San Antonios River Walk turns into a snowy wonderland with lights, music, and festive fun

Explore San Antonios new Red Berry Hike and Bike Trail at the historic estate.

Discover Tikitapu Splash, Aquaticas new 15,000 sq ft water playground, coming in 2024.

The article outlines plants that thrived in San Antonio's extreme weather in 2023 and suggests options for resilient gardens in 2024, including zinnias, rosemary, and native species like Bluebonnets.

The Fort Worth Zoo celebrated the birth of Moja, the first lion cub born there since 2015, which is significant for conservation efforts, as the lion population is classified as vulnerable.

Firefighters in College Station helped relocate a 150-lb tortoise named Jack to a warmer indoor location during a cold snap, using a recycling bin for the task.

The San Antonio River Authority removed over 2,000 invasive apple snails from the River Walk during its biennial cleanup to protect the local ecosystem.

After a freeze, New Yorkers are advised to wait before pruning as some withered plants may recover come spring, particularly if preventive measures were taken.

San Antonio Zoo is hosting Pokémon Community Day with in-game and physical activities, including exclusive collectible cards for visitors playing Pokémon Go.

A partnership between the Texas Water Resources Institute and the San Antonio River Authority is working to improve the water quality of the Medina River in Texas due to elevated bacteria and nutrient levels.

SeaWorld offers free unlimited admission to preschoolers and teachers, with registration open until March 31, for park access through January 4, 2025.

San Antonio's Brackenridge Park is undergoing a community-engaged revitalization as it marks its 125th anniversary, with plans influenced by past challenges and a focus on honoring its heritage and future relevance.

Cocaine bricks valued at over $2 million wash up on South Padre Island; authorities seize the drugs and highlight the ongoing battle against trafficking.

San Antonio is preparing for its 29th Basura Bash to clean local waterways, with River Aid San Antonio leading the event and planning further environmental initiatives.

SeaWorld San Antonio is hosting a job fair to fill various positions, offering benefits like free admission and tuition reimbursement. The event is scheduled for three days this week.

Experts share tips to manage the heightened skunk activity and their pungent scent during New York's skunk mating season, warning of potential rabies risks and advising professional wildlife removal if needed.

Texas is preparing for the total solar eclipse on April 8th with viewing events across South Texas, including celebrations at state parks, festivals, and special packages at local attractions.

The San Antonio Zoo offers reduced $8 admission for Bexar County residents on select days as a sign of community appreciation. Proof of residency is required for the discount.

SeaWorld San Antonio announces the opening of Catapult Falls, the world's first launched flume coaster, on March 2, featuring the steepest drop and a 55-foot lift.

Seguin's Starcke Park East will break ground for a new playground on March 5, featuring inclusive play pieces and a "Temple Trolley," funded partly by a grant and park development funds. The grand opening is expected in summer.

San Antonio Zoo has begun construction on Congo Falls, a new gorilla habitat set to open in 2025 after over 30 years without gorillas at the facility.

San Antonio's Salado Creek Greenway now offers 20 miles of connected trails after a 4-mile extension, providing rich outdoor experiences for cyclists, hikers, and runners.

San Antonio extends hours for theme parks like SeaWorld and Six Flags Fiesta Texas for spring break, while attractions like Aquatica and Morgan's Wonderland cater to families with varied opening times.

Texas prepares for a total solar eclipse on April 8, with Enchanted Rock State Park among venues expecting high turnout. Texas Parks advises early arrival and reservations, as spots are limited.

A 14-foot shark named LeeBeth tracked on a 2,000-mile journey from South Carolina to the Gulf of Mexico, setting a record for the westernmost great white pinged in these waters.

The San Antonio River Authority invites residents of Bexar, Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad County to enter its photo contest by May 31, with a chance to win prizes.

The Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup, amid controversy and protests over animal treatment, maintains tradition with parades and snake hunts, attracting 40,000 visitors. Critics push for a celebratory shift away from mass snake killings.

