Meet the Assistant Superintendent

Hey everyone! Tyler Jackson here. I am super excited to be joining the team at Government Canyon and Region 3. I have been incredibly blessed during my time working for Texas State Parks, gaining experience and memories that have helped me grow into the person I am meant to be. I started out as a summer intern at Huntsville State Park and have progressed from Intern to Resource Specialist to Park Ops Trainee, all at Huntsville SP—culminating in this newest opportunity as Assistant Superintendent at Government Canyon SNA.

A little about me: I am a graduate of Texas State University and hold a bachelor’s degree in public administration. I am a native of San Antonio — I have spent most of my life in San Antonio and just up the road in Boerne. Witnessing the wild Central/South Texas areas that I knew growing up slowly become urbanized is a large part of why I chose to work in conservation — so that I can do my part to ensure that the resources that mean the most to me, such as scenic Hill Country views and crystal-clear waters, will be there for future generations to enjoy and admire.

I am a lifelong avid outdoors enthusiast. I am at my happiest fishing, hunting, hiking, snow skiing, gardening, and working cows. I take great pride in cooking, baking, and barbecuing and sharing what I make with others! I am married to my wonderful wife, Hannah. We have a poodle-mix named Jade and a cat named Mr. Biscuits.

2024 Wildflower Guide

Check out some of the wildflowers you can find at the Canyon each spring, and on which trails to find them with our Wildflower Checklist & Photo Guide! This trifold educational presentation shows 35 types of wildflowers you can find at Government Canyon State Natural Area, as well as provides names, the size of the flower and plant, and when it is in bloom.

Click here to print your copy, or swing by the Visitor Center to pick up a copy on your next visit. Thank you to our fantastic guide, Jennifer Weaver, for putting the guide together.

Click on the image above to access the guide.

Wildlife Wednesday - Week 4

Join us each Wednesday this summer for a new Wildlife Wednesday video, created by Government Canyon SNA staff!

Week 4 - Mammals Adaptations

Click the links below to complete the pre-activity, today’s lesson, and today’s post-activity, and watch this week’s video below. Have fun!

Week 4 - Pre-Activity

Week 4 - Lesson

Week 4 - Post-Activity

Let’s Take Time to Walk

by Billy Lambert, FoGC President

When I was a child, my father took me to many Volksmarch Walking Events. Every weekend we joined our walking group and walked a marked path directing participants through  parks, historic sites, old court houses towns  in and around San Antonio and central Texas. It was a great way to meet people and explore places. 

About 20 minutes into each walk, I would begin asking my dad questions about the scenery, the water, and the people we met. His answers just lead us further down the path  to the next interesting site and to my next question. It was his way of letting me explore and think about the things we saw and experienced together.

This spring I have found my self walking more. Walking is a nice a respite from work any daily challenges, and I have found that time walking with my wife and daughter has brought us closer together and put us in the same rhythm. Most importantly it forces the three of us to focus on what is in front us. This pulls us out of own thoughts and helps me keep focus.

This year has been hard for many people; many have shouldered tremendous burdens and suffered tremendous losses. Many people have found things out of their control and solutions overwhelming. Walking gives ourselves a break from these burdens and allows us to share a space with someone. Walking helps us to keep our personal lives together.

If you want to join us for a walk at Government Canyon State Natural Area (GCSNA), the Rangers and volunteers are still working and welcoming visitors albeit with limited capacity. The Texas State Parks website lists the hours and instructions for reservations. If you can not make it to the Canyon, check out the virtual tours the Canyon staff have been putting together including a tour of the Dino tracks and the Wildlife Wednesday videos for kids. In addition to the Canyon, San Antonio has many green spaces and trails winding through many neighborhoods where you will find that people are returning to their porches and sending their distanced hellos.

With time, things will be better, but this is not to say our lives will be less hectic. Our world is ever changing, I know many of you already understand the benefits of walking, and maybe you share the same privilege I received at a young age while walking with my family. I do encourage you to actively seek out people who have never been to Government Canyon or any of the local parks or trails and invite them for walks. Share a moment together. Share the same rhythm. Take the time to get to know someone, even at six feet apart. 

Explore together.

Wildlife Wednesday - Week 3

Join us each Wednesday this summer for a new Wildlife Wednesday video, created by Government Canyon SNA staff!

Week 3 - Insects & Food Webs

Click the links below to complete the pre-activity, today’s lesson, and today’s post-activity, and watch this week’s video below. Have fun!

Week 3 - Pre-Activity

Week 3 - Lesson

Week 3 - Post-Activity

Wildlife Wednesday - Week 2

Join us each Wednesday this summer for a new Wildlife Wednesday video, created by Government Canyon SNA staff!

Week 2 - Bird Adaptation

Click the links below to complete the pre-activity, today’s lesson, and today’s post-activity, and watch this week’s video below. Have fun!

