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A weekly outdoors/nature series focusing on the incredible diversity of wildlife, scenic locations and fascinating characters that make Texas unique.
2015
Discover the biggest park in all of Texas. Beautiful night skies, river carved canyons, and magnificent mountains combine to make Big Bend National Park a place to remember.
Discover an abundance of birds in the brushlands of south Texas. Catch some fish and make some friends on the coastal fishing piers. And travel back in time on the Texas State Railroad.
Traverse the Trinity River near Dallas by canoe or kayak. Get some tips for safe, and accurate, shotgun shooting. Thirty years ago the Desert Bighorn Sheep was mostly gone from Texas. See what was being done to bring back the Bighorn.
Discover the spectacularly dark skies of West Texas, and meet some folks who are working to keep them dark. Take a trip back in time through the discovery of ancient rock art. Enjoy the beauty of a wide open Panhandle ranch.
See what’s happening with Texas’ four distinct quail species. Get above and below the clear water of Balmorhea Springs. Travel Texas with some snowbirds in their RVs.
Meet some of the folks that fight fires in the Texas state parks. See how one very young man from Corpus Christi is trying to help keep trash out of the water. Watch some rascally rabbits munch a bunch of lunch.
Learn how a Texas woman takes refuge from Autism by hunting. Meet some modern day falconers and find out what draws them to these birds of prey. Head to East Texas and relax among the tall pines.
Spend a few days with Texas game wardens as they patrol the waters off South Padre Island on a sixty foot boat. Enjoy a look at some of Central Texas’ finest swimming holes and see what has been done to conserve them. Jump off the cliff at Franklin Mountains State Park.
See how biologists learn about the lives and habits of wildlife using satellite transmitters. Travel back in time with Texas photographer Wyman Meinzer. Fly above Big Bend in the early morning light.
Go sand surfing a long way away from the ocean at Monahans Sandhills State Park. Meet the Gibson family, and follow along with them as they volunteer their time to help others learn about the outdoors. See how life was lived along the Texas/Mexico border back before it was a river and not a wall.
Meet wildlife artist Clemente Guzman and find out where is inspiration comes from. Find out what rafting the Rio Grande is all about. A large group of barn swallows make their home at a small Balmorhea motel.
Travel to a birding hotspot that might be considered a marginal nature haven. Get in the water with some Texas game wardens as they learn how to get out of a sinking helicopter. Remember D-Day with some veterans who served on the Battleship Texas.
Travel to southeast Texas to hunt alligators at the J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area. The Neches Refuge in East Texas is a haven for a lot of wildlife species. Spend some time with a singer who takes an environmental message to city schools.
Meet the El Paso trail builder who is still working away at age seventy nine. Almost twenty years ago the last of the Southern Plains Bison herd was moved from the J.A. Ranch to Caprock Canyons State Park. See the shifting sands of Monahans.
Follow a group of friends as they compete in the Great Texas Birding Classic. Discover the timeless beauty of Caddo Lake. Watch as the river rises in a hurry at Colorado Bend State Park.
Take a peek at the burrowing owls of El Paso. Marvel at the rare chance to see three species of Kingfishers in one place at one time. See how a manmade wetland is cleaning the water for the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Attend a night photography class near Big Bend Ranch State Park. An event at an Austin park teaches families how to catch fish, and how to cook them. We remember the late Dave Alloway, an expert in the art of survival.
Meet some folks whose mission is to help build homes for purple martins. Follow a husband and wife team as they trap, tag and follow Black Bears in West Texas. See how Texas Parks and Wildlife employees mobilized to help wildlife after and oil spill.
The Pecos Pupfish is on the edge of extinction but a group of biologists is trying to help save the species. Meet the social media coordinator whose job it is to connect you with the outdoors. Travel to Sundown Island to see how Chester Smith takes care of all the birds.
Butterflies bring beauty to the world. But butterflies are at risk. What are we doing to reverse this troubling trend? View Enchanted Rock through the use of time lapse photography. The late Geraldine Watson spent her life protecting and restoring the Big Thicket area of southeast Texas.
Crawl inside the caves at Colorado Bend State Park with some dedicated spelunkers. Dr. Cynthia Brandimarte makes sure that the history of state parks is easily accessible. The Fuentes family of Corpus Christi have been going to Garner State Park every Fourth of July for over 20 years.
Scientists and geologists use laser technology to restore ancient rock art at Hueco Tanks State Park. Outdoor clubs are a great way to discover nature, and make new friends. Visit a manmade pond that gets taken over every spring by frogs.
The Texas Outdoor Family program helps teach families about camping, and cooking, and nature. Watch the Kinta S, a 155-foot freighter as it becomes an artificial reef. Spend some time watching the birds at the Hugh Ramsey Park in South Texas.
The Pecos Pupfish is on the edge of extinction but a group of biologists is trying to help save the species. Caprock Canyons State Park is known as the home of the state bison herd. But there are some much smaller, fuzzier animals on site as well. See how Buffalo Soldiers re-enactors are teaching young people about the ultimate outdoorsmen.
Follow two teams of paddlers as they navigate the 260 mile Texas Water Safari. Loggerhead Shrikes can be both beautiful and brutal. Baby woodpeckers are very demanding and noisy when they’re hungry.
See how several state agencies and environmental organizations came together to acquire the Powderhorn Ranch for outdoor recreation and conservation. There’s a preacher in Utopia, Texas who spends some time saving souls, and some time saving hunting and fishing mementos. See some tree hugging caterpillars in the Pineywoods.
2016
Follow some folks as they catch copperheads for cancer research. Enjoy some city camping during the work week. Experience the windy waters of Port O'Connor.
2014
Follow along as biologists track Whooping Cranes at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge using satellite GPS technology. We go underwater with some Texas game wardens as they learn how they respond to aggressors on the water, rescue people from drowning and stay afloat wearing over 20 pounds of gear. Meet a group of volunteers at Pedernales State Park and find out why they are so incredibly enthusiastic about doing work that can at times be a little mundane.
2013
Join some biologists as they monitor nesting Golden-cheeked Warblers in the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve near Austin. Take a tour on two wheels at this park that is known for its glorious waterfalls but is also a great place for mountain biking. Outdoor tourism contributes more than $36 million to the Texas economy, and a lot of folks find out about the state through national television shows. We'll show you how that works.
2012
When it comes to rock art, Hueco Tanks, east of El Paso is in a class by itself. Unfortunately over the years, some of the pictographs have been damaged by graffiti. But now a new type of laser technology is about to turn back time. It's a laser light show that wipes away the graffiti but doesn't affect the pictograph underneath. If you've ever been out in the woods and you're dive bombed by a brightly colored bird, you may have encountered the elusive kingfisher. Texas is the only place where all three variations of this bird can be found.
Meet an artist whose prints raise cash for conservation. Learn about the legendary vision of David Bamberger. Watch a crowd of Hermit Crabs on Lavaca Bay.
Bike between the tall trees at Tyler State Park. View the vast skies of the Trans-Pecos in black & white. Meet a man with a cannon, and a purpose.
Fly high above the Franklin Mountains in a paraglider. Blue Mountain Peak Ranch owners are returning the land to its roots. Discover a homemade frog pond and see what animals it attracts.
Travel with some dedicated birders along the Texas coast. Biologists work to restore the Texas Horned Lizard to its historic range. The plants in Big Bend may be prickly, but they serve many purposes.
Follow some turkeys as they are moved from Iowa to east Texas to help restore depleted populations. Project WILD takes teachers out of the classroom and into nature. Tagging and tracking sharks helps biologists keep tabs on these top predators.
Join a couple of Houston area ladies as they experience hunting for the very first time. Meet the game wardens who make up the Underwater Search and Recovery Dive Team. Get to know Ray Sasser, the Dallas Morning News' outdoor writer.
See the efforts being made to save the last of the Southern Plains Bison. Discover how Inks Lake State Park is making hunting accessible for the physically challenged. Meet the biologists who are keeping track of CWD.
A few hours scuba diving in the ocean is just another day at the office for a couple of marine biologists. Brent Ortego has spent a lifetime focused on conservation. Meet a cancer researcher who spends his free time exploring caves and conservation at his Hill Country ranch.
Follow along as some Houston area school kids discover the value of native prairies. Once maligned, carp have emerged as a much sought after sport fish, especially among European visitors. Wildlife Biologist Steve Nelle helps landowners answer conservation questions.
Travel to the Trans Pecos to find out what's causing declines in Pronghorn Antelope populations. See how a change in habitat philosophy improved the Pecore Farm. When flood waters hit Blanco State Park, the park's staff took care of the visiting campers, and the cleanup.
Researchers track white nose syndrome in bats as it gets closer to Texas. Randi Wayland has spent a lifetime promoting fishing and water safety to young people in Texas. Follow along as the Kills & Spills Team works to save wildlife after unnatural disasters.
Watch a bee specialist relocate a hive of European honey bees, giving them a safe new home where they can keep on buzzing. Invasive giant reed is a threat to Texas rivers. Watch as biologists work to control this towering cane. See how wind energy production impacts wildlife.
Meet a researcher who's investigating the health of native pollinators. Learn how wind farms use radar to protect migrating birds near wind turbines. Find out where the turkeys lurk when biologist trap and tag Rio Grande gobblers.
The Dundee Fish Hatchery is back in business after shutting down due to drought. Join a father and his daughter as they hunt squirrels in east Texas. Some central Texas citizens help restore damaged habitat along the Colorado River.
Join a dog hike at Franklin Mountains State Park. Students tell the story of Garner State Park using their phones. A freshwater fish from the time of the dinosaur is being returned to Caddo Lake.
Meet the people who craft the "Texas Parks & Wildlife" magazine and see what it takes to publish this great outdoor periodical. Get some outdoor photo tips from photographer Russell Graves. Enjoy some outstanding Texas wildlife photography by Earl Nottingham and Chase Fountain.
