Presenter: Dr. Larry Stein, Regents Fellow, Professor & State Extension Horticulturist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Bluebonnets are best grown from seed; however, they have a very hard seed coat, which is Mother Nature’s way of preserving the species. We will talk about how to overcome this challenge and all the things you need to do […]
This short workshop touches on all of the basics of Rainwater Harvesting, and questions to ask yourself. Rainwater harvesting has so many benefits, from happy plants to money in your wallet. With so many things to consider, it can be hard to know where or how to start. This short workshop will touch on all […]
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) should never be placed inside any cart for curbside collection and should always brought to HHW Drop-Off Centers. (See San Antonio's Solid Waste Management calendar for upcoming monthly and quarterly drop-off events and locations.) Accepted materials at drop-offs include: auto fluids, batteries; cooking oil; E-waste; fluorescent light fixtures and ballasts; household […]
Weeds just are. Join Bill Swantner as he moves beyond the traditional, often frustrating, battle against weeds. Bill will help you explore how understanding the ecology of weeds – their life cycles, competitive strategies, and preferred growing conditions – is key to effective management. Instead of solely focusing on reactive removal, Bill will help you […]
Join Candy Roach, Bexar County Master Gardener and learn how to effectively plan and plant for butterflies, bees and a multitude of other pollinator species. This workshop will primarily focus on encouraging and maintaining a healthy landscape for insect pollinators.
Coming out of the summer heat, fall planting is like a “Mini” spring. This is a great time to plant and establish plants by next summer, as our soil does not freeze and we typically have mild winters. Let’s plant low input beauty and save our invaluable water. Join David Rodriguez, Texas AgriLife Extension Horticulturist, […]
All plants need four things to survive and thrive: sunlight, air, water, and nutrients. All of these, except sunlight, the plant gets from the soil. But what exactly is going on down there? Join Lynn Cox as she takes you into the fascinating, living world that is going on in your soil. Not only will […]
Come join gardening enthusiasts for an awesome in-person event by SA Composting Project to exchange seeds and learn about saving seeds! Are you ready to ramp up your garden? Join us to learn about how to safely save your seeds while adding new ones to your collection. Attendees are encouraged (but not required) to bring […]
Join SA Composting Project for an introduction to Eisinia foetida, commonly known as the red wiggler worm, and how to compost with worms. Composting is one of the best ways to reduce our own waste, produce new life for plants, drastically improve soil quality, increase moisture retention, and so much more. Closing the waste loop […]
Join us for a volunteer day at International Community Garden! We’ll begin with a brief discussion on the water conservation benefits of using mulch and compost. Then we’ll dive right in with some hands-on practice! We’ll clean up and refresh the garden’s space, before amending the soil and finishing up with mulch. This is a […]
Join native plant expert Corina Solis for an interactive, one-hour workshop packed with practical tips and insider knowledge to help your garden thrive. Through real-world examples and hands-on demonstrations, you’ll gain the confidence to create and maintain a vibrant, water-wise native garden that supports local biodiversity.
Come and enjoy a look behind the curtain at the conservation work being done at San Antonio Botanical Garden. With a brief presentation, we’ll explain how the ‘plant sausage’ is made from our growing practices, collection targets and fieldwork. After, join us for a tour of the greenhouses to see it all in person. Fee: […]
Join Molly Keck to discover the wonders of butterflies. Explore how to identify common butterflies that glide throughout Texas and learn about larval and host plants and how to entice butterflies to home gardens. Fee: $25 ($20 member). Registration closes when filled.
Reimagine your lawn using Texas native drought-tolerant plant species to help you build a sustainable and biodiverse landscape. Free with admission or membership.
Learn how to create a pollinator patch or pocket prairie that can help local native flora and fauna while conserving water. Join avid native plant gardener and restoration ecologist Lee Marlowe as she teaches the basics for planning, designing, installing, and maintaining a little patch of pollinator paradise. Fee: $20 ($15 member). Registration ends when […]
Composting with WORMS?! 🐛 Join us for a hands-on, community-powered workshop all about building healthy soil and turning food scraps into gold—aka compost! Whether you’re new to gardening or already getting your hands dirty, this workshop will walk you through the basics of soil health and simple composting methods, including an exciting live demo of […]
Wizzie Brown, BCE, Texas A&M AgriLife Senior Extension Program Specialist in Entomology, will present "Chewed leaves are part of a healthy garden: How to attract insects to your yard and why you and your garden need them." See complete details of upcoming Gardening Essentials at https://www.gardeningvolunteers.org/gardeningessentials.