Week 2 - Pre-Activity

Week 2 - Lesson

Week 2 - Post-Activity

Wildlife Wednesday - Week 1

Join us each Wednesday this summer for a new Wildlife Wednesday video, created by Government Canyon SNA staff!

Week 1 - Thinking Like a Scientist

Click the links below to complete the pre-activity, today’s lesson, and today’s post-activity, and watch this week’s video below. Have fun!

Week 1 - Pre-Activity

Week 1 - Lesson

Week 1 - Post-Activity

Meet the Superintendent

Nick Maloukis, Superintendent

Greetings!  My name is Nic Maloukis, and I’m the new Superintendent at Government Canyon State Natural Area. I took over responsibilities on September 1st, of 2019. Some of you know me from my previous work at GCSNA, but for those who do not, here’s a little bit about me.

I was born and raised in Austin, Texas (South of the River and Inside the City Limits) where I was in the first graduating class from Charles Akins High School. I was accepted to Southwest Texas State University in 2003 and Graduated from Texas State University – San Marcos in 2007 with a B.S. in Resource and Environmental Studies and a Geology Minor. While in college, I started my career with Texas State Parks as a volunteer at Enchanted Rock SNA, then as a Summer Intern at McKinney Falls in 2007, and a Summer Intern at GCSNA in 2008. I hired-on as a PPO/Interpreter at Government Canyon in January 2009. Most recently I was the Park Superintendent at Martin Creek Lake State Park for a 6-year period between 2013 and 2019. I am also a certified CPR/AED/First Aid instructor for TPWD, a Type I Wildland Firefighter Trainee, and a Wilderness First Responder. 

My wife of 11 years, Amanda, five-year-old son, Caleb, and Rhodesian Ridgeback, Walker, are all extremely happy to be back in San Antonio. In my free time, I enjoy playing disc golf, driving my jeep, and going on adventures with my family in the great outdoors.  

My vision for the Canyon is to continue the work of Deirdre Hisler and Chris Holm. The mission of the Canyon has not changed. It’s all about water. We are here for recharge. We protect the water quality and quantity entering the recharge zone of the Edwards Aquifer. We provide a space for the public to recharge their souls through communion with nature in a natural area. While we are working to achieve these goals, we research and protect a multitude of flora and fauna and continue to contribute to the professional body of knowledge in the field of resource conservation. In addition to our natural resources, we protect our vast cultural resources, ranging from 110-million-year-old dinosaur tracks, to prehistoric Native American sites, to Historic roads, and vestiges of San Antonio ranching heritage. I plan to work hard to ensure my team of staff and volunteers has all the support they need to continue this important work. I would like to thank everyone who lends a hand, volunteering their time, for being part of the legacy of Government Canyon State Natural Area.   

Virtual Wildflower Hike

Due to social distancing this spring, our Activities Committee has not been able to offer guided hikes and workshops. In lieu of our in-person hikes, join our guide Jennifer on this spring’s virtual wildflower hike! Follow along with Jennifer as she points out this springs beautiful wildflowers found on Lytle’s Loop.

Virtual Wildflower Hike - Park 1

Follow-along Guide - Part 1

Virtual Wildflower Hike - Part 2

Follow-along Guide - Part 2

Follow the Leave No Trace Practices

Did you know that 9 out of 10 people in the outdoors are uninformed about their impacts? Make sure you are following the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace on your next to the Canyon.

1. Plan Ahead - “Know before you go"!” Learn everything you can about the are you plan to visit and the regulations of its use.

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces - Use designated trails and campsites.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly - “Pack it in, pack it out!”

4. Leave What You Find - Do not damage, deface, or remove natural objects or cultural artifacts. Leave them for others to enjoy.

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts - Use a lightweight camp stove instead of a fire.

6. Respect Wildlife - Watch wildlife from a distance and never approach, feed, or follow.

7. Be Considerate to Other Visitors - Don’t disturb others. Preserve the natural quiet.

"Take only memories. Leave only footprints." - Chief Seattle

Volunteer in the Great Outdoors

Government Canyon State Natural Area is looking for motivated people who love the outdoors and want to give something back to Nature. Ask about how to become a volunteer and join the family and the fun!!

Opportunities include:

• Backcountry and Frontcountry trail building and trail maintenance

• Hike Leaders and assistants for monthly guided hikes

• Interpretive Programs and Outdoor Education/ School Groups

• Special Events: Halloween at the Canyon, Archeology Day, Migratory Bird Day

• Natural Resources Projects: bird counts, endangered species, native and invasive plants projects

• Cultural Resources Projects: historic building restoration, archeological sites

• Administration and Front Office: Visitor Services, fiscal control, clerical

Ask at the Visitor’s Center about how to get started or email John.koepke@tpwd.texas.gov.