Visit the San Pedro Ranch and see how they sustain diverse wildlife populations and a productive cattle herd. Michael Homer helps make fishing easy and fun for both kids and adults. "Texas Parks & Wildlife" magazine photographers share some of their favorite landscape images.
Trap and track the seldom seen Texas Kangaroo Rat with some eager researchers. Meet a college student who also volunteers as a park host at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. President Lyndon Johnson's legacy lives on at the Sauer-Beckman Living History Farm.
Follow a study that sheds light on how bobcats live in the suburbs and edges of cities. The Harkins Ranch has been transformed into an oasis for wildlife. Get up close to some of the birds that thrive on the Texas coast.
See some of the wildlife that is attracted to man-made watering holes in the Trans Pecos. Follow some biologists as the search for the rare blue sucker fish in the Colorado River near Austin. Experience man in nature through the eyes of Texas Parks and Wildlife photographers.
Follow along as biologists struggle to save one of the most endangered birds in all of Texas. As more anglers view the alligator gar as a sport fish, more research is required to sustain this mysterious species. The invasive Lionfish is threatening the balance of the Gulf of Mexico.
See how a ranch in Goliad County has improved its quail populations by improving grasslands. Meet the woman whose enthusiasm and passion has helped conservation funds reach Texas' youth. Discover the birds, bats, and caves at Kickapoo Cavern State Park.
Learn what may be causing declines of the Texas horned lizard, and what's being done about it. Join a group of enthusiastic first time hunters, and their parents, on a cold, wet duck hunt. Discover some ideas for leaving the environment better than you found it.
Follow a walker of Texas ranger as he visits the state parks one step at a time. Slide through silent saltwater marshes as you paddle the coastal trail at Port O'Connor. One of the top three sport fish in Texas, more and more fishermen now set their sights on the southern flounder.
See what's being done to save one of the most important rookery islands on the Texas coast from eroding away. Meet the crew on a prescribed fire and learn about all the different skills necessary for a successful burn. Enjoy the end of the day at Jamaica Beach near Galveston.
A broad coalition of partners, from non-profits to landowners and government agencies, is working to bring back a breeding population of paddlefish. At the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, archeologists have discovered artifacts from the 1836 Battle for Texas Independence thanks to modern technology (and some old-fashioned muscle).
We take a closer look at what it takes to catch the southern flounder and how the species is holding up. See how outdoor adventure clubs are bringing together all kinds of folks with an active interest in the outdoors.
Lizards on the Move See how research at the Muse Wildlife Management Area is investigating how threatened Texas Horned Lizards fare and where they go when they are relocated to restored habitat. Join us as we follow two boys as part of a special duck hunt just for youngsters.
Join a team of black bear trackers from Stephen F. Austin State University as they study some of the most remote habitat found in the state. Biologists Chad Norris and Janet Nelson trek to remote spring sites gathering a variety of information that will provide a greater understanding of one of our most important sources of freshwater.
Learn about the research and work that have helped make largemouth bass the most important game fish in Texas. Austin is well-known for the millions of Mexican free-tailed bats that live under the city’s bridges and overpasses. Thanks to a group called Bat Conservation International, Texans have become mindful of this species’ vital role in the control of insects.
The hottest sport to hit the south these days isn’t on the field, it’s in the water. Check out a profile on high school fishing. Working guns, artillery, running tanks and an operational flamethrower make the Second World War come alive at the Admiral Nimitz State Historic Site.
A coalition of partners has raised nearly $38 million dollars to purchase the Powderhorn Ranch in Calhoun County, 17,000 acres of one of the largest remaining unspoiled tracts of coastal prairie in the state. Kids at Texas A&M's SeaCamp solve mysteries using biology, chemistry, and physics, similar to the work done in the "real world" by TPWD's Forensics group in San Marcos. Government Canyon State Natural Area has grown out of an unprecedented partnership of groups rallying to preserve a unique Hill Country resource important to nearby San Antonio.
We’ll follow Jim Daniels, a young Game Worden who turned a tragedy from his youth into a career helping people, as he patrols the sparsely populated counties north of Abilene. White limestone bluffs and dense trees surround Cedar Lake, the centerpiece of Cleburne State Park, located southwest of Fort Worth. Wildlife biologists are counting on private landowners to help restore the habitat and hopefully save the Lesser Prairie Chicken.
Learn about the success of the TPWD's Desert Bighorn Sheep restoration program in west Texas. For the first time since 1950 anyone willing to make a hike in the desert of Big Bend Ranch State Park has the chance again of spotting one of these majestic animals in its natural environment. Just minutes away from Dallas, Cedar Hill State Park has a set of trails built and maintained by cyclists and fit for all levels of mountain bikers. Meet one man who collects antique fishing lures and another who makes new ones, and discover the evolution of the fishing lure, from bone to plastic and several incarnations in between.
The Kinta S is the largest ship to be sunk in the Gulf of Mexico as part of Texas Parks and Wildlife’s artificial reef program, designed to turn oil rigs, retired ships and other hard substances into reef habitat for fish. Scientists are gaining a better understanding of the habitat needs and preferences of Rio Grande turkey populations by fitting turkey with tiny backpacks. Hear the stories of Civilian Conservation Corps veterans as they reunite in a park they helped build.
We head to Bay City, Texas for a weekend goose hunt with the ladies… it’s going to be a blast. Thanks to a crew of geologists and photographers, a 3D virtual map of the Devil's Sinkhole in Rocksprings is in the works, one that will give visitors a unique view of this geologic oddity.
Catfish are the largest freshwater sport fish in Texas and are second only to bass in popularity among anglers. Meet one tireless volunteer, Chester Smith, who has helped to bring the endangered brown pelican back to Sundown Island in Matagorda Bay and see the spectacle of a nesting island in the spring.
A study is shedding new light on how bobcats live among us, in the suburbs and edges of our cities, without conflict and almost completely without notice. If you’re looking for the best place to camp right on the beach Mustang Island is the spot. With fishing, birding, and ocean fun just a few steps from your tent Mustang Island State Park is sure to cure that Island fever.
Ethel was the very first bass in the ShareLunker Program, becoming a symbol of how good management and forward thinking could drive conservation efforts to wonderful results. Liberty Ships of World War II today serve as artificial reefs off the Texas coast, providing habitat for marine life, research areas for scientists, and new opportunities for anglers.
We take a look at what’s being done along the Texas coast to help save sharks from disappearing at an alarming rate. It’s worth the trouble to hit the trails of Texas’ mountain biking Mecca, Big Bend Ranch State Park. Meet some big city biologists in Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and El Paso who strive to help wildlife and urban life coexist in harmony.
Scientists join forces with hunters and landowners to solve the mystery of the disappearing pronghorn antelope in this Texas-style CSI. At backyard ponds, suburban creeks, and rural wetlands, participants in the Texas Amphibian Watch program monitor the health of frogs and toads, both for science and for fun. Travel through Texas with a young man making his way cross-country on a handcycle. Being a paraplegic hasn’t handicapped his effort to get out and enjoy a trip across America.
The Crappie Guys Meet Tommy Tidwell, a high school science teacher and part time crappie fishing guide, and Mr. Crappie, Wally Marshall. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin is more than just a place to see wildflowers. It’s also a research and resource center for information on native plants, landscape restoration, and water conservation.
Just north of Dallas and Fort Worth, the trail system at Ray Roberts Lake State Park offers hours of riding for mountain bikers, from a smooth riverside greenbelt to hilly routes along the lake. The threat of feral hogs to Texas agriculture and ecology looms large and research is being conducted that could offer a new kind of protection from this feral pig plague. Each year hundreds of re-enactors gather to relive the Battle of San Jacinto in southeast Texas, the pivotal battle that changed the path of Texas and all of North America.
From short pedals at local parks, to epic journeys through rugged landscapes, mountain biking is a great way to experience the wild side of Texas. Freshwater anglers all across the state look forward to the annual spring run of White Bass.
Grab your canoe and come along as we check out some of the state's new paddling trails on the coast, in Houston, and on the Guadalupe River. Join some biologists as they monitor the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler in the Hill Country's Balcones Canyonlands Preserve during their nesting season.
See why generations of Texans have been making Garner State Park the place to be year round in the Hill Country. Follow one researcher as he taps the secrets of the trees and learns the warnings they may hold for water planners. So what does it take to get into birding? We’ll take a look at some of the basic gear you’ll need, fill you in on where to go, and highlight a way to bring the birds to you.
We’ll visit some of the best spots to see Sandhill Cranes up close to learn more about these migrating wonders. See how some Houston residents are making sure kids don’t miss out on the outdoors.
When it’s time to investigate oil spills, meet the team of biologists who are called in to action. When an aspiring nature photographer joins a group of Buffalo Soldier re-enactors, he discovers history's ultimate outdoorsmen. Once upon a time, in a Wildlife Management Area far, far away, a group of dedicated conservationists put their skills to work, building special rainwater catchment systems, aka “guzzlers," to provide water for bighorn sheep, and any other animal looking for a drink in the desert.
Meet some of the students on the national champion University of Texas club climbing team and see what it takes to excel at this demanding sport. The annual West Texas mountain bike festival is a great time for anyone who would like to go fixin’ or freewheelin’ around the old frontier. Follow along with some biologists as they work to save struggling Texas shorebirds, from the endangered piping plover to the threatened snowy plover.
Meet an Austin man who took up hunting and fishing as an adult and is determined to pass along these traditions to his sons. At first glance scrubby, thorny and spindly, Big Bend plants take on new beauty when you learn how to read them. See what it takes to unearth artifacts from a battle that took place over a hundred years ago and learn more about Palo Duro Canyon State Park and the historic battle that took place there.