San Antonio Zoo debuts "Giants of the Ice Age," an attraction featuring prehistoric creatures and Ice Age-themed activities from March 9th to May 5th.

San Antonio's Picture Your World Nature Photography Exhibition invites young photographers aged 8-18 to submit their work for a chance to be featured at the Witte Museum and win cash prizes.

Four people were found dead in a San Antonio house fire, later investigations revealed one died from a gunshot, turning the case into a homicide inquiry.

San Antonio's Parks and Recreation department is offering a free fruit tree giveaway at Monterrey Park on March 23, with a limit of one tree per household.

New Braunfels City Council approves resident-focused parking changes, with fees for non-residents at River Acres Park and new spots at Cypress Bend Park.

San Antonio lifts park curfews for Easter camping at selected locations, emphasizing clean-up and recycling with a stewardship team assisting visitors.

San Antonio Parks and Recreation won four awards at a state event, including the prestigious Gold Medal Award. They were recognized for park management excellence and innovative programs.

The San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department will host solar eclipse viewing events across various parks on April 8, with peak viewing at 1:35 p.m., offering free eclipse glasses and educational activities.

San Antonio is hosting a job fair to hire seasonal workers for summer positions in parks and recreation, with benefits including competitive pay and swimwear reimbursements.

San Antonio's Animal Care Services is hosting an eclipse viewing and pet adoption event on April 8, reducing adoption fees and offering free safety glasses.

San Antonio Parks and Recreation is hosting a free Earth Day event at Woodlawn Lake Park, featuring over 70 partners, eco-friendly activities, and sustainable practices.

San Antonio's Woodlawn Lake Park will host an Earth Day event on April 20, featuring activities, giveaways, and performances, with over 70 partners and a push for sustainability and conservation.

Canyon Lake in Texas faces severe water shortages, leading to closed boat ramps and impacting recreation. Local businesses stay resilient, while the community adapts and authorities plan ramp improvements during the drought.

The San Antonio Zoo offers $8 admission for Bexar County residents during Fiesta, with ID proof, featuring the Festival de Animales, folklorico dancers, roaming mariachis, and DJs.

TPWD confirms six juvenile alligators are living in the Brazos River, Waco, emphasizing they pose no threat to public safety and advising against feeding them to maintain ecological balance.

The article explores Bamberger Nature Park as an urban oasis in Texas, contrasting leisurely nature walks with the state's more fast-paced cycling routes.

San Antonio businesses celebrate National Nurses Week and Teacher Appreciation Week by offering free admission to the zoo, discounted meals, free breakfast at Whataburger, and chances to win grants and vacations.

Medina Lake in Texas has reached its lowest level since 1997, leaving the Hill Country reservoir at just 2.7% capacity.

A red-tailed hawk named Rochelle has laid eggs on a Texas traffic cam pole, hatching about 20 chicks over the years, with one new eyas recently. The TxDOT community observes the hawks while ensuring the camera's functionality.

The Bitters Brush Recycling Center in San Antonio will be closed on Mother's Day, May 12, but is set to reopen the following day. Other waste services will continue as normal.

The San Antonio Zoo is celebrating its 110th anniversary with a birthday event featuring discounted admission, activities, educational sessions, a DJ, live performances, and cupcakes.

New Braunfels city officials dismissed rumors of sharks in the Guadalupe River, despite social media claims and a fisherman's possible bull shark catch. They humorously noted that while it's technically possible, it is highly unlikely.

Seguin is set to open a new playground at Starcke Park East on May 24, 2024, funded by a grant from Niagara Bottling, boasting features like a Temple Trolley and sensory play areas.

Freshwater mussels were released into the San Antonio River to naturally filter water and support the ecosystem, with the River Authority conducting a feasibility study on mussel reintroduction.

Freshwater mussels have been reintroduced to the San Antonio River by the San Antonio River Authority, aiming to improve water quality and biodiversity.

