for and documenting nature in and around your house

• HHMI Backyard Wilderness Education and Engagement Materials
• National Wildlife Federation: Four Can’t-Miss Ways to Attract Birds to Your Yard or Deck
• Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Make Your Own Feeder
• Reptile Magazine: 4 Ways to Create a Backyard Herp Haven

Moth Lighting

• Science Friday: Go Mothing!
• California Center for Natural History: DIY Moth Light 

Thanks - Have Fun
Peter Joseph

Possible sites to make observations for City Nature Challenge -2022. Take your Family or Friends out to one of the following SARA's - Parks or Trails durning CNC-2022 and help contribute to CNC -2022 and to San Antonio River Authority project also. 

River Crossing Park
6890 South Loop 1604 E  
San Antonio, Texas 78112

Branch River Park
445 South Commercial Street
Goliad, Texas 78216

Eagleland Zone Paddling Trail
Beginner Friendly  
0.50 miles, 40 minutes

Jackson Nature Park
9284 County Road 401 
Stockdale, Texas 78216

Goliad Paddling Trail
Experience Recommended 
18.30 miles, 2-4 hours

Escondido Creek Parkway
208 N. Sunset Strip
Kennedy, Texas 78119

King William Paddling Trail
Beginner Friendly
1.50 miles, 1-2 hours

San Pedro Creek Culture Park
Downtown San Antonio, Texas 78205

Mission Reach Paddling Trail
Beginner Friendly 
8.00 miles, 2-8 hours

San Antonio River Walk Downtown Reach
Downtown  San Antonio, Texas 78205

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail
Experience Recommended
29.00 miles, 4-12 hours

Confluence Park
310 W Mitchell St
San Antonio, Texas 78204

John William Helton-San Antonio River Nature Park
15662 FM 775
Floresville, Texas 78114

San Antonio River Walk Museum Reach
North of DowntownSan Antonio, Texas 78216

San Antonio River Walk Mission Reach
South of Downtown San Antonio, Texas 78216

Graytown Park on the San Antonio River
1239 CR 125
Elmendorf , Texas 78112

More in on SARA website:  https://www.sariverauthority.org/be-river-proud/parks-trails 

Sponsor by San Antonio River Authority

Date: April 26, 2022 (12pm - 1pm)
Online – via Microsoft Teams.
Meeting link: https://tinyurl.com/CNC-SA2022-iNat-Training04-26

Presenter : Craig Hensley Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. Texas Nature Tracker Biologist
Question or comments contact Minna Paul at volunteer@sariverauthority.org
Or place your comments below.

Open to the public - in the San Antonio Area.

These are San Antonio Area walks on a nature trail or natural area led by an experienced guide (naturalist, scientist, biologist, educator, etc.) with knowledge about iNaturalist during City Nature Challenge-2022. All guided walks will be making observations on flora and fauna. Below is a list of guided nature walks

Toyota’s iNaturalist CNC Bioblitz Fri - April 29| 8am – 1pm

Sponsor by Texas Parks & Wildlife / Toyota-SA
Address: 1 Lone Star Pass, San Antonio, TX 78264 (Enter far South Gate on Applewhite, meet at Visitor Center)
Location#1 : Pollinator-Wildlife Demonstration Garden next to their visitor center
Location#2 the newly created 30-acre Texas Horned Lizard project on their west field
Target Audience : Toyota Employees, University students and Texas Master Naturalists.
POC: Registration required by April 18th with Judit Green, Urban Wildlife Biologist-TPWD at Judit.Green@tpwd.texas.gov or 210-514-3315

CNC @ Castroville Regional Park Bird Walk - Friday, April 29 | 8am- 10am

(2 open spots of 15)
Sponsored by Bexar Audubon Society. (Host: Tom and Patsy Inglet)
Location: 816 Alsace Avenue, Castroville, TX 78009.
Contact Patsy at engagement@bexaraudubon.org if you have questions.
Sign up here: https://bexaraudubon.org/3174-2/?sheet_id=21

CNC @ Kirchoff Prairie in Wilson County – Sat. April 30| 8am-12pm.

General BioBlitz with PeterJoseph, Alamo Area Master Naturalists; participating in City Nature Challenge; Saturday, April 30 8:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Location: Kirchoff Family Farm is located at
1444 C.R. 210, Floresville, TX 78114

A general BioBlitz documents Animal, Plant, Insect and Birds Property will be open at 7:00 AM. Arrive when convenient. Be sure to have iNaturalist installed on your device. Team start times will be flexible. First Teams will begin observations at 8:00. Team Leaders have capability to observe mammals, insects, plants, and birds, but some Leaders have specialties.
As volunteers arrive, they will be assigned to Team Leaders whose specialties match volunteers’ interests.
Transportation to the two quadrants without defined trails are available along with binoculars.
A light lunch, snacks and water will be provided.

PLEASE RSVP to Don Kirchoff
Email: donkirchoff@earthlink.net
Text: 713-562-7681

CNC @ Cibolo Center for Conservation- Sat. April 30 | 1pm- 4pm

Sponsors by the Cibolo Nature Center
Location:140 City Park Road, Boerne, TX 78006
Families and individuals will be able to participate in some activities such as:
=>Scavenger Hunt
=>Visiting Identification Tables (The Green Society Club Table & The Wildlife Society Club Table)
=>Raffle prizes and more.
For more info go to https://cibolo.org/calendar/citynaturechallenge2022

CNC-Wildflower Walk@Gold Canyon Park April 30 | 9:15am-11am

Sponsor- Native Plant Society of Texas San Antonio Chapter
Location: 18402 Corporate Woods Dr · San Antonio, TX
RSVP - by the Friday before event at Meetup site: https://www.meetup.com/San-Antonio-Native-Plant-Events/events/285297946/
POC to RSVP: Jerry Morrisey at jlmorrisey@aol.com

CNC BioBlitz at Bracken Cave Preserve (4 Day Weekend)

Friday, April 29| 9am - noon and 1:00-4:00 pm
Saturday, April 30|9am - noon only
Sunday and Monday, May 1-2| 9 am - noon and 1:00-4:00 pm
Sponsor: Bat Conservation International Inc.
Location 26101 FM3009, San Antonio, TX 78266
POC to RSVP a spot: Heidi Forgione at heidiforgione@gmail.com
Texas Master Naturalist Contact: Coco Brennan, brennrm@gvtc.com
If you are a Bracken volunteer, please sign up on Volgistics

CNC @ Metha Haggard's Private Ranch Sunday May 1st | 9:45am - 12:30pm

Sponsor – NPSOT – San Antonio Chapter
16290 IH35- Atascosa, TX
POC to RSVP: Jerry Morrisey at jlmorrisey@aol.com

Notes:

To participate in CNC-2022 you do not have to make observations in a guided walk. As matter fact most observations during CNC are done independently. But it is great to go out with experience guided walk with others, you may learn something new and it’s fun. Please dress to walk in a natural area, bring your own water in re-useable water bottle and be safe.

If your SA-Area organization in the 12 Counties would like to post a CNC-2022 event. Contact PeterJoseph via iNaturalist.

If your group or organization is planning to host a City Nature Challenge event in our area, please add it here!