Two years after wildfire roared through Possum Kingdom State Park, this popular getaway is back. Take a look at how the park has recovered. Learn what's causing the decline of the iconic Texas Horny Toad, and what's being done about it. Bois d'Arc Creek and much of the land around it in Fannin County will soon be replaced by a water supply reservoir. Meet Russell and Bubba Graves, filmmakers who have made a documentary about what the loss of this bottomland hardwood forest means to those that have a history with this land.
Urbanites interested in healthy, tasty, locally-sourced foods are trying hunting for the first time. Follow Austin blogger Marshall Wright as he learns about hunting from this new perspective. Travel to Big Bend Ranch State Parks with a group of teens from Houston as they make a spiritual connection with the West Texas landscape during their first real experience with wide open spaces. Texas Parks and Wildlife is celebrating its 50th birthday by inviting people to share their stories and photos about memorable moments in the Texas outdoors. Here's a look back at what this means for Texans.30
The annual winter stocking of rainbow trout in the Guadalupe River is a much anticipated event. Check out some of the best spots to go to catch these feisty freshwater fish. North Deer Island near Galveston is the largest bird rookery island on the Upper Texas Coast, and it is shrinking from erosion. See what's being done to preserve this island and protect it for the thousands of birds that nest here every year. Gerald Stewart is a professional animal caller. Using mouth calls and audio cassettes, Gerald can attract birds, owls, mountain lions, bobcats, foxes, deer and many more animals.
A Classic Competition from the Coast is now statewide and open to all. Follow some folks who decided to find out how many different birds can be seen in a day, a morning, or from just one spot. Wade fishing not only puts you right where the action is, but the experts say you can catch more and bigger fish.
From a migrant worker as a youth to an artist that discovers he has an amazing talent. Meet Clemente Guzman who is an inspiration for all of us. A woman with Asperger Syndrome sees her social life blossom when she takes up geocaching. Whether in saltwater or fresh, Texas has many great spots to spend a day fishing. But for a special breed of angler the best days of fishing are always nights.
Meet one East Texas game warden whose involvement with the kids in her community not only helps change their lives, but enriches her as well. The Gulf of Mexico is known to some as "America's Sea." In the first segment of a six part series on the state of the gulf, we'll explore the rich diversity of habitats and creatures in the Gulf of Mexico and the economic benefits they provide to the nation as a whole. We'll visit the beautiful coral reefs of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, shallow meadows of seagrass in Redfish Bay and the longest undeveloped barrier island, Padre Island National Seashore, one of the homes of the endangered Kemps Ridley Sea Turtle. Last we will consider how the BP oil spill illustrates the inseparable dynamics of economic and environmental interests.
The population of Pintail ducks has been declining over the past decade, and wildlife biologists are trying to figure out why. Watch as captured hens are fitted with transmitters and tracked as they winter on the coast and migrate north. Examine how hurricanes have impacted Texas; past, present and future. In part two of a six part series on the state of the gulf, we'll see how a century ago a hurricane determined the future of Indianola and Galveston. Then take a look at how recent hurricanes, Rita and Ike, devastated Sea Rim and Galveston Island State Parks, and the progress of their recovery. We will reiterate the benefits of healthy marshland to diminish the force of hurricanes. Then visit oyster reef restoration sites in Galveston Bay and see how new technology is being used to map the bottom of Texas bays so that future damage from hurricanes can be more accurately assessed.
Texas Game Wardens don't normally work outside their home state, but the creation of a new canine law enforcement unit has taken five wardens to Utah for some specialized training. In the third of six stories examining the state of the gulf, this episode looks at the challenge of managing fisheries resources for sustainability. We will look at redfish as an example and show how the tools of research, regulation, enforcement and fish stockings have protected and elevated redfish to almost cult status with anglers. We'll look at efforts to monitor and protect sea grass beds from scarring by boat props. Finally we recognize how private groups like the Coastal Conservation Association have supported the management of redfish and changed the way anglers approach their sport. "Buck Fever" is a condition afflicting both deer hunters and wildlife biologists. And after 25 years of studies, we have learned so much more about how habitat and diet contribute to a healthy herd.
Caddo Lake in East Texas is just one example of how invasive plants are taking Texas by land and water. In part four of a six part series on the Gulf of Mexico, take a look at conditions, both natural and man-made, that impact water quality along the Gulf. We will examine the infamous "Dead Zone," off Louisiana, how it occurs and what its effects are. Learn about harmful algal blooms, such as red tide, where and when they occur and what the public needs to know when they happen. We'll also look at how water pollution has led to fish consumption advisories for many coastal waters and the trends in coastal water quality.
We fly over our rivers and lakes, hearing from some of Texas' greatest thinkers about how our stewardship of these resources are so vital to the economic and cultural future of our state (the first in a four-part series). Hear predictions on how the Texas Gulf Coast will be impacted by climate change over the next century. In part five of a six part series on the state of the Gulf, scientists and biologists discuss how the documented rise in sea level is ongoing and what it will mean in the future for coastal communities in Texas. We will also look at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's long documentation of warming water temperature and how some species like flounder have declined, while other species like the gray snapper have increased. We will also look at the spread of black mangroves and the newly detected red mangrove, as another indication of a warming climate.
Many families in cities have lost touch with the great outdoors and all it has to offer, but the Texas Outdoor Family program is getting folks with little camping experience outside for some weekend fun. Hear predictions on how the Texas Gulf Coast will be impacted over the next century. In part five of a six part series on the state of the gulf, scientists and biologists discuss how the documented rise in sea level is ongoing and what it will mean in the future for coastal communities in Texas. We will also look at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's long documentation of warming water temperature and how some species like flounder have declined, while other species like the gray snapper have increased. We will also look at the spread of black mangroves and the newly detected red mangrove, as another indication of a warming climate.
Join a group of students from Corpus Christi as they head up to Big Bend to float the Rio Grande. Houston architect Skip Johnson builds wooden kayaks that would be right at home in an art gallery, but are built for the water. Follow along as Skip designs, builds, and finally paddles his latest creation, the 'Bionic Log'.
In the second in a four part series that highlights the Lone Star State from high above and down below, we fly over the Gulf of Mexico and our coastlines, where you'll get a different view of the wildlife, the habitat, and man's impacts. The paddling trails in swampy Caddo Lake in Northeast Texas is the ideal way to explore this fascinating lake. Put on some old clothes and tag along for a hands-on look at science class Parks and Wildlife-style.
See how biologists use technology to gather information about desert bighorn sheep as they move the through the mountains of west Texas and Mexico, and the endangered Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle as they travel the Gulf of Mexico. Costumed interpreters and volunteers at the Sauer Beckmann Living History Farm show life as it really was, complete with all the sights, sounds, and (for better or worse) smells of a turn-of-the-century Hill Country farmstead.
Purple martins seem to need people, and the birds provide some rewards back to those who watch out for them. The Youth Ambassador Program signs on members of the millennial generation to share their love of nature in ways their peers can relate to, which is often quite different from their parents. Follow along with the Lake Fork professional bass fishing tournament favorite and a young newcomer just trying to make the cut.
In the third in a four part series that highlights the Lone Star State from high above and down below, we fly over our cities and industrial centers, hearing from some of Texas' greatest thinkers about striking a crucial balance about the stewardship between our states' economy and our natural resources. Check out a bottomland hardwood swamp at Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area and the wood ducks that call it home. Visit the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge and see lots and lots of wildlife, including whooping cranes.
Wildlife biologist Ken Rice shares his passion for anything coastal with Joe, a seventh grader who tracks the movement of birds from his inner-city housing project. Take a behind-the-scenes look at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens who keep our water clean and air clear by pursuing those who violate environmental laws.
Tag along with some lucky hunters that get a chance of a lifetime to hunt alligators at J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area. We'll spend a few days with Todd Imboden, super superintendent of Palmetto State Park, as he juggles his time between work and family.
From using state of the art technology to good ole foot power, see what it takes to try and find the Ivory Billed Woodpecker, a bird that hasn't been seen in 60 years. A 50-year old family photo taken at Inks Lake State Park leads to an interesting reunion and a renewed interest in getting outside. A family from Houston who hunt doves has found the perfect solution to finding a place to hunt: the Annual Public Hunting Permit.
We'll follow Texas Game Wardens, from the rutted dirt tracks of the High Plains Canyon Country, to the storm-crossed waters of the Gulf Coast. From fertilization to hatching, to stocking and finally catching, the Striper is getting a helping hand from Texas Parks and Wildlife biologists.
Discover what fisheries biologists at the Heart of the Hills Fisheries Science Center are doing to bring back the official state fish of Texas, the Guadalupe Bass. As more anglers discover the shallow waters of the Texas Gulf Coast, there is growing concern about what this increased traffic is doing to the fragile sea grasses.
We follow along as biologists deal with one of the toughest breeding seasons on record, as they struggle to save the Attwater's prairie-chicken, one of the most endangered birds in all of Texas. A group of scientists are trying to learn about the decline in population of the tarpon.
Travel below the rim of Palo Duro Canyon, immerse yourself in a clear Texas river, and travel deep in the Gulf of Mexico, as we conclude our four part series that highlights the Lone Star State from high above and down below. Meet some prairie patriots who are working to restore coastal prairies back to Texas.
Birding hotspots are not always where you might expect them to be. See the sights, hear the sounds, and smell the smells of a "marginal nature" haven. We visit a couple of Bald Eagle nests, and learn that these birds now have a new challenge on the horizon.
Follow along as Father Tom Pincelli finds beauty and inspiration in some unusual birding spots in the Rio Grande Valley. Return to a simpler time as kids of all ages compete to see who's the best stone-skipper at the World Stone Skipping Championship in Wimberley, Texas. We'll ride along with some of the contestants in the most extreme of canoe races, the 260 mile-long Texas Water Safari.
