Overview
This park is located on the southwestern edge of the Edwards Plateau, along 2.9 miles of the Frio River in central Texas. It is 1,774 acres in size, 30 miles north of Uvalde and 7 miles north of the small community of Concan. It is a good place to find the 2 endangered species, Golden-cheeked Warbler, Black-capped Vireo, which spend the spring and summer months in the Texas Hill Country. Over 175 species of birds have been seen here.
Birds
Notable Species
Golden-cheeked Warbler, Black-capped Vireo
There is a healthy population of Golden-cheeked Warblers inhabiting the park, especially within Ash-juniper dominated areas. An easy way to hike this rather difficult ecosystem is by taking the "Old Entrance Road" that, while closed to vehicles, is still open to hikers. Along this path, many GCWA territories will be crossed, and although it will take time and patience to spot one, you will at least be able to hear the males singing. Golden-cheeked Warblers nest from March to July and spend the winter in Mexico and Central America. Black-capped Vireos nest from April to July and spend the winter on the west coast of Mexico.
Rarities
None reported.
Check-list
Birds you can see here include:
Wild Turkey, Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Black Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, Eurasian Collared Dove, Mourning Dove, Common Nighthawk, Chuck-will's-widow, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Eastern Wood Pewee, Eastern Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, White-eyed Vireo, Bell's Vireo, Woodhouse's Scrub Jay, Common Raven, Barn Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Carolina Chickadee, Black-crested Titmouse, Canyon Wren, Carolina Wren, Blue-grey Gnatcatcher, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Northern Parula, Yellow Warbler, Black-throated Grey Warbler, Golden-cheeked Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Ovenbird, Chipping Sparrow, Clay-coloured Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Summer Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Indigo Bunting, Painted Bunting, Dickcissel, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Lesser Goldfinch
See also the eBIrd bar chart for Garner State Park
Other Wildlife
White-tailed deer, Axis deer (an exotic species), Black Rocks Squirrels, Fox Squirrels, Raccoons, snakes and other reptiles.
Site Information
History and Use
The park was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1935 and 1941. It is named after John Nance Garner (former Vice President from 1933-41), a native of Uvalde.
Areas of Interest
- The endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler is quite easy to find along some of the trails, such as the Old CCC Entrance Road Trail
- The Frio River passes through the park - swimming, canoeing and tubing are allowed
Access and Facilities
- Entrance fees: 13 years and older: $7 daily; 12 and under: free.
- Busy Season: Memorial Weekend through Labor Day Weekend
- Park hours: Peak season (Memorial Day - Mid-August): 8am to 11 pm daily (gates locked at 11:30pm). Non-peak Season (Mid-August - Memorial Day): Sun-Thurs: 8am to 4:30pm; Fri-Sat: hours vary due to visitation, call the office for current hours. Entrance gate locked at 10pm nightly.
- NB: when the park reaches maximum capacity, it will close to day visitors (which can be as early as 10am on Saturdays and Holidays) and will reopen by 6pm. Plan to arrive early during the busy season.
- 11 miles of walking/hiking trails - plenty of quiet areas for birding - see map in External Links
- Camping sites, screened shelters and cabins are available
- Paddles boats, kayaks and inner tubes are available for rental
Contact Details
Garner State Park
234 RR 1050
Concan, TX 78838
Tel: 830-232-6132
