School Field Trips

Let Us Guide Your Nature Experience

Guided nature experiences are available for school groups and community organizations.

Led by the park’s Nature Educators and Master Naturalist volunteers, the hikes offer up-close lessons on a variety of topics, including birds, pollinators, the water cycle, geology, plant identification, observing insects and spiders, ethnobotany, and the history of Phil Hardberger Park’s dairy farm.

The tours can be to the Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge and back, or tailored to the group's needs and age range.

Starting points at either the NW Military HWY entrance or out Blanco Road entrance.

We have several points of interest worth visiting on both sides, including Phil's Tree, our Butterfly Learning Center garden, the Savanna Restoration Area, and our Wildscape Demonstration Garden.

Request a Guided Nature Experience

What to Expect

  • The hikes usually last about 1.5 hours. The length of the walk can be tailored for the group. 

  • We begin with an introduction to the park, discussing expectations and trail safety, and offer a restroom break before heading out onto the trails.

  • During the hike, we will stop at points of interest.

  • Many groups also choose to have lunch at the park. Both sides of the park have shaded picnic tables and playgrounds. Lunch is after the guided hike.

Guidelines

  • Guided Nature Experiences are scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

  • The hikes can begin as early as 8:30 a.m. and as late as 10:30 a.m. (Please be aware that afternoons from May to September can be very hot.)

  • Groups are limited to 60 people (students and adults). We also ask groups larger than 60 to consider splitting into multiple days or plan for a Monday field trip.

  • We ask that groups book at least two months in advance, to ensure we can schedule staff and volunteers.

  • If the group has minors, one chaperone, or teacher, per 15 minors, is required.

  • All participants should dress for the weather, wear closed-toe shoes, and bring water.

For more information, email programs@philhardbergerpark.org

or call the Conservancy at 210-492-7472.

Grants for transportation are available upon request.