Ongoing efforts to re-establish pine forests in east Texas that have been damaged by hurricanes; Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame inductee Lonnie Stanley; a retired game warden reviews a film from the 1970s of wardens talking about the job; Stephen F. Austin State Park, a great place to explore between Houston and Austin; spotting a rare flycatcher near Austin; snake feeding time.
American YouthWorks crews help restore Bastrop State Park after severe wildfires; find out about local fishing spots with the Neighborhood Fishing Program; Texas State Photographer Wyman Meinzer's photo essay on West Texas; biking at Pedernales Falls State Park.
Tracking dinosaur tracks; Texas Parks and Wildlife fire team leader Jeff Sparks; biking, hiking and fishing at Cleburne State Park; film history from the 1970s; squirrel hunting, a fading tradition; abstract patterns in water.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department fire team battles blazes at Bastrop and Lake Possum Kingdom State Parks; cooking redfish three ways with chef Jessie Griffiths; replanting pines at Bastrop State Park that were lost to wildfires; a day in the life of Lake Fork fishing guide Brian Duplechain, it's a lot of work; and up close look at some of Texas' wild creatures.
Alligator gar fishing and research; Cherie O'Brien helps restore coastal marshes; studying black bears in the Black Gap region of west Texas; biking at Franklin Mountains State Park.
2021
Put on a mask and snorkel and explore the tiny, underwater world of microfishing. Visit Guadalupe River State Park to camp under the trees, take a bike ride, and find some fun for the whole family. Enjoy a meandering paddle down the Sabine Sandbar Paddling Trail in deep East Texas and find some peace and quiet.
Spend some time on a shrimp boat with a family that has been working Texas waters for decades. Visit Brazos Bend State Park for hiking, biking, and stargazing, and keep an eye out for the alligators. An abandoned house in the woods proves the perfect roost for a colony of Rafinesques's big-eared bats.
Witness the wonders of West Texas' starry skies and meet the educator working to keep them that way. Neighbors team together to manage over 10,000 acres to benefit eastern wild turkey and further their restoration in East Texas. See some of the creepy critters you may find on a walk in the woods.
Meet some of Houston's most dedicated bayou conservationists, striving to keep a city and its water wilderness in better balance. Hit the trail with some furry friends at Franklin Mountains State Park and learn how to keep canine companions safe on the trail. A rainy day doesn't seem to bother the birds of Houston Audubon's Smith Oaks Sanctuary.
Residents of many small Texas towns look forward to deer hunting season, for the time it brings with friends and family, as well as for the economic boost hunting brings to local businesses. See how one community comes alive when hunters arrive. Meet a family looking after their ranch in a way that benefits cattle, wildlife, and future generations.
A rich ranching history is sustained on the San Pedro Ranch, where management decisions are made to make the most of every raindrop. Winter stocking of rainbow trout in the Guadalupe River is a much-anticipated annual event. See how habitat loss has impacted all four quail species in the state and learn what's being done to keep quail healthy.
The San Antonio Zoo raises Texas horned lizards in a bold effort to restore them to the landscape. See how a new partnership with private landowners is helping anglers and paddlers gain better access to Texas rivers. A hiker and woodworker preserves his favorite park places as wooden map mementos.
When an oil spill affects our rivers, creeks, or coastline, meet the team that steps in to investigate the impacts to fish and wildlife. Through his time with a group of Buffalo Soldier re-enactors, a young man learns about these accomplished outdoorsmen of days past. Guzzlers in the desert provide water for thirsty wildlife.
Paddle from San Marcos to the Gulf of Mexico, down 260 miles of river, and experience what is called the World's Toughest Canoe Race. The loggerhead shrike is a different sort of songbird, with some brutal dining habits, but it seems to have found a comfortable home in one suburban park.
See how a family raises cattle and preserves wildlife habitat on one of the last tracts of coastal prairie in Texas. Learn how sinking strange-looking structures and seeding native plants can improve reservoirs for fish and fishing. Carry plenty of water and a first aid kit-mountain biking at Big Bend Ranch State Park is not for the faint of heart.
Meet a mechanic and mountain-biking musician who has been taming trails in San Angelo for decades and who considers the local state park a hidden treasure. See how a couple in their 90s has sustained their West Texas ranch for 60 years. Meet another husband and wife team equally devoted to saving chimney swifts.
Biologists battle an invasive aquatic plant that threatens Caddo lake, enlisting local conservation groups, volunteer troops, and a horde of tiny insects. Learn how one outdoorsman from Houston works to get urban kids outside with fishing. Ranchers honor local and family history at Chimney Creek Ranch.
See some of the challenges of oystering over the decades and some of the hopes for the future of the industry and for the health of Texas bays. Visit a ranch where management of grasslands and wetland habitat have exemplified land stewardship while rolling out the welcome mat for waterfowl. Aquatic conservationist keeps tabs on river ecosystems.
Learn how one man turned a tragedy from his youth into a career of helping others with a career as a Texas Game Warden. See how three sons enlist family and volunteers to carry on their father's legacy of land stewardship. Join biologists keeping tabs on an endangered bird at the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve.
Off-road bicycling meets backpacking, as a group tests their endurance and documents their journey. Meet a woman who hopes to help oyster reefs by designing an oyster-farming program for Texas. An artist captures nature in a lithography, while raising funds for conserving natural places.
An artificial reef in the Gulf of Mexico improves fish habitat and the sportfishing and tourism economy. Meet a woman who views hunting as her refuge from the stresses of daily life. Learn how to surf far from the ocean and slide down the dunes at Monahans Sandhills State Park.
Meet those who carry on an 80-year tradition of bringing the Texas outdoors to newsstands everywhere. Lake Tawakoni State Park offers visitors access to fishing, boating, swimming, and camping--all within a short drive of Dallas. Learn what to keep in your tacklebox for freshwater fishing.
The Grassland Restoration Incentive Program helps landowners improve grassland habitat for better wildlife, water, and soil health. A team helps hunting and fishing license sales fund conservation. Anglers travel from Europe to Texas to catch huge common carp and smallmouth buffalo.
A duck hunter supports waterfowl through prairie wetland habitat, with the help of Ducks Unlimited and other partners. The beauty of a natural place takes on fresh dimension and draws some different crowds when arts activities like sculpture, painting, and photography, are paired with parks. A storm-battered boardwalk comes back.
A first-time hunter pursues quail around the state. Meet the team who wrote the book on Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site. Prehistoric paddlefish return to the waters of Caddo Lake and Big Cypress Bayou, and what they may teach us about the importance of natural water flows is shocking.
Travel with a photographer chasing her dream to the most awe-inspiring places a tiny camper can be towed. Meet a biologist that studies some of the two thousand different types of aquatic invertebrates in our rivers and streams. Tag along for a round of golf at Lockhart State Park.
Travel the trail that settled Texas and see how traffic along the historic route defined the places and cultures we experience today. Meet an administrative octopus that keeps her team moving. Explore some of the questions wind energy production raises for wildlife habitat.
Visit a desert oasis near El Paso that has drawn visitors for thousands of years. Meet a team trapping and tracking turkey. Learn about a snake that should be scary only to rodents, and see how radar technology may help reduce wind turbine threats to coastal bird migration.
A retired policeman finds peace in nature photography, building a second career and a lasting library of beautiful photographs. Cooper Lake State Park in northeastern Texas offers shady campsites and cabins, a large lake, and plenty of fishing. If you want to make a camping reservation by phone, this team answers the call.
Protected alligator snapping turtles are returned to their natural habitats, after the trafficked animals are saved from interstate poachers. Join some modern-day cave explorers as they crawl ad climb through the dark and mysterious world that exists beneath our feet. Visit the abstract landscape of Monahans Sandhills State Park and find beauty in the expanses as well as the details.
See what passes by the trail cameras at Lake Ray Roberts State Park, both day and night. Meet an active retiree who builds legendary trails at Franklin Mountains State Park. An orphaned black bear cub is released at Devils River State Natural Area.
2017
Meet the traveling photographer who lives in a tiny trailer, but whose home is the great outdoors. Discover the joys of crabbing with some kids, and adults, at Sea Rim State Park. Fulton Harbor has some unique sights and sounds at sunrise.
2019
The beauty of a natural place takes on fresh dimension and draws different crowds when arts activities like sculpture, painting and photography are paired with parks. Hurricane Harvey wiped out one of the best birding boardwalks on the coast. But the boardwalk and the birds are back. Landowners and biologists are working to stabilize pronghorn antelope populations on the Marfa Plateau.
2022
Dive into the San Marcos River to learn how spearfishing may be our best defense against an introduced aquarium fish. Visit Lake Somerville, where two parks are joined by a 13-mile wilderness trail, traveled by families, fitness buffs and horseback riders. And see how a man-made wetland near Dallas cleans water while teaching the next generation about nature.
2024
Meet a game warden father and his biology professor son who monitor alligators and their ecosystem at Brazos Bend State Park. Follow a family in the Rio Grande Valley enjoying a day in the field on a dove hunt and back home for dinner. Julie Mattox transforms an overgrazed dairy farm into a tallgrass prairie classroom, inviting both children and wildlife to appreciate this restored landscape.
2025
Sea Center Texas hosts the annual Special Olympics fishing contest, where athletes compete to catch the greatest weight of fish. In Caprock Canyons State Park, archeologists uncover ancient bison bones at a rare site where indigenous peoples once hunted. Support nature where you live by planting a pocket prairie for pollinators.
2020
The swift fox is seldom seen and could be vanishing in Texas. Follow a crew of researchers searching for this fox in the Panhandle Plains. The 2017 sinking of a 371-foot cargo ship called The Kraken created a new underwater oasis for fish and fishermen. Join a group of Harlingen high school students as they discover birding and some amazing birds right in their own backyard.