Are you ready to scale up from a rain barrel, or want to start harvesting large amounts of rainwater for your home, garden, or both? Turn water scarcity into water abundance. Rainwater harvesting (RWH) can reduce stormwater runoff, lower your water bill and keep your landscape green all year long. Join us online to learn […]
Cultivating Water Savings with Native Plants, A Retrospective of SAWS Conservation Presentation by Cleveland Powell, Juan Soulas, and Brad Wier, Conservation Planners at SAWS When it comes to saving water in a rapidly growing and drought-prone service area, SAWS Conservation’s thinking about what works in SA landscapes has changed a lot even in the past twenty […]
Discover how to turn spent mushroom blocks into a powerful garden resource in this hands-on workshop for gardeners. Learn practical ways to reuse mushroom blocks to enrich soil, boost plant health, increase water retention, and even grow more mushrooms outdoors. We’ll cover how to assess spent blocks, create outdoor mushroom beds, apply blocks as mulch, […]
Redesign your yard using native and adapted plant species that not only boost biodiversity but also save on your water bill! Welcome color and pollinator species back into your yard and learn how to redesign a home landscape. Make your home ready for the heat of summer and water restrictions. Fee: $25 ($20 for members). […]
Pollinator gardens can benefit both pollinators and your community. Explore how you can create a native, drought-tolerant wildlife habitat that is safe and educational for children at home and/or at school. Participants will leave with a butterfly host plant and the knowledge to start and care for a basic pollinator garden.
Join Green Spaces Alliance for a volunteer day at Olmos Park Terrace Community Garden! Spend a few minutes at the beginning of the morning learning about xeriscaping - what it is, how it works, and why it might be the right idea for your garden. Then, get hands-on and help refresh the garden's xeric landscape! […]
Join Green Spaces Alliance for a volunteer day at Pittman-Sullivan Community Garden! Spend a few minutes at the beginning of the morning learning about permaculture: what is it, what does it look like, and how can you make your own permaculture haven at home? Then, get hands-on and help refresh the garden's permaculture design! We […]
Come join us for an engaging hands-on workshop to learn all about native south Texas butterflies and the plants they need to thrive. Get ready to discover the beauty of these delicate creatures and how to attract them to your own garden. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this event is for […]
Ready to make a lasting impact on San Antonio’s urban forest? Become a Tree Steward! Join us for the orientation session for the Tree Buds Citizen Forester Program. This hands-on volunteer program is made possible by the Alamo Forest Partnership, San Antonio Arborists Association, and Bexar Branches Alliance, with support from the City of San Antonio Office […]
Explore Bulverde Oaks Nature Preserve and Alamo Area Master Naturalists on a fun, educational hike! This event is perfect for San Antonio landowners, families, environmental groups, and nature enthusiasts who want to enjoy the trails and learn about local conservation efforts. Participants will enjoy a 60-minute guided hike through Bulverde Oaks Nature Preserve, in the […]
Join us at this year’s Solar Fest! This free, fun, family-friendly festival is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate with the community. Enjoy a variety of activities and engaging experiences, including learning how to save energy and water, exploring solar power, discovering Electric Vehicles, engaging with local environmental organizations and staying informed about our city’s local […]
Solve all your projects in one place in one weekend at the San Antonio Fall Home + Garden Show! This is the show you know – featuring thousands of square feet of exhibits. You’ll find the products and services for your home and landscape: builders, remodelers, contractors, building materials, decks, pools, spas, entertainment systems, storage […]
"Come join us for another delightful presentation by Gregg Eckhardt of San Antonio Water Systems, who will take you on an engaging exploration of the San Antonio River history. The San Antonio River is deeply embedded in the identity and culture of our city. This workshop details the economic, environmental, and cultural importance of the […]
Friends of Mission Branch Library and Gardening Volunteers of South Texas are co-sponsoring a panel discussion of local efforts to mitigation extreme heat at the residential level with water and land conservation and urban trees with local community leaders: Nancy Parrilla and Patricia Santos of Fuerza Unida Urban Heat Resiliency Program Kamala Platt, San Antonio […]
Join us this Indigenous Peoples’ Day for a community gathering that blends tradition, culture, and healing. Together we’ll play Lotería to learn about Texas native plants, create herb bundles for wellness and to honor Indigenous culture. This event is free and open to all — come ready to learn, create, and celebrate with community. Lite […]
Blooming with Birdie, in partnership with the Brackenridge Park Conservancy, is throwing a pollinator party like no other—and you’re invited! The Monarch Butterfly & Pollinator Festival is back—and buzzier than ever—with a day of nature-based experiences, hands-on activities, and joyful community connection. Come celebrate the 10th year of learning about the ecosystem that connects us all. For our […]
Patricia Morales will lead us on a tour of Chris Park. This free community event honors two decades of remembrance, creativity, and renewal at Chris Park. Attendees will also hear how this park has selected and maintained their landscape utilizing methods of water conservation and thoughtful planning to ensure the park's future for generations. See […]
Darcie Schipull will introduce us to The Great Springs Project as “a unified vision of conservation and connectivity” connecting the land from Barton Springs (Austin) to headwaters of the San Antonio River through greenway and a continuous hike-and-bike trail by 2036 (Texas Bicentennial year) through conservation of an additional 50,000 acres of land in the […]
Come out and be a part of the Monarch Butterfly Festival! You will see a butterfly release, face painting, free plant giveaway, Arts & Crafts, and various vendors.
