Category
What’s New in Nature
by Sydney Ward
Are you looking for new ways to get outside this summer? Read on to discover our favorite summertime activities for soaking in the beauty of nature.
Explore a Nature Center
The Cibolo Center for Conservation is a natural oasis located in the heart of Boerne. Whether you’re a local, only taking a day trip to Boerne, or visiting for a long weekend, The Cibolo is a convenient local resource to experience our quintessential Hill Country setting.
On any given day, you can stop by the Cibolo Nature Center (140 City Park Rd.) from dawn till dusk for a moderate hike through several distinct ecosystems–a native prairie, creek, spring-fed marsh, and woodlands–while birdwatching or cooling down beneath the stunning cypress canopy along Cibolo Creek.
Saturdays at the Farm
Every Saturday from 9am-1pm, you’ll find the historic Herff Farm (33 Herff Rd.) bustling with activity. Along with a year-round farmers market with over 25 local vendors, visitors can view the restored 1800s farmhouse and stroll through two thriving community gardens.
Green thumbs and garden novices alike will enjoy popping into the aptly named Inspiration Garden next to the market to learn all about organic gardening in Texas and receive expert tips.
For a more hands-on experience, walk over to the Teaching Garden to see a working garden in full bloom and get your hands in the dirt! Individuals or community groups of all ages are welcome to volunteer and assist with planting, harvesting, composting, flower picking, and other various projects.
For example, on August 3 a ribbon cutting for local Girl Scouts is being held to honor the troop’s dedicated work building a stone path through the Garden of Dreams, a section of the Teaching Garden with raised garden beds, shade, and flat walking surfaces designed to provide a space for seniors to have a more accessible space in the garden.
Plus, there’s always a rotation of family friendly activities and educational workshops on offer at Herff Farm. In the coming weeks, visitors can sign up for a yoga class with baby goats, experience a themed storytime and craft for kids led by local librarians, attend a Pest Management or Tree Care workshop, and enjoy cooking demonstrations by a local chef with free samples using food sourced steps away at the farmers market, to name a few.
Enjoy an Outdoor Concert
During the summer, a live Moondance concert is held at The Cibolo once a month on the Saturday nearest to the full moon. This beloved community event offers a casual atmosphere under the oaks and stars for people to support local musicians, enjoy local food and drink vendors, and relax in hammocks or play yard games. There’s still time to catch three more Moondances this summer on July 20 (Randy Carson), August 17 (Cactus Country), and September 21 (Matthew Parker).
Pro tip: Tickets for children 12 & under are free!
Summer Camp Adventure
While nature, art, and culinary day camps at The Cibolo are in full swing, there’s still a few weeks left for your happy camper to join in on the fun. Over the course of a week, campers engage in hands-on experiences in nature and fun activities from scavenger hunts, farm days and nature hikes, live animal presentations, and more. It’s the perfect opportunity for kids to embark on adventures that challenge them, spark their curiosity, and ignite their love for the great outdoors.
Meet a Local Author
When you’re ready to take a break from the great outdoors, cool down during events that are open to the public–and inside with A/C–including book signings with local authors and networking nights led by business owners. The next book signing coming up on August 1 is to celebrate the release of Replenishing Our Hills: Protecting Lands in the Heart of the Hill Country by longtime conservationist Brent Evans and photographer John Freud.
For the love of nature,
The Cibolo Center for Conservation