Medina River Natural Area

 

Medina River Natural Area

On a couple different days, we visited the Medina River Natural Area, just outside of San Antonio.  The first time, we walked along the prairie trail and the second, we followed the trail down along the river. 

The Medina River Natural Area is a 511-acre nature preserve, with over 5 miles of biking and hiking trails, although we didn’t see any bikers when we were there. 

When we walked along the first part of the prairie trail, we did notice some lovely wildflowers, including an almost ready to bloom prickly pear cactus, yucca plant, Mexican primrose and a yellow flower that looked like both a coneflower and sunflower.  It’s probably a variety that includes neither of these flowers!!

Buried in the trees and brush a bit, were what I think of as signs of civilization that once was in this area.  There were the remnants of a cabin, with a very unwelcoming front porch.  A bit further along, were 2 chimneys.  The interesting thing about these two chimneys is that although the style of them didn’t seem to belong to one home, they weren’t quite far enough apart to be from separate buildings.  Finally, almost overcome by the preserve claiming the land as its own, was what appeared to be a corral that belonged to some structure at one time.  It was a bit removed from both the cabin and the fireplaces to have been associated with them, so perhaps this was from another home in what may have been a small settlement.

On the outer perimeter of the prairie was a small pond.  You can see a small turtle sunning itself on the branch of a downed tree.  The area is known as a birding site, but on both mornings when we were there, no birds could be seen.  The turtle seemed welcoming, though!

On our second day of exploration of the Medina River Natural Area, we walked the River Path.  It was a very calm and peaceful walk along the river.  One of the interesting things was how the trees along the river would allow their roots into the river to get water.  You can see it in the image on the left, and a closer view on the right image.

Fishing was also allowed on the river, and just out of this image, off to the left, there were a couple of guys who were sitting on the shore and fishing in the river.  I enjoyed the canopy the trees provided for the river.

One last treasure before we left the area.  In a front area that seemed great for teaching kids (and older kids) about the nature in the area, was this lovely bloom – an orchid bloom on an orchid tree.  Kind of made me want one in our yard!!

Enjoy!