The new Hendrick Arnold Nature Park, named for a scout and spy of the Texas Revolution, offers 74 acres of riparian woodland along the Medina River and will feature nature trials and educational opportunities.
Courtesy of the San Antonio River Authority
San Antonio Express-News
Timothy Fanning, San Antonio Express-News
Beginning this weekend, nature lovers in the San Antonio area will have an estimated 425 acres of new natural areas to explore.
“These new parks are a testament to our dedication to creating clean and enjoyable creeks and rivers and the environment that surrounds them,” Kristen Hansen, the River Authority’s deputy director of parks and recreation, said in a statement. “We invite the community to come explore and experience the natural beauty of these remarkable additions to our city."
Hendrick Arnold Nature Park, named for a scout and spy of the Texas Revolution, offers 74 acres of riparian woodland along the Medina River and will feature nature trials and educational opportunities. After the revolution, Arnold received compensation in the form of land a few miles northwest of the site of present-day Bandera. The park’s address is 8950 Fitzhugh Rd. in southwest Bexar County.
Amenities include nature trails, scenic overlooks and bird-watching stations.
Trueheart Ranch features 351 acres of pecan orchards, livestock grazing, and riparian woodland that fronts the San Antonio River. The park’s address is 14984 Blue Wing Rd., and it is in southeast Bexar County. Amenities include an equestrian staging facility, multiple camp grounds and nature trails.
Trueheart Ranch’s history dates back to the early 19th century, when it was part of a Mexican government land grant given to José Antonio de la Garza.
Later owned by James Trueheart and his wife Margarita, the property underwent development, including the construction of a stone house and irrigation systems. In 1902, a portion of the land, including the ranch house, was sold to the San Antonio Hunting and Fishing Association, which established Blue Wing Lake on the property as a waterfowl sanctuary.
These parks, in addition to their rich history, serve as vital habitats for migratory animals and pollinators, with over 250 native plant species providing essential nutrients, the River Authority said. The ecosystems also support bionetworks along the San Antonio and Medina rivers, benefiting migratory species.