Join us as we take you through the various native and pollinator seed mixes and how to create a successful wildflower landscape in your space. Learn how to beautify your garden and create a welcoming space for local wildlife. Wildflowers native to our region can also help with landscape water conservation because they are adapted […]
Join us for an educational workshop focused on fall and winter bird feeding and the fascinating world of avian observation! Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher or just starting out, this workshop will provide you with valuable insights into attracting and caring for our feathered friends during the colder months with supplemental food and native plants. […]
Join Arboretum San Antonio for an open house to celebrate Texas Arbor Day and Dia de los Muertos by celebrating life, legacy, and the trees that connect generations. Bring your own water and picnic lunch to enjoy a fun day in the Arboretum. Register today. 🌱 Guided tours of your future arboretum (11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and […]
Join us for a free family event celebrating Día de los Muertos/ Day of the Dead! Face painting, children's arts and crafts, a photo booth, music and food will be available. Hourly demonstrations include sugar skull making, a food demo and altar making. Eco Centro will share ideas and resources for sustainable living, including sustainable urban […]
Discover the the wondrous lives of honeybees and their positive contribution to the environment! Join us for an exciting evening delving into the fascinating world of honeybees! Learn about their intricate social structures, their vital role in pollination with native plants, and how we can help protect these essential pollinators. Get up close and personal […]
Join Mitchell Lake staff and other amazing volunteers of the community to help us clean up our habitat! This can involve trail maintenance, removal of invasive species, and planting native plants for birds and butterflies depending on the tasks of the day. All training provided. Groups are welcome! All children 18 and under must be […]
Celebrate Día del Árbol: Texas Arbor Day Celebration at Mission Marquee Plaza (3100 Roosevelt Ave) on Saturday, November 2 from 9 a.m. – noon. This free event celebrates San Antonio’s urban forest with interactive demonstrations, crafts, shows, nature activities, and tree care resources and info. Over 1,000 1-gallon trees will be given away while supplies […]
Join Green Spaces Alliance for a volunteer day at High Country Community Garden! We’ll kick things off with a discussion on the importance of native planting in community gardens in Texas. Native plants play a crucial role in conserving water, supporting pollinators, and maintaining the health of our local ecosystems—all while keeping gardens vibrant and […]
Mission Marquee Plaza Farmers & Artisans Market, every first and third Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., March to November. A yoga or Zumba fitness class will kick off each market at 9 a.m.! All fitness levels are welcome. Find fresh, locally sourced foods and explore the handmade crafts and products from local pop-up vendors. […]
Join Green Spaces Alliance for a volunteer day and discussion on the importance of soil health in raised garden beds. Good soil, with amendments like mulch and compost, is vital for conserving water and supporting healthy plant growth. Then we’ll dive right in with some hands-on work! Together, we’ll be revamping several raised beds from […]
"Whole and Wild: Haggard Ranch Prairie Restoration" will be presented by landowner Metha Haggard with supporting presentations by United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service and Green Spaces Alliance of South Texas; and photography from Bexar Audubon South Central Texas. Under intense outside pressure from commercial development interests and neighbors who chose to […]
Join us at the Terrill Heights Community Garden for a hands-on Native Plant Demonstration & Garden Workday featuring guest educator Shannon Grace! This community event is designed to promote the beauty, resilience, and importance of native plants while helping support one of our local neighborhood gardens. Shannon Grace — founder of Texas Bean Freak and […]
Join Green Spaces Alliance for a cozy afternoon of community, culture, and seed stewardship at our Heirloom Seed Saving Workshop & Holiday Potluck! Learn the art of saving seeds from your garden to carry into next season — preserving flavor, history, and resilience in every harvest. This workshop will be co-led by Shannon Grace, founder […]
In this workshop we will cover the materials needed to start seeds of plants native to south-central Texas, as well as a few techniques to ensure your seeds have the best environment in which to germinate. We will discuss some common mistakes new gardeners make, how to create your own propagation station, and what to […]
Join Eco Centro to explore a wide range of vendors offering sustainable minimal-waste gifts and decorations, participate in interactive workshops, and visit with environmental organizations offering informative presentations on everyday sustainable practices. Let’s make this holiday season a sustainable one—join us at the Green Santa Sustainable Holiday Market on Saturday, December 6 at Eco Centro!
