Touring by Foot Through The San Antonio Missions
Information courtesy of National Park Service - U.S. Department of the Interior
Four Spanish frontier missions, part of a colonization system that stretched across the Spanish Southwest in the 17th, 18th, 19th centuries, are preserved here. They include Missions San Jose, San Juan, Espada, and Concepcion. The park, containing many cultural sites along with some natural areas, was established in 1978. The park covers about 819 acres.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park was established to preserve and interpret the chain of Spanish Missions that were built along the San Antonio River in the 18th century. This river contains a vital natural resource element - water. Historically, the existence of water dictated where a mission was established. Then and now, water helps determine the type of natural resources found within the vicinity of this Park.
Today, just south of downtown San Antonio (where most of the park is located) is a wide straight river channel built where once the serpentine, flood prone waters of the San Antonio River had historically run. But, remnants of the old river channel still remain. In these riparian oases, vegetation with complex structure exists, and this has created a beneficial habitat for many wildlife species.
18th century acequias (or irrigation ditches that were used to grow mission crops), which are still in operation today, have also developed into areas with riparian vegetation and habitat for wildlife (including migratory birds). Since water plays an important role in the natural resources of the area, the park is partnering with local agencies that monitor water in the San Antonio River in an effort to improve water quality.
Besides the missions sites themselves, and the riparian areas along the San Antonio River and the acequias, other macro habitats include old fields (grasslands in various stages of succession) and scrubland.
Current natural resource projects include:
1) Obtaining baseline data on what vegetation and wildlife exist in the park - Baseline inventory data will provide useful information so that future monitoring can be possible. Presently, researchers from various organizations and universities are conducting species inventories of plants, mammals, and herps that utilize the park. Future inventories include birds and fish.
2) Controlling exotic vegetation and restoring sites to a more native plant composition - Exotic vegetation has become more and more abundant as people introduce these plants to the environment. Many exotic species continue to invade native plant habitat unless controlled.
3) Finding solutions for ambiant noise - The proximity of a local airport to Mission San Juan has brought with it the issue of flight patterns and excessive noise. Planes flying directly above the mission site at low altitudes can impact the quality of a visitor experience. Presently, baseline noise levels are being collected.
Come visit San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and experience the natural, as well as the cultural, history of this park.
Activities: Sight-seeing at the historical sites; observing plants and wildlife on the San Juan Nature Trail; hiking/biking; picnicking at designated areas along the San Antonio River; birdwatching.
** Lewis and Clark Traveling Bicentennial Exhibit to visit San Antonio Missions NHP March 5 through 13, 2005
Led by the National Park Service to commemorate the Bicentennial of the 1803-06 Lewis and Clark Expedition, “Corps of Discovery II: 200 Years to the Future,” will be at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park March 5 through 13, 2005. The mobile exhibit, in midst of a four-year tour of the nation, closely follows the Lewis and Clark Trail through 18 states and locations integral to the original expedition. This winter Corps II is on a tour of non-trail locations, including the Missions in San Antonio, also a National Park Service site.
This free public exhibit includes an overview of the scientific, business, and cultural aspects of the original journey, and its importance to the young American nation led by Thomas Jefferson. The central feature at Corps II is the “Tent of Many Voices,” a 200-seat auditorium and venue for storytelling, song and dance, first-person re-enactments, panel discussions, films, and other live presentations designed to connect visitors with the Lewis and Clark epic and its place in America today and tomorrow.
The exhibit will be at Mission San Jose.
Directions from downtown San Antonio: Proceed south on South St. Mary’s Street, which will turn into Roosevelt Avenue, for about 4 miles. Mission San Jose is located in the 3300 block of Roosevelt. Once at the mission follow the signs for parking.
Directions from Interstate 37: Take the SE Military Drive exit off of I-37. Proceed west for 3 miles to Mission Road and turn right; it is ½ mile to Mission San Jose.
For more information on Corps II in San Antonio, contact the park at 210-932-1001, Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail at 402-661-1804, or visit us on-line at www.nps.gov/lecl or www.lewisandclarkgnet.com
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Visitor Center
Open All Year 9:00am to 5:00pm
