(NPS photo-Kodak DX3900)

Mission San Juan with wildflowers

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. The existence of water dictated where a mission was established. Now, as then, 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 run. Remnants of the old river channel still remain. In these riparian oases, vegetation with complex structures exists, creating a beneficial habitat for many wildlife species. Eighteenth century acequias (or irrigation ditches, 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 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 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 will 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 will continue to invade native plant habitat unless controlled.
3) Finding solutions for ambient noise - The proximity of an 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!