Join Mitchell Lake Audubon Center and other members of the community to help clean up the habitat at Mitchell Lake! This can involve trail maintenance, removal of invasive species, and planting native plants for birds and butterflies, depending on the tasks of the day. All training provided. Groups are welcome! All children 18 and under […]
Explore the ecological benefits of cover crops that harness nitrogen from the atmosphere, improve soil structure, and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Gain insights into harnessing the power of cover crops for sustainably growing food and plants. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical examples, participants will explore various types of […]
Session 1: Mitigating urban heat at home Nancy Parrilla and Patricia Santos of Fuerza Unida will share how “Fuerza Unida Urban Heat Resiliency Program” is bringing down the heat in homes near them with trees, water reuse and conservation and more. Session 2: Moczygemba Rewild Ranch: OUR JOURNEY Restoration, Conservation, Hope Brice Moczygemba will share […]
Be inspired at the Botanical Garden and learn about the best seasonal plants and design tips for creating a beautiful, drought-tolerant landscape. Free with admission or SABOT membership.
San Antonio Composting Project's Education Director will share best practices for composting on a small, medium or large scale along with the science behind why composting works to amend our soil and how we can speed up the composting process. Hands on activity will be building worm habitats with an option to purchase for a […]
You may have heard that plants native to central Texas thrive in poor soils. But just like any other part of your garden, healthy soils are key to growing a sustainable and resilient native landscape. Join Green Spaces Alliance, Alamo Area Master Naturalists, and the Centennial Community Garden to learn why soil health matters for […]
Gardening Essentials will consist of two workshop classes, with information available on water conservation along with the current SAWS programs and rebates for their customers. Session 1: Gregg Eckhardt, "Landscapes and Water: A Historical Perspective". This will be a discussion on how landscapes were maintained in the past and present with the focus on water […]
Friends of Mission Branch Library and Gardening Volunteers of South Texas are co-sponsoring a panel discussion of local efforts to mitigation extreme heat at the residential level with water and land conservation and urban trees with local community leaders: Nancy Parrilla and Patricia Santos of Fuerza Unida Urban Heat Resiliency Program Kamala Platt, San Antonio […]
GVST will teach how to design, install and maintain a water conserving garden/landscape through 12 sessions of learning. These 75 minute sessions will include choosing drought-resistant native plants, improving soil with compost to increase water retention, use of mulch to conserve moisture all as presented on the SAWS "Garden Style San Antonio" website. The focus […]
Presenter: Ashley Morgan-Olvera, Texas Invasive Species Institute Director of Research & Education at Sam Houston State University Session 1: Defining Invasives & Identification Section 2: Management/Removal & Reporting of Dangerous Invasive Species Invasive species are defined in Texas as exotic plants that have been proven through scientific research to cause financially catastrophic detriment. Some alter […]
Tawny Crazy Ant (Nylanderia fulva) has been nicknamed for the way it moves. It is spreading from the Gulf Coast throughout Texas by being transported by humans. Learn more about this South American species' successful invasion of both natural environments and areas influenced by human disturbance. The invasion by tawny crazy ants of Texas nature […]
GVST will teach how to design, install and maintain a water conserving garden/landscape through 12 sessions of learning. These 75 minute sessions will include choosing drought-resistant native plants, improving soil with compost to increase water retention, use of mulch to conserve moisture all as presented on the SAWS "Garden Style San Antonio" website. The focus […]
Come join gardening enthusiasts for an awesome in-person event by SA Composting Project to exchange seeds and learn about saving seeds! Are you ready to ramp up your garden? Join us to learn about how to safely save your seeds while adding new ones to your collection. Attendees are encouraged (but not required) to bring […]
GVST will teach how to design, install and maintain a water conserving garden/landscape through 12 sessions of learning. These 75 minute sessions will include choosing drought-resistant native plants, improving soil with compost to increase water retention, use of mulch to conserve moisture all as presented on the SAWS "Garden Style San Antonio" website. The focus […]
Join us for Bexar Branches Alliance’s 2nd Annual Trees & Torque at MLK Park at the Wheatley Heights Sports Complex! This free, family-friendly event promotes trees as air and heat island mechanics while raising awareness about San Antonio’s poor air quality. We will be handing out 300 free trees to community members, giving residents the […]