2023
Landowners restore grasslands for wildlife in the Blackland Prairie region of Texas. Protected alligator snapping turtles are returned to their natural habitats, after the trafficked animals are saved from interstate poachers. Enjoy a meandering paddle down the Sabine Sandbar Paddling Trail in deep East Texas and find some peace and quiet.
Invertebrate biologist Archis Brubh really digs into his job. Ornithologist Cliff Shackelford brings birds and bird calls to the radio. Prep for hunting season with some timely shotgun tips.
From fishing to crabbing to kayaking, Sea Rim State Park has a variety of activities. The folks at Sea Center Texas stock thousands fish in coastal bays. Falls from tree stands are the number one cause of hunting injury. Get a few tips on how to be safe in the stand.
Get a feel for the frontier life at Fort Richardson State Park. Meet the man who built many of the trails at Franklin Mountains State Park. See how government agencies and private industry brought a bay back to life.
Take a leisurely float and discover some history on the Goliad Paddling Trail. See how scientists are using laser technology to preserve Hueco Tanks rock art. In 2007 the Texas Clipper was intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef.
See how the Texas Clipper has become a home for marine life ten years after it was sunk. A devastating accident led Jim Daniels to his job as a game warden. Just minutes from Dallas, Cedar Hill State Park has some great mountain biking trails.
In northeast Texas, interested anglers are sinking structures and seeding plants to improve waters for fish and fishermen. Restoring lost coastal dunes is a big task, but several groups are working together to replenish these important habitats. Improved management of the Harris Ranch has helped return wild turkey to the region.
The Pecos Pupfish is on the edge of extinction, but biologists are working to keep this tiny fish alive in west Texas. Fishing hall of famer Bobby Whiteside has devoted his life to education and research about our aquatic resources. Veterans of D-Day visit the Battleship TEXAS on the 50th anniversary of the historic event.
Discover the Lone Star Hiking Trail with a young college student on her first ever long-distance hike. With selective cedar removal and a passion for native grasses, a family in the Hill Country has revived Three Mile Creek and the land that surrounds it. Alamito Creek stands out as a tiny oasis in the Trans-Pecos region of west Texas.
Cliff Shackelford's lifelong love of birds led him to career in conservation. Cliff is truly Texas's Bird Man. Gulf States Toyota has been honored for their commitment to promoting bass fishing for youth and families. The expansive Powderhorn Ranch is the largest undisturbed tract of land on the Texas coast, and will one day be a state park and wildlife management area.
A large scale research project is looking into how agriculture may affect mule deer movements and survival in the Texas Panhandle. A “crisis first aid” team provides counseling to game warden officers and first responders in need of support. The owners of the Wild Wings Ranch have turned what was once an overgrazed scrub land into a haven for all kinds of wildlife, especially quail.
The Loggerhead Shrike is a songbird with a raptor's habits. Some Shrikes have found a nice nesting place in a busy central Texas park. Butterflies bring beauty and business to Texas each year. Are we being good hosts? Texas Outdoor Family was created to help those with very little experience in nature to find the joys of the outdoors “with no experience necessary.”
See how biologists use satellite transmitters to learn about the lives and habits of Texas wildlife. The pristine coastal prairie landscape is disappearing at a rapid rate in Texas. Meet some of these people who are working to restore coastal prairies back to Texas. Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center is an oasis for both wildlife and people, just minutes from Downtown Houston.
For state park ambassador Clara Cobb, a day in El Paso might include empanadas, bouldering, ancient legends, and a happy-hour hike. See what it takes to be on the frontlines as part of Parks and Wildlife's Wildland Fire Team. Always wanting to teach and share her knowledge, Jackie Robinson a leader in providing expert advice for the promotion and protection of healthy aquatic ecosystems.
Five generations of the Stringo family have been shrimpers on the Texas coast. While most of the family have given up, there is one Stringo still on the water. Known as a nature-lovers paradise, the diverse ecosystems of Brazos Bend State Park attracts equally diverse people from the nearby metropolis of Houston. Watch some Bobwhite Quail cool off and chow down in a Panhandle cotton field.
In one of the driest regions of Texas, ingenious landowners are creating their own wetlands to attract birds and birders. Meet the Michaux family, owners of Salado's Solana Ranch. For over 50 years this family has combined cattle, hunting and conservation on their special place. Join some inquisitive spelunkers as they crawl deep inside the caves at Colorado Bend State Park.
Family, friends, and community join together for a hunt honoring the memory of Jacob Krebs whose dream of becoming a Navy Seal ended tragically. A wildlife refuge along the Texas-Mexico border protects vital dispersal corridors for large mammals and is a major migration corridor for birds. Threatened by habitat loss and the pet trade, the Red-crowned Parrot found a home in south Texas.
Travel across Texas on the Camino Real de los Tejas, and meet a man on a mission to highlight the history, places, and culture of this centuries-old pathway. On an overgrazed piece of land an hour east of Austin, a family's work in restoring native songbird habitat has gone from a hobby to a passion. Join a black light hike at McKinney Falls State Park in Austin.
Greg Grant and his family have been restoring pines on their family land, just so the birds and the bugs can live off the decaying trees. See what's happening with Texas' four species of quail as their habitats have been fragmented and destroyed. Discover paddling in the heart of the Metroplex with a float on the Dallas Trinity Paddling Trail.
Meet a woman who finds refuge from Autism by spending time in the woods. Kim Sorensen works tirelessly to promote outdoor recreation, state park use and environmental literacy to traditionally underserved groups in the Houston area. And she does it all with a really big smile. Meet an astronomer working to protect the dark skies of West Texas by shedding light on light pollution.
Meet some of the students on the national champion University of Texas club climbing team, and see what it takes to excel at this demanding sport. See how recycling Christmas trees for underwater habitat for fish makes for improved angling opportunities. Meet the man who is the driving force behind successful turkey restoration efforts in East Texas.
Goliad State Park & Historic Site is known for its rich cultural history. What is lesser known is the park's vast recreational opportunities. Get a bird's-eye view of some owls that make their home in El Paso's underground. Meet a woman who has created a massive database of marine animals. It's all about genus, species and perseverance.
Meet a couple of guys who live to catch crappie, and want to help you learn all about these fantastic fish. Now that you've got some crappie in the boat, it's time to make 'em into a tasty meal, frying style. The Bald Eagle is no longer on the endangered species list. Visit a couple of eagle nests and see how these magnificent birds are overcoming new challenges.
Successful efforts to restore the Eastern Wild Turkey to Texas have led to more turkeys and increased hunting opportunity. Once home to traveling trains, Old Tunnel State Park is now a seasonal home for millions of bats. See how biologists came up with a plan to return the native Guadalupe Bass to the South Llano River.
Witness the best of the best hunting dogs in action as they compete at the Master National retriever competition. The Swift Fox is seldom seen in Texas. Researches are working to learn if time is running out for this Panhandle Plains animal. South Llano River State Park as the cure for what ails you. Tubing, biking, and birding are a few of the things you can enjoy at this Hill Country haven.
Searching for hidden game, missing people, or playing with a tennis ball, it's all in a day's work for K-9 commissioned Texas Game Wardens. Camera technology has changed the way people take pictures, but one Texas artist likes to capture images the old way. Follow Ian Kasnoff as he documents some Texas state parks with his Trailer Camera. Enjoy sunset at the Rita Blanca National Grasslands.
Caddo Lake State Park is the ideal gateway to exploring the history and mystery of swampy Caddo Lake. The Killam Duval County Ranch is a real working ranch that is making its own way through cattle ranching and hunting leases. Five generations of the Stringo family have shrimped the Texas coast. Times are tough, and while most of the family have given up, there is one Stringo still on the water.
Witness the best of the best hunting dogs in action as they compete at the Master National retriever competition. The sounds of the waives, the peeps of a shorebird and a breeze in your face, birding at the beach is all this and more. Just because it's pretty doesn't mean it's good. Some common landscape plants are escaping our yards and causing problems for native plants and wildlife.
Alligator gar are among the largest freshwater fish in Texas lakes and rivers. New research is revealing more information about the gargantuan gar. Visit the Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch, a place dedicated to studying all things quail. Ethel was the very first bass in the ShareLunker Program. She became a symbol of good management and forward-thinking conservation efforts.
Avian enthusiasts in south Texas are turning their attention to a bird which researchers know little about: the Red-Crowned Parrot. Regional Interpretive Specialists teach park staff about a state park's natural and cultural resources. In 2005, news of an extinct Ivory Billed Woodpecker appearing in Arkansas electrified the birding community and led to years of searching for this lost species.
Introduced diseases could pose a serious threat to native shrimp and an entire industry. See ho scientists and saltwater anglers play a role in keeping Texas shrimp stocks healthy. The Kirchoff family has spent 10 years restoring the native prairie grasses that once dominated their family's 200 acres. Spring colors soften the rugged Chihuahuan desert landscape at Big Bend National Park.
Some invasive ants are driving biologists crazy, but new research into control methods is underway at the lab and in the field. Victor Emanuel has been chasing birds for over 70 years and inspiring thousands of others to do the same. Dating back to 1885, the Head Family has worked to preserve the Pigfoot Ranch's pristine native prairie savannahs and its crystal-clear creeks.
Texas state ornithologist Cliff Shackelford answers all your bird questions on his "Bird Calls" radio show. One of Rick Torres' passions is leading families on night hikes at Ray Roberts Lake State Park. Exploring the depths of Texas' artificial reefs, documenting species of fish and coral, and monitoring the health of our reefs are all in a day's work for members of the TPWD Artificial Reef Program.
