Friedrich Wilderness Park offers approximately 10 miles of hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty. It is home for rare birds, terrestrial orchids, steep hills and deep canyons. It is internationally known for bird watching. Perched on the edge if the Balcones Escarpment, Friedrich is a nesting site for two federally listed endangered species of birds: the Black-capped Vireo and the Golden-cheeked Warbler.
When she died in September 1971, Norma Friedrich Ward bequeathed 180 acres of land on Heuermann Road near Leon Springs to the City of San Antonio for use as a public park. She also gave $100,000 to make improvements to the land. It was Mrs. Ward’s wish that the natural vegetation and native trees and shrubs be protected and that native birds and wildlife be protected and encouraged to use the park as a sanctuary.
The following year, Wilbur Matthews and Glen Martin donated another 52 acres to enlarge the park according to the same guidelines specified by Mrs. Ward.
The park was developed with a grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and was dedicated on August 31, 1978.
An outdoor classroom was added in 1998.
Today, Emilie and Albert Friedrich Park features 5.5 miles of hiking with varying degrees of difficulty. It is home to rare birds, terrestrial orchids, steep hills and deep canyons. It is internationally known for bird watching, with nesting sites for two federal listed endangered species of birds: the Black-capped Vireo and the golden-cheeked Warbler. With its 280 acres, the public can enjoy nature trails, including a handicapped accessible trail, and signage and programs that educate visitors about the park’s vegetation and wildlife. The Friends of Friedrich Park provides volunteer support for the park, and the Master Naturalist Program utilizes the park to study soil and water resources, ecology, native Texas Plants, and archaeology.