A man drowned at Boerne City Lake after entering the water to cool off and encountering a deep section. Rescuers recovered his body; alcohol was not involved.

A sunflower field is open at San Antonio's Traders Village every weekend until June 9, offering a scenic experience with photo opportunities and professional photography services.

Drought conditions are leading to low water levels and safety concerns for boaters and swimmers at Texas lakes ahead of Memorial Day, with lakes like Canyon and Medina severely affected.

Old Tunnel State Park in Texas attracts visitors for its nightly bat emergence, and tickets are required for the evening show. The park offers educational programs, accessible viewing areas, and recommends advance planning for the best experience.

The San Antonio Zoo launches "Dino Adventure Park" with 18 life-sized dinosaurs, interactive activities, and educational events, running until September 2.

The Texas Water Development Board released its first-ever statewide flood plan, highlighting over 5 million residents' risk and suggesting mitigation strategies, with public commentary invited.

Texas Panhandle residents prepare for potential new wildfires, still recovering from blazes that destroyed over 1 million acres and prompted self-mitigating strategies.

The San Antonio Zoo receives $5.5 million from the Texas Capital Foundation and Mays Family Foundation for a major overhaul, including new habitats and visitor amenities.

San Antonio improved its ParkScore® Ranking, with 52% of residents now living close to parks, achieving equity in park space among communities, and offering ample amenities.

San Antonio may adopt a policy to protect its wild peafowl population, with fines for harming them, amid a debate over their presence in the community.

Texas is experiencing tarantula mating season, leading to more sightings of these harmless spiders, important for controlling pests and with significant lifespan differences between genders.

San Antonio announces the seasonal opening of 24 free outdoor pools starting June 15, 2024, with extended hours and various aquatic programs and activities.

San Antonio Zoo offers discounted $8 admission for Bexar County residents on June 17 and 21, excluding a free zoo experience perk available other June days. The Dino Adventure Park exhibit and Teacher Appreciation promotions are also highlighted.

Sea Turtle Inc. works to protect endangered sea turtle nests from Tropical Storm Alberto, with volunteers aiding conservation efforts to safeguard over 9,300 eggs on South Padre Island.

San Antonio's Rosedale Park Pavilion 2 is renamed after late boxer Robert Quiroga, following a unanimous City Council vote proposed by Councilwoman Teri Castillo.

Tropical Storm Alberto fell short of expected rainfall in South Texas, easing flood concerns but failing to significantly raise reservoir levels vital for agriculture and residential use.

Schertz, Texas invests $12 million in local parks and recreation, with projects including field lights, a new nature park, and a teen hangout area, in partnership with Schertz Economic Development Corporation.

San Antonio Animal Care Services advises pet safety during Fourth of July, emphasizing the fright fireworks can cause pets, and highlighting precautions like secure spaces, up-to-date microchip IDs, and avoiding toxic foods.

Former Uvalde school police chief Pete Arredondo faces a 10-count indictment for allegedly endangering children during the Robb Elementary School shooting.

Urban expansion and rising temperatures in San Antonio lead to increased sightings of local wildlife, such as deer and bobcats, in the city. Wildlife Rescue’s Lynn Cuny highlights habitat loss as a critical issue.

San Antonio combats extreme heat and urban heat island effect with initiatives like the Cool Neighborhood Program, which focuses on tree planting, cooling pavements, and shaded areas.

San Antonio's Ford Holiday River Parade, themed "Toy Box Adventures," and led by Frost Bank CEO Phil Green, will illuminate the city with floats and local talents on November 29.

Jenny Sanders and Texan by Nature are working together to protect Texas' longleaf pines, using a new tool that quantifies the economic benefits of conservation to attract funding.

A Texas family creatively used a grilled tortilla to warm an abandoned baby hawk, nicknamed Taquito, who was mistaken for a barn owl, before wildlife experts took over its care.

TxDOT’s West Texas environmental staff took part in field training to connect with nature and learn about the regions they protect, improving their knowledge and job performance.

