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100th Anniversary Texas State Park Systemy Lou DugganGovernment Canyon Protects And Takes One Back In TimeBJust a few miles past Helotes on San Antonio’s west side is Government Canyon State Nature Area. Unknown to many, creation of this nature preserve has made a significant environmental impact on the well-being of our entire metro area population. It protects our drinking water.“This 12,360-acre nature area helps protect portions of the Recharge Zone from pollutants,” said Texas Parks and Wildlife Ranger Carl Green. “There is a type of Edwards limestone layered within the Park’s soil that has endured chemical weathering through time. The stone has a porous composition that makes it more susceptible to pollution. Water runs through it unfiltered. The Joe Johnston Route runs right along the Recharge fault and, due to the Route’s location and size, it has a great impact on the Recharge Zone.”“Government Canyon is unique,” Green added, “in that it was a community effort to create the Nature Area to protect the Edwards Aquifer water system. The effort was initiated by a group of citizens called the Government Canyon Coalition. They were the ones that actually got Texas Parks and Wildlife to buy the land. San Antonio Water System, Edwards Underground Water District, and the City of San Antonio were the largest contributors. It was the first time that TP & W participated with collaborationThis area was the shoreline for the Gulf of Mexico when Sauroposeidon and Acrocanthosaurus roamed Government Canyon. Photo portrayed by Government Canyon SNA.These footprints were left 110 million years ago. These are the only known dinosaur tracks in Bexar County. Photo by Lou Duggan.on that scale.”The nature area hosts 40 miles of trails,plus camping. “My favorite trail is theCanyon Overlook Trail,” Green said. “It looks down on the Canyon and the Dinosaur tracks, plus, when looking all around, you cannot see anything man made. It’s a great place to bring the kids, to introduce them to camping and nature, yet it is close to retail if families need anything. The best time to come would be from October to the end of May. In summer it gets hot here. Reservations are recommended.”This year is the 100th Anniversary of the Texas State Parks system. However, the dinosaur tracks are more than a 100 million years old. Just seeing them feels impressive.Give Government Canyon a visit andTP&W Ranger Carl Green: “I’m proud that the Nature Area not only protects the Edwards Aquifer, but that it also protects a lot of wildlife habitat.” Photo by Lou Dugganyou, too, will walk among this legacy of time and nature.Looking For Moms & Dads To RecognizeLadies’Coffee & Connections Business Networking EventTUESDAY, APRIL 257:45 am - 9:30 amWhy not start your day with your coffee and make time for new business connections. Bring your business cards, flyers and have a chance to make a 30 second introduction.iCode Stone Oak1207 N. Loop 1604 W Suite 104, Sponsored ByASSOCIATIONSan Antonio, TX 78258Cost: FREEEMPOWERING FUTURE IIN NOVATORSMust RSVP- Space LimitedRSVP at www.stoneoakladiesba.com/events.htmOr Call (210) 421-6076BHy S t a f fighlights Publications wants to recognize mothers and fathers of all ages. How many of you havethe heart. Tell us why your mom or dad is special to you and keep at 150 to 250 words max.Is it because of what they did and/or still do for you? Or how they helped you become the person you are today? We will highlight as many submissions as possible. We will be selecting one mother and one father to receive a $50. Please send your submissions with contact information and photo via email to contest@highlightspub. com. Deadline for Mother’s Day articles is April 9 and deadline for Father’s Day articles is May 6, 2023.ever wanted to let your parents know how much you appreciate them? Well, why not make it public and show them how much you care? We are giving you the perfect opportunity to do so.Highlights Publications is doing a special section to honor Moms in the May edition and a special section to honor Dads in the June edition. It will be a great keepsake for you and for them. They will be totally surprised and it will make a great gift from4www.stoneoakhighlights.comApril 2023