Cibolo Gardens: Our New Adventure

Heads-up North Side of San Antonio, Texas, USA! That’s right, Half Hectare Homestead is back in the San Antonio Area for an extended stay. Cristophe and I have accepted a work and educational opportunity at Cibolo Gardens Nature Preserve and Event Center! Located just 22 miles (35.4 km) from downtown San Antonio, not far off of US 281, only 16 miles (25.75 km) from The Guadalupe River State Park, and 17 miles (27.35 km) from Natural Bridge Caverns. Officially, Cris will be working as the Host Manager for all of Cibolo Gardens future events, camping, and glamping guests. This also comes with the added bonus of many new learning opportunities for Cris and I to expand our knowledge and experience on eco-conscious building and renewable energy!

From Quarry to Nature Preserve

The 45 acres (18.21 ha) of Cibolo Gardens was once an active quarry being destructively exploited for it’s rich bedrock. Now however, thanks to the hard work and dedication to sustainability of the previous owners, Sam Coffman (Founder and Director of The Human Path) and Suchil Coffman (Director of Herbal Medics), and the current owner, David Prickett (Facility Manager and Eco-community Builder of Cibolo Gardens), the land and its wildlife are healing. Many natural plant and animal species returned and are now thriving in the various terrains of this area. The land encompasses a seasonal lake that forms within the deepest part of the quarry, a drainage marsh, cliff walls, ancient seabed fossils, and Hill Country woodlands.

Learning Opportunities

We are so excited to become a part of promoting the well-being and sustainment of such a beautiful natural area! But, Cristophe and I are looking forward to all the physical experience we can now gain in eco-conscious building too. Part of Cibolo Gardens is also an educational homestead. There are food and medicinal gardens, some domestic animals, composting toilets, graywater recycling infrastructure, rainwater collection, solar panels, and eco-conscious building projects. Their outdoor cob shower pictured below is such an example.

Cristophe and I both already have much living experience with plant growing, animal raising, composting, and all-around homesteading, but not much of the infrastructure building. Cris does have strong theoretical knowledge of such skills due to his extensive personal research. But, this new opportunity for hands-on experience with in-person mentorship is a rare and much appreciated opportunity for us both. Cibolo Gardens also hosts many classes on site. These include ones on blacksmithing, wilderness survival, and herbal medicine, which we look forward to being involved with.

Camping at Cibolo Gardens

Cristophe and I got the chance to enjoy our own camping stay in the north grove for our in-person interview. Even with the harsh heat during this time of year, we loved it! There was plenty of shade and an indoor classroom with wifi to cool off in. Not to mention the above ground pool available! I also got the chance to soak my feet in the lake during our hiking exploration of the area. Look closely at the picture below to see the tiny froggies resting on my toe and by the edge of the water. Oh, and did I mention their outdoor kitchen area with a hand-built cob fire oven!

Interested in enjoying the beauty of Nature while maintaining convenient city access? Head to Cibolo Gardens’ hipcamp listing to learn more! And don’t forget the glamping tents available for a more luxurious stay. Also feel free to contact us about hosting an event or class at Cibolo Gardens Nature Preserve and Event Center. We are all working together to expand Cibolo Gardens presence as a prominent center for Nature connection. So if you are interested in connecting with such an inspiring place, we look forward to planning it with you!

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