League City's Parks & Recreation guide for fall is now available with various classes; registration for most programs begins on July 15 and 17. Residents can sign up online or in person, with ID and water bill required for locals.

League City's Parks and Recreation Department announces summer events, including family pool and dance parties, free park activities for kids, and an inclusive Western-themed dance, with registration opening soon for fall programs.

The Cibolo offers a range of outdoor activities like hiking, birdwatching, a farmers market, and night hikes. Indoor learning on sustainability is also available.

The Schertz Parks & Recreation Department releases their FUN Guide, detailing upcoming events, programs, and park developments for Fall 2024 and Winter 2025.

Designs for San Antonio's Brackenridge Park restoration involve removing roads and adding trails and bridges to address erosion and sedimentation, with plans to enhance ecosystems and remove invasive species.

SeaWorld San Antonio announced the death of a newborn white-sided dolphin despite intensive care by the park's team; the mother dolphin, Piquet, remains healthy.

The San Antonio Zoo offers $8 admission to Bexar County residents to promote conservation awareness and community spirit through educational experiences and wildlife encounters.

Das Rec in New Braunfels is adjusting its Sunday hours in September to close at 2 PM for maintenance. The pools will also close from September 7th-9th.

The San Antonio Zoo hatched 71 Texas horned lizards, aiding conservation efforts for the species once common in Texas, now threatened by habitat loss.

SAACS is seeking temporary foster parents for an influx of animals. The "Sit. Stay. Learn." series provides training and supplies to fosters, who must provide a nurturing temporary home until adoption.

San Antonio Zoo offers free September admission to frontline workers, including doctors, nurses, police officers, firefighters, and EMTs, with ID, and 50% off for their guests.

The Sebastopol House in Seguin will close for renovations starting September 30, 2024, focusing on its front porch, with plans to reopen before the holiday season.

Schertz's Parks & Rec Department is hosting an open house on September 23 to discuss and seek public feedback on the town's green master plan, followed by a Parks Advisory Board Meeting.

The 9th Annual Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival in San Antonio features educational exhibits, live music, and food, promoting environmental awareness and conservation.

San Antonio's Woodlawn Lake Park received a $3.25 million federal grant for upgrades, including a splashpad and new trees, building on the city's existing investment.

Starcke Park Golf Course in Seguin will close on October 1, 2024, for a one-year renovation, with a reopening planned for October 2025. The city promises worthwhile improvements and future updates.

New Braunfels has won the 2024 National Gold Medal for park management, recognized at the NRPA Conference, for excellence in parks and recreation services.

The Max Starcke Park-East Trail in Seguin will be closed on Saturday morning until 2 PM for a running event, affecting outdoor activities like fishing and disc golf.

League City's Parks and Recreation Department is hiring for summer jobs, including camp directors, counselors, lifeguards, and pool managers, with specific age and certification requirements.

San Antonio allows Easter camping in select parks, lifts curfew, and promotes eco-friendly practices, while warning of potential noise from bird deterrent activities.

New Braunfels is celebrating National Park and Recreation Month in July with various activities such as family storytime, food truck events, a July 4th concert, fireworks, and fitness classes.

New Braunfels unveils Willard Canyon, a new park in its Parks & Recreation System, featuring trails and a picnic area, thanks to the Willards' land donation and the Parks Foundation's funding.

Newport Park in League City will close temporarily from November 3 for renovations, including new volleyball courts, a concrete trail, improved lighting, and enhanced soccer fields, set to last four months.

Lynn Gripon Park at Countryside trail closes for bridge repairs from November 4, impacting local access for up to six weeks.

Zola, a 23-year-old western lowland gorilla beloved for his pool 'breakdancing' clips, died after a sudden health decline. A necropsy is underway and a planned troop move to San Antonio is paused.

Homeowners near Friedrich Wilderness Park are finding lawns torn up by rooting feral pigs as San Antonio grows into hog habitat. Experts say trapping and coordinated neighborhood action are the most realistic response.

