Explorer's Guide Austin, San Antonio, & the Hill Country by Amy K. Brown

Author:Amy K. Brown
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Countryman Press
Published: 2017-07-05T16:00:00+00:00

For decades, the San Antonio River south of the city languished, flowing along concrete channels through neglected urban areas. In 2008, the Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation Project (www.sanantonioriver.org) set its sights on changing the city’s relationship with the southern portion of its river by restoring it to a more natural state. This multiphase project has created the section of the river now known as “Mission Reach.”

In what became the nation’s largest urban ecosystem restoration project, workers planted 20,000 trees and shrubs representing close to 100 varieties of native vegetation. They sowed wildflowers and native grasses, creating habitats and inspiring birds and butterflies to return by the thousands. They created the stable riverbanks required for flood control and freed the river from its restraints, letting it flow and meander along its natural route. They designed an 8-mile hike and bike path to follow alongside the shoreline, allowing residents and visitors to connect with the city’s five historic missions, nature, and each other.

Allow at least three hours to visit the entire park: 1½ to 2 hours at Mission San José and the park’s Visitor Center located there, then 30–40 minutes at each of the other three parks. see www.nps.gov for details and maps. The missions are approximately 2 miles apart, a short drive from one to the next. Bicycle rental is available through B-cycle (210-281-0101; sanantonio.bcycle.com), San Antonio’s municipal bike sharing system. You can even rent a kayak at Mission Kayak (210-849-2958; www.missionkayak.com) and enjoy a paddle along parts of the river. Since the park is spread out over several sites, each with limited amenities, please plan accordingly—local advice is to bring along plenty of water, some sunscreen, and a hat.

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