Searching for hidden game, weapons, missing people, or playing with a tennis ball, it's all in a day's work for canine commissioned Texas Game Wardens. Chad Norris is working with a lot of different groups and people to save San Solomon Springs. How many different birds can be seen in a day, a morning, or from just one spot? Follow some folks on the Great Texas Birding Classic to find out.
Follow along as biologists struggle to save one of the most endangered birds in all of Texas, the Attwater's prairie chicken. Hurricanes cause terrible damage to coastal habitats. Rebecca Hensley is leading a team to monitor and preserve these valuable lands. The Texas Outdoor Family program helps to get folks with little camping experience outside for some weekend fun.
Archeologists are working with tribal elder at Palo Duro Canyon State Park to unearth century-old artifacts and more accurately interpret area history. Nicolette Ledbury's passion is recruiting and providing opportunities for minorities, veterans, and women at Texas Parks & Wildlife. Check out the Gus Engeling WMA, where the bottomland hardwood swamps make it the place for wintering waterfowl.
For more than 45 years, Alan Haynes of Tyler has demonstrated a commitment to promoting fishing and conservation of our natural resources. The overriding goal at the Lochridge Ranch is to enhance and conserve the native ecosystem. The Lyndon Baines Johnson State Park and Historic Site is all about history, complete with a farm depicting life on the farmstead as it was back in 1918.
Texas Game Wardens help protect our lands, our waters, our fish, our wildlife, our property, our environment, but also our lives. By keeping their Central Texas farm in agriculture for more than a century, the Vacek family honors their heritage. North Deer Island is one of the largest rookery islands on the Texas coast, but it is slowly eroding away, threatening the birds that nest there.
Meet a mechanic and mountain-biking musician who has been taming trails in San Angelo State Park for decades. The bison that roam the prairies of Caprock Canyons State Park have some little friends. Check out the park's prairie dog town and the fury animals that call it home. Take a look at efforts underway to save one of the most threatened coastal birds in Texas, the black skimmer.
Follow conservationist and hunter Terrance Jackson as he travels across East Texas in search of the elusive Eastern Wild Turkey. Located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, the H.E. Butt Foundation Camps host over 20,000 guests a year while maintaining a diverse and healthy habitat. Deepening a community's connection to the Colorado River pays dividends in Bastrop.
A young man's dream to become a Navy Seal and serve his country ends too quickly, but his family keeps his memory alive with a memorial deer hunt. Opening Texas' rivers to public access is one of the roles of the Texas River Access & Conservation Areas Team. Discover Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site with a park regular.
New awareness is being brought to a centuries-old pathway, the Camino Real de los Tejas. Meet a man on a mission to highlight its history as we trace a National Historic Trail through Texas. A new app helps Texas Game Wardens work with oyster harvesters to know where they can, and can't, legally harvest this delicacy. Birds, bats and caves are on display at Kickapoo Cavern State Park.
Grassland birds are declining across North America. Research is underway to find out how to save the disappearing grasslands and the birds that call them home. Visit a park on the edge of East Texas where families find water, woods, and wildlife, along with primitive camping and some new cabins. With the aid of game cameras, see the variety of animals that benefit from man-made water guzzlers.
Elusive and rarely seen, "Lions of West Texas" chronicles the mountain lion research conducted in the Davis Mountains of west Texas. Green sea turtles have been showing up on Texas beaches in larger numbers than ever, and a network of people have been rescuing struck or stranded turtles. A weekend goose hunt for women is a first-time experience for some and a weekend break for others.
Follow a young hiker on her first long-distance hike on the longest trail in Texas. Share in her triumphs, along with fatigue, blisters, and ticks. Feral hogs are a real problem in Texas and getting worse. Justin Foster and his team are on the frontlines working to find a solution. About two hours east of Dallas, you'll find Lake Bob Sandlin State Park, a hidden getaway for folks of all ages.
Ian Kasnoff turned a 16-foot long trailer into a camera and darkroom Follow Ian as he documents some Texas state parks with his mobile trailer camera. Using GIS info and biological data, Karim Aziz designed a mapping system to predict where alligator gar will spawn. Meet a photographer who's at home on the road, chasing her dream to the most awe-inspiring places her teardrop camper can be towed.
Invertebrate biologist Archis Grubh really digs into his job. For Dr. Grubh it's all about the bugs. Lake Colorado City State Park is a cool contrast to the arid environment that surrounds it. The Wexford Ranches have been in the same family for 136 years. Meet the next generation as they prepare to cope with the long-term economic challenges threatening their large family ranch.
A large-scale research project is looking into how agriculture may affect mule deer movements and survival in the Texas Panhandle. From fishing to crabbing to kayaking, Sea Rim State Park has a variety of activities. At Dinosaur Valley State Park, researchers are studying the hidden lives of Texas dinosaurs through the analysis of prehistoric tracks.
See how scientists are using laser technology to preserve Hueco Tanks rock art. The waters of Mineral Wells, west of Fort Worth, have long lured visitors. Relaxation at a lakeside state park is more the draw than the historic spas today, but entertaining exercise is also an option. Meet some landlords looking out for their tenants at a small high-rise condo complex that's completely for the birds.
Since 1971, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has recognized fishing records of all kinds. Meet a man who holds a record number of records. Tucked away in the Texas Hill Country, Longhorn Cavern has been home to an underground restaurant, concert hall, and a fallout shelter. Visit Monahans Sandhills State Park near Midland-Odessa and surf, slide, or tumble down the dunes for some family fun.
Once thought to be on its way to extinction, the Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle is making a comeback thanks to the efforts of a few dedicated biologists and volunteers. Powderhorn Ranch, the largest remaining undisturbed tract of land on the Texas coast has been acquired for conservation of native habitats and wildlife. Texas Parks and Wildlife Executive Producer Bruce Biermann recently retired after 26 years of state service. Here are some highlights of a few of his favorite stories.
Tag along on a family outing and see how springtime is the ideal time to fish for white bass in Texas rivers and streams. Meet a veterinarian in Hereford who takes care of animals when he isn't taking care of his family's land, restoring grasslands and playas for healthy wildlife and water supplies. And take in the grand view from the high West Texas hilltop known today as Big Spring State Park.
See how some South Texans have come up with a tasty way of tackling the feral pig problem. Visit the Quail Ranch, where an energy company is restoring grassland habitat in the Permian Basin, benefitting prairie dogs, burrowing owls, and other wildlife. And take a trip to Kickapoo Cavern, where visitors can get away from it all, watch a bat flight, and maybe even spot an endangered songbird.
Meet a couple who wanted a property where they could ride their bikes, but who have become habitat creators for native bees and butterflies. Travel to a ranch in the southeastern part of the state where cattle-raising and coastal prairie conservation are a family affair. Take a trip to shady Fort Boggy State Park, where primitive camping and fancy cabin glamping are both available to visitors.
Sharks are under threat from a global appetite and unregulated fishing. See how biologists study shark health and behavior in the Gulf of Mexico. Visit a ranch in the Panhandle that preserves delicate grasslands, springs, and a long human history within its scenic hills and canyons. Some visit parks to escape technology, but a few folks like to bring it along and do a little broadcasting.
Learn how plant experts collect seeds to help propagate rare plants and protect our natural heritage. Visit a Hill Country ranch where a subterranean discovery became a nature tourism magnet, and where ranching operations care for resources above and below the ground. Follow a survey of grassland birds near Marfa that is part of an effort to document dwindling habitat from Canada to Mexico
Meet the people saving an eroding island for nesting birds, in honor of a past protector. Texas' tallgrass prairies have mostly disappeared, but the Ebel family is working to restore their piece of prairie to what it once was. Travel to San Angelo State Park where wide-open spaces abound and where visitors can hike, bike, or gallop across more than 50 miles of trails.
Follow along as a young adventurer tackles her first long-distance hike on the longest trail in Texas and feel her triumph as well as her aching feet. Visit the Wagley Ranch in Palo Pinto County where endangered birds in hillside woodlands are right at home with a cattle herd on native grasslands. See how migrating monarchs turn a grove of oak trees into a magical monarch motel.
Learn what it takes to train a top-level hunting dog and watch the action as these top dogs are put to the test. Take a deep dive into Longhorn Cavern and explore a place rich in both interesting history and fascinating geology. See how going fishing in stocked ponds and takes is an affordable way to get the family out of the house and get kids excited about the outdoors.
Threatened by habitat loss and the pet trade, red-crowned parrots have found a home in South Texas. Follow along as researchers try to count flocks of birds and learn more about them. Spend some time on goose Island State Park's quarter-mile-long fishing pier and see what takes the bait. Learn how researchers are teaming up to take a look at mule deer populations in the Texas Panhandle.
Join two friends traversing Texas from east to west on motorcycles and follow their adventure as they journey from the state's lowest elevation to its highest. Visit Fort Parker, on the Navasota River, and enjoy a tranquil setting for camping, hiking, biking, and fishing. Follow a family in the Rio Grande Valley enjoying a day in the field on a dove hunt and back home for dinner.
Follow along as biologists track endangered whopping cranes to learn how to better protect this species. Visit a park southwest of Fort Worth built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and explore the limestone bluffs and wooded hillsides surrounding its quiet lake. Some fragile flying insects bring beauty and business to Texas each year. Meet some folks who look out for our butterflies.
Find out how an annual cleanup of lost and abandoned crab traps in our coastal bays and waterways helps save crabs and other sea life. Meet some birders flocking to Bastrop as the city embraces their birds and nature tourism opportunities. And see what researchers are learning about how bobcats live and move within our urban spaces, with little conflict and almost without notice.
Learn about efforts underway to save one of the most threatened coastal birds in Texas, the black skimmer. Goliad State Park & Historic Site is known for its connection to history. It also has a connection to the San Antonio River as part of the Goliad Paddling Trail. Fisheries biologists like to know what anglers are after, and one way they do that is called a creel survey.