Texas Game Wardens highlight enforcement of shark‑fin bans and a 2023 rule requiring fins be denatured and disposed to curb an illegal market.

Big Bend posted photos showing long entrance lines and warned that closed backcountry roads and staff shortages could slow Thanksgiving visitors.

Three female gorillas from Zoo Atlanta have arrived to take up residence in the new Congo Falls habitat, which opens Dec. 13. The arrival marks a major conservation milestone for the zoo.

A two‑acre, $9.7M nature playscape at Brackenridge Park cleared approval and is scheduled to break ground April 1, 2026 amid debate over tree work.

Hays County is allocating $17 million to build a Hillside Campus and an elevated “Warbler’s Nest” at Sentinel Peak Preserve, with reservation-only access and most acreage kept as habitat. The work could open the preserve in some form in 2027.

Kendall County commissioners moved to buy about 310 acres at Guadalupe River Ranch for roughly $11.25M using Proposition A funds, and approved nearby conservation easements.

Bob Hall Pier will reopen on Feb. 24, 2026, at Padre Balli Park. The rebuilt pier is free for 90 days before modest fees and annual passes return.

A Northside Reddit post showed a fox in a tree and prompted neighbors to ask whether it was sick. Texas Parks & Wildlife says it’s a grey fox and offers safety tips.

Bright-blue Glaucus atlanticus sea slugs have washed ashore near Corpus Christi. Researchers warn their sting can be intense and advise photo‑not‑touch.

BEA data show Texas' outdoor recreation economy generated $59.4B in 2024, led by boating, RVing and tourism. The totals underline parks, marinas and campgrounds as economic drivers.

Congo Falls at the San Antonio Zoo now houses seven western lowland gorillas in two troops. The two‑acre habitat includes a 70‑foot tower, rainforest and enrichment spaces.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved new 2026–27 hunting rules that move the South Zone dove opener to Sept. 1, close two county turkey seasons and expand doe days.

A raccoon trapped in Panther Canyon at Landa Park tested positive for rabies, city officials say. Authorities urge pet vaccinations and caution around wildlife.

A Del Rio family was evacuated after finding a rattlesnake curled under a bed on March 23. Animal services removed the snake and officials warned of spring sightings.

River otters are turning up across Central Texas rivers, from San Marcos to San Antonio — a sign of cleaner water and more fish. Local managers are planning repairs to help wildlife move freely.

San Marcos will charge non-resident visitors $5 to enter Rio Vista Park on busy summer weekends and holidays. Residents and many local-area participants remain exempt with a park pass.

The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country announced roughly $14.07M in grants to rebuild Kerrville’s riverfront parks and plant 50,000 native trees after last summer’s floods.

Arboretum San Antonio stages its first Fiesta activation this Sunday with tours, music, food trucks and a free tree giveaway as organizers ramp fundraising and programming.

Heavy rains and a newly rebuilt spillgate sent water back into Lake Placid after years of a dry lakebed, with residents reporting a roughly 20.5‑inch rise and boats returning to the water.

Comal County approved backing for a federal design bid tied to the Texas Bicentennial Trail, a regional project planners say could deliver millions in conservation and visitor dollars. Local officials approved design support while flagging safety and funding questions.

A 54,000‑acre Hill Country ranch will become Silver Lake State Park after the Moody Foundation donated most of the land and TPWD bought the remainder.

Ottawa has endorsed a plan to move 30 belugas and four dolphins from Marineland to aquariums including Georgia Aquarium. Initial permits are in hand but the transfer is complex.

Game-camera images show a black bear at a feeder outside Benavides; state wildlife officials are reviewing the photos to see if Duval County has its first confirmed sighting.

A Mission runner filmed a capybara wandering along a Rio Grande Valley trail last Wednesday, prompting contact with wildlife experts and reminders about exotic‑pet rules.