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San Antonio Astronomical Association

Observation Sites

Hill Country SNA

Hill Country State Natural Area is located in Bandera and Medina Counties, 45 miles northwest of San Antonio. The 5369.8-acre site was acquired by gift and purchase in 1976 and was opened to the public in 1984. The bulk of the site was a donation from the Merrick Bar-O-Ranch with the stipulation that it "be kept far removed and untouched by modern civilization, where everything is preserved intact, yet put to a useful purpose."

Tucked away in the rugged terrain southwest of Bandera is Hill Country State Natural Area, an undeveloped and secluded retreat. Approximately 40 miles of multi-use trails wind up grassy valleys, cross spring-fed streams, and climb steep limestone hills. Equestrians, hikers and mountain bikers can enjoy exploring the trails. Primitive and backcountry camping areas are available to equestrian and non-equestrian campers. If you are interested in observing at Hill Country SNA, post a message to the SAAA Yahoo Group.

Fort McKavett

The 79.5 acres occupied by Fort McKavett State Historic Site was acquired and purchased from December 1967 through the mid-1970s, by deeds from Fort McKavett Restoration, Inc., Menard County and private individuals. Some property structures were acquired through condemnation. The park was opened to be public in 1968.

Originally called Camp San Saba because it overlooks the headwaters of the San Saba River Valley, it was established by five companies of the Eighth Infantry in March of 1852 to protect frontier settlers and travelers on Upper El Paso Road. The camp was later renamed for Capt. Henry McKavett, killed at, the battle of Monterey on September 21, 1846. The fort was abandoned March 1859 and reoccupied April 1868. By 1880, the fort was no longer needed and was abandoned June 30, 1883. Fort McKavett was once called by General William T. Sherman "the prettiest post in Texas." If you are interested in observing at Fort McKavett, post a message to the SAAA Yahoo Group.

Seguin Outdoor Learning Center

The Seguin Outdoor Learning Center is a 115 acre tract of land located on Geronimo Creek, 3 miles east of downtown Seguin, Texas. Founded by local citizens in 1995, the SOLC is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing a positive, interactive outdoor recreation and education experience for children and adults alike. Introducing participants to outdoor recreation, fostering a sense of appreciation for our natural world and cultural heritage and strengthening community are among the SOLC's stated goals and objectives. Much of the land upon which the SOLC is situated has been left in its natural state which helps provide a superb location for a multi-purpose education center and recreational facility. In addition to Geronimo Creek, other natural environments of the SOLC include a small pond, and mixed woodlands and prairie ecosystems. Our structural facilities include our dog-trot style office and Natural History Center, a modern, fully-equipped Environmental Science Center, a rustic Outdoor Education Classroom, and a large open-air pavilion. These facilities, when combined with our natural environments, provide our visitors with a unique, challenging and enjoyable opportunity to participate in quality recreational and educational experiences. If you are interested in observing or volunteering at The Seguin Outdoor Learning Center, post a message to the SAAA Yahoo Group.