Grab a fishing pole and head to a coastal jetty. You're sure to meet other anglers, and you never know what will be biting. Introduced diseases could pose a threat to native shrimp and an entire industry. See how anglers can help keep Texas shrimp stocks healthy. Meet a man who takes the scale of photography back a century or two, crafting a large camera from a trailer he tows to scenic parks.
From majestic oak to towering cypress, get to know a few of the state park system's most famous trees and see what makes them special. Visit the state park gateway to Caddo Lake and explore its rich history and swampy mystery. See how Palo Duro Canyon's youngest park host found a way to save money on housing while attending college.
Travel the Colorado River with biologists searching for a rare native fish, the blue sucker. From the surf and dunes of the Gulf to the bay side's quiet marsh and native prairie, Galveston Island State Park holds a lot to discover. As green sea turtles show up on Texas beaches in larger numbers than ever, a network of people step in to rescue stuck or stranded turtles.
Dave Roberts didn't know much about Texas, so he decided to weave across it entirely on foot, camping at state parks along the way. Visit a Hill Country park that offers tubing and fishing on the South Llano, and hiking and biking in the hills around it. Grab your board and hang ten in Corpus Christi. We join some surfers to find out why they like to ride the waves in this coastal community.
Join a team of first-time fort builders as they get together to construct a unique, nature-inspired play structure from recycled tires. Meet a game warden father and his biology professor son who monitor alligators and their ecosystem at Brazos Bend State Park. See how Buescher State Park offers a shady escape for hikers, bikers, and others looking for a Central Texas getaway.
The State Parks Board was created in 1923, making 2023 the 100th year of Texas's park system. Learn about the history of our treasured parklands, and some hopes and plans for the next century of state parks. Meet the latest inductee in the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame. And watch the birds and rippling waves from the pier at Lake Casa Blanca International State Park.
From the brush country of South Texas to the mountains of West Texas, meet two women whose outdoor interests are as different as the landscapes. Feel the Gulf breezes and listen to the lapping water at Goose Island State Park north of Corpus Christi. Meet a passionate protector of native fish and the rivers and streams where they live.
School sports teach teamwork, focus, and discipline, and archery in school is no different. Follow a team of student archers from San Antonio on their journey to compete in the state finals tournament. Stretch your idea of park activities with a yoga hike. Meet a biologist taking a leadership role in ensuring fish and oyster populations remain healthy for the future.
How many different birds can be seen in a day, a morning, or from just one spot? Follow some folks who decided to find out. See how a redesigned boat is giving anglers with disabilities easier access to the water and helping a boat captain reclaim his career. Once home to traveling trains, Old Tunnel State Park is now a seasonal home for millions of bats.
Follow volunteers monitoring bird injuries and mortalities in downtown Dallas and learn how keeping our lights out during migration can help our feathered friends. The mineral waters of Mineral Wells have long lured visitors, but lakeside recreation is the draw today. See how exhibit staff work to tell the stories of state parks through signs, maps, and displays.
Meet artists commissioned to capture the natural beauty of state parks for enjoyment on canvas and coffee table everywhere. Spend time with a birder keeping an eagle eye on migrating hawks in the Rio Grande Valley. Jeff Gunnels is a dedicated Texas Parks and Wildlife biologist who supervises five Wildlife Management Areas ensuring many different species and their habitats are preserved for generations to come.
Spend a full 24 hours at Ray Roberts Lake State Park and explore why camping families, biking clubs, horse riders, dog walkers, and anglers choose to spend their leisure time at this multi-faceted park north of Denton. While the large lake and oak-covered hills that make up the park feel far away from urban life, this escape is surprisingly close to the bustling cities of Dallas and Fort Worth.
Black bears, once common across Texas, were extirpated by the 1950s. Today, the species is experiencing a comeback in western regions of the state. Take a deep dive into Longhorn Cavern and explore a place rich in both interesting history and fascinating geology. Efforts are underway to protect, conserve, and restore the Sabal Palm forests of South Texas.
Join two friends traversing Texas on motorcycles and follow their adventure as they explore the state's gravel roads. Travel to San Angelo State Park where wide-open spaces abound and visitors can hike, bike, or gallop across more than 50 miles of trails. Spend time with a birder keeping an eagle eye on migrating hawks in the Rio Grande Valley.
Join some duck hunters at the Justin Hurst Wildlife Management Area and learn how these wetlands are designed for wildlife. From paddling the bays, to sliding through a saltwater marsh, Port O'Connor has one of the best coastal paddling trails in the state. Viewing a solar eclipse is a wonderful experience, especially with friends and family at a beautiful place like Garner State Park.
Birders from all over the world flock to Port Aransas to take part in the annual Texas Whooping Crane Festival. Visit a park on the edge of East Texas where families find water, woods, and wildlife, along with primitive camping and some rather fancy cabins nestled in the trees. Follow the Mother Neff Pecan Tree as it becomes a time capsule to celebrate the Texas State Parks centennial.
From airboats to night vision scopes, Gear Up for Game Wardens provides speciality equipment for Texas Game Wardens. Introduced diseases could pose a threat to native shrimp and an entire industry. See how anglers can help keep Texas shrimp stocks healthy. Off-road bicycling meets backpacking, as a group tests their endurance and documents their journey.
From majestic oak to towering cypress, get to know a few of the state park system's most famous trees and see what makes them special. Check out the Mission Reach Paddling Trail just south of downtown San Antonio. See how a redesigned boat is giving anglers with disabilities easier access to the water and helping a boat captain reclaim his career.
The connection between artistic inspiration and the natural world comes to live in three unique profiles. Find out how an annual cleanup of lost and abandoned crab traps in our coastal bays and waterways helps save crabs and other sea life. And see how a man-made wetland near Dallas cleans water while teaching the next generation about nature.
Learn about efforts underway to save one of the most threatened coastal birds in Texas, the black skimmer. Goliad State Park & Historic Site is known for its connection to history. It also has a connection to the San Antonio River as part of the Goliad Paddling Trail. An East Texas family carries on the tradition of prescribed fire.
Rock climbers gather at Hueco Tanks State Park for some of the best bouldering on the planet. Volunteers learn how to conduct a prescribed fire in West Texas. Some visit parks to escape technology, but a few folks like to bring it along and do a little broadcasting
As Texas grows and prospers, securing our water future remains a critical priority for sustaining the health and resilience of our state. Follow a team of student archers from San Antonio on their journey to compete in the state finals tournament. A passionate educator helps organize Free Fishing Day at Lake Pflugerville.
Discover how plant experts collect seeds to help propagate rare plants and protect our natural heritage. A Texas Game Warden uncovers some fishy contraband during a routine stop. Learn about the history of our treasured parklands, and some hopes and plans for the next century of state parks.
Meet the Working Dogs for Conservation, a canine team that protects Texas lakes from problematic zebra mussels. Visit the High Plains of Texas, where Stan Adcock is working to preserve the Trail of Living Waters. Grab a fishing pole and head to a coastal jetty. You're sure to meet other anglers, and you never know what will be biting.
Join a support group that uses fly fishing as a form of therapy for veterans living with PTSD. A unique recycling program is underway, and it's helping our bays. By returning old oyster shells up and down the coast, many Texas reefs are on the rebound. The Cibolo Creek Ranch is a sanctuary for both wildlife and Texas culture in the Big Bend region.
Meet a couple who got interested in building "pocket prairies" for native bees and butterflies. Meet the people saving an eroding island for nesting birds, in honor of a past protector. Visit the Byler Ranch, where the Texas hill Country meets the Texas Brush Country, and where the owners are focused on wildlife restoration.
Collee students get an education in hunting, fishing, and camping. Join a team of first-time fort builders as they get together to construct a unique, nature-inspired play structure from recycled tires. Follow a survey of grassland birds near Marfa that is part of an effort to document dwindling habitat from Canada to Mexico.
Some invasive ants are driving biologists crazy, but new research into control methods is underway at the lab and in the field. Tag along on a family outing and see how springtime is the ideal season to fish for white bass in Texas rivers and streams. Learn about some of the most important natural spring sites in Texas that have been protected through unique partnerships between industry, landowners, and conservation organizations.
Dive into the San Marcos River to learn how spearfishing may be our best defense against an introduced aquarium fish. Visit the state park gateway to Caddo Lake and explore its rich history and swampy mystery. An artificial reef in the Gulf of Mexico improves fish habitat and the sportfishing and tourism economy.
Texas Parks and Wildlife aquatic biologists track a Texas invader, the Australian redclaw crayfish. Newbie anglers discover the outdoors through a mentored fishing program. Chef Davis Turner of Austin's Huckleberry prepares a special black drum dish on the Texas Coast.
Follow volunteers monitoring bird injuries and moralities in downtown Dallas and learn how keeping our lights out during migration can help our feathered friends. Feel the Gulf breezes and listen to the lapping water at Goose Island State Park north of Corpus Christi. Kim Shelton has spent most of her life living in state parks and now she is helping build one from the ground up.
Spend a weekend at Ray Roberts Lake State Park and explore why camping families, biking clubs, horse riders, dog walkers and anglers choose to spend their leisure time at this multi-faceted park north of Denton. While the large lake and oak-covered hills that make up the park feel far away from urban life, this escape is surprisingly close to the bustling cities of Dallas and Fort Worth.
Join a team of scientists as they study the elusive American alligator in the wetlands along the upper Texas coast. Witness "The Illumination," a special annual event that highlights the architectural mysteries of Mission Espiritu Santo at Goliad State Park & Historic Site. Anglers create new underwater habitat for fish by recycling leftover construction debris.
Volunteers maintain a lush urban greenspace in the middle of downtown Austin. In the driest region of Texas, some ingenious landowners have created their own desert birding oases. Conservation biologist Angela England works to stop a 20-foot-tall grass from taking over Texas creeks and rivers.
At Sea Center Texas, a saltwater hatchery is producing southern flounder fingerlings to boost populations of this popular fish in the Gulf of Mexico. With the aid of game cameras, see the variety of animals that benefit from man-made water guzzlers. As green sea turtles show up on Texas beaches in larger numbers than ever, a network of people step in to rescue stuck or stranded turtles.
The Panhandle's Lake Meredith is known nationwide as one of the South's best walleye fisheries. Candidates try out for a spot on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Dive and Underwater Recovery Team. Wildlife biologists and researchers team up to learn more about javelinas in South Texas.
The Austin Bat Refuge is giving orphaned and injured bats a second chance by rehabilitating them in a safe environment until they're ready to be released back into the wild. Meet Virginia Rose, a birder who started a national movement to introduce people to the joys of birding. Wildlife experts race to restore bighorn sheep to West Texas, capturing them by helicopter and releasing them in the Franklin Mountains.
McKinney Falls State Park is an urban oasis near the state capital. Motorheads from across the nation pull up to one of Potter county's greatest attractions, RUTA806--an annual ATV off-roading event near the Canadian River. An orphaned black bear cub is released at Devils River State Natural Area.
A family explores South Padre Island beaches looking for fun above and below the water. Mission Tejas State Park is a natural escape into deep-rooted Texas history, located at the north end of the Davy Crockett National Forest. Once reviled, bats have enjoyed a remarkable image do-over thanks to Bat Conservation International and The Nature Conservancy.
Residents of many small Texas towns look forward to deer hunting season, for the time it brings with friends and family, as well as for the economic boost hunting brings to local businesses. See how one community comes alive when hunters arrive.
Trail runners explore the wilds of Texas and discover a sense of empowerment, community, and adventure. Ancient rock art and outdoor recreation will draw you to Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site. See how some South Texans have come up with a tasty way of tackling the feral pig problem.
Meet a biologist that studies some of the two thousand different types of aquatic invertebrates in our rivers and streams. Brad and Melissa Ribelin transformed 1,940 acres of grassland into a thriving wildlife habitat through dedicated land management and conservation partnerships. Follow a conservationist and hunter as he hits the woods in search of the Eastern Wild Turkey.
Fireflies still inhabit Texas and there are ways to create habitat for them in your own backyard. RC plane pilots at Lake Whitney State Park share the joy and freedom they find in taking to the skies. In a region that is sparsely populated, Tim and Lou Edwards are welcoming hosts and excellent stewards of land that is home to a wide variety of West Texas wildlife.
Members of the Lone Star Dutch Oven Society whip up some tasty dishes at Cleburne State Park. For 100 years, the 5,600-acre Running V Ranch has been passed down from generation to generation. It's more than just land--it's family. The Texas Youth Hunting Program hosts an archery hunt in the Hill Country.
Follow along as a young adventurer tackles her first long-distance hike on the longest trail in Texas and feel her triumphs as well as her aching feet. Visit a Hill Country state park that offers tubing and fishing on the South Llano, and hiking and biking in the hills around it.
Enjoy the sights and sounds of one of the best birding boardwalks on the coast. A Pineywoods haven invites paddling, hiking, and stargazing under dark Texas skies. Some fragile flying insects bring beauty and business to Texas each year. Meet the folks who look out for our butterflies.
Join a team of researchers as they traverse the Davis Mountains in search of owls. Ride along over natural bridges and through tunnels on the mountain biking trails at Caprock Canyons State Park. See an amazing mix of birds at South Padre Island--a prime destination for birders during the fall migration.
There are over a million acres of public hunting lands in Texas. Take a look at one of the state's newest wildlife management areas, where licensed hunters can access land for a dove hunting experience. From the surf and dunes of the Gulf to the bay side's quiet marsh and native prairie, Galveston Island State Park holds a lot to discover. Chef Davis Turner of Austin's Huckleberry fries up some wild caught Texas Gulf shrimp.
Protected alligator snapping turtles are returned to their natural habitats, after the trafficked animals are saved from interstate poachers. Cooper Lake State Park in northeastern Texas offers shady campsites and cabins, a large lake, and plenty of fun. Fisheries biologist Dan Bennett is working to turn two new Texas reservoirs into trophy bass fishing destinations.
The salty waters of Baffin Bay have long been a fishing hotspot for anglers on the Texas coast, and folks are working hard to keep it that way. With its lush forest floor and swampy marshes, Palmetto State Park is an unusual slice of the tropics in Central Texas. In the high Chihuahuan desert just north of Terlingua, residents are once again learning to live with bears.
Biologists trek into the backcountry searching for bighorn lambs in the Franklin Mountains. A team of young birders, the Happy Hawks, partake in the Great Texas Birding Classic as they search for birds from Houston to Galveston. Coastal state parks need durable structures and design students need projects. See what the Gulf Coast DesignLab at UT Austin is building in parks along the coast.
A North Texas researcher investigates the health of our most productive native pollinators, and how we might simply help them bee. Hidden high in branches above the Colorado River in downtown Austin sit a group of nests belonging to a colony of Great Blue Herons. Join a fishing trip for black drum in the shallow waters of the upper Laguna Madre.
A park interpreter goes out of her way to make sure all Dinosaur Valley State Park visitors can find a way to connect with nature. In a Houston neighborhood, community members are using nature as a solution to combat blazing temperatures and improve physical and mental health. Meet a man in Utopia who helps save souls, when he isn't helping save lasting mementos of hunting and fishing trips.
Government Canyon State Natural Area provides a crucial source of drinking water for San Antonio residents. Experience the slow-moving water and natural beauty of Martin Dies, Jr. State Park. Thanks to good stewardship and a lot of birdhouses, the Red Cockaded Woodpeckers of Scrappin Valley are doing so well that they're being exported to other forests that need them.
Meet a husband-and-wife team that's spent half of their lives working to save the Chimney Swift. Anybody can use the iNaturalist app to identify plants and animals while also contributing to science. Hear from the team leading the charge to create new parks in Texas and get a sneak peek at the newest land to be developed.
Birding is a great outdoor hobby that's easy to get into, especially during the Big Sit, where birders of all skill-levels come together to spot migrating birds. Visit Lake Casa Blanca International State Park, a natural oasis in the city of Laredo. Follow an angler fishing for dinner and sport in Trinity Bay.
Researchers are studying deer and elk movements in the Texas Panhandle to help stop the spread of fatal Chronic Wasting Disease. Since 1971, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has recognized fishing records of all kinds. Meet a man who holds a record number of records. Enjoy paddling, fishing, and the scenic beauty of Oso Bay on one of the newest Texas Paddling Trails.
Travel across Texas on the Camino Real de los Tejas and meet a man on a mission to highlight the history, places, and culture of this centuries-old pathway. Prairie dogs play an important role on the short-grass prairies of Texas. Learn about how these fascinating animals help engineer this important ecosystem. Join some kayakers on the Paddle Point Creek Paddling Trail near Dallas.
A birding team explores the Texas coast in a race to spot the most species during the Great Texas Birding Classic. Accessibility is taking center stage at new camping sites under construction at the Albert & Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area. Enjoy a throwback performance of a Texas Hill Country classic.
Alligators are native wildlife in Texas, and it is not unusual to see one. Find out what to do if you encounter an alligator. Take a short road trip from DFW to the shores of Lake Whitney. You'll find clear water, plenty of campsites, and a great place to relax with the family. Join some young archaeologists as they learn the tools of the trade and discover the importance of cultural preservation.
At Fair Park in Dallas is a museum that celebrates Texas' rich natural heritage through detailed dioramas. Operation Game Thief is a 24/7 hotline that lets concerned citizens report hunting, fishing, and boating violations to their local game wardens. A wildlife biologist shows what's being done to stop the spread of creosote and rebuild pronghorn habitat in West Texas.
Archeologists trek into the desert to uncover and preserve ancient pictographs at Hueco Tanks, revealing stories etched in rock long ago. Explore the diverse outdoor experiences at Cedar Hill State Park, from prairie hikes to mountain biking, accessible trails, camping, and fishing. The Crested Caracara is one of the most intriguing raptors soaring the skies of Texas.
On this special episode of Texas Parks and Wildlife, we take a trip down the Brazos River. Join two friends as they enjoy a fishing trip on the John Graves Scenic Riverway. Along the way, meet the folks working to protect the Brazos headwaters from an invasive plant that sucks up water and threatens endangered fish. Also see how Striped Bass are produced at the Possum Kingdom Fish Hatchery.
Researchers are getting creative in their methods to study and protect one of the most mysterious fish in Texas waters--the American Eel. Three generations of dove hunters get together at Mason Mountain Wildlife Management Area to share good times, make memories and bag some birds. Farm-raised oysters from the Texas Gulf Coast are making a splash in the state's culinary scene.
Meet an Austin man who took up hunting and fishing as an adult and is now passing along these traditions to his sons. Follow a conservationist and hunter as he hits the woods in search of the Eastern Wild Turkey. Every year 98-year-old Mabel Birkner hits the woods and heads for the family's favorite deer blind. This feisty woman of the wilds has a lot of knowledge to pass down to her family.
A couple of accomplished chefs demonstrate some wild game recipes you'll want to try yourself. Restaurant owner and cookbook author Jesse Griffiths gives us his take on feral hog tacos, venison loin on the grill, teal yakitori, and redfish fried three ways. Austin chef Jeff Martinez takes care of cooking dove breasts with a buffalo sriracha sauce and creating a cool red snapper ceviche.
The sounds of the waves, a breeze in your face, and the peeps of a scurrying shorebird. You are birding at the beach and you didn't even know it. In the driest region of Texas, meet some ingenious landowners who created their own desert birding oases. The Rio Grande Valley is a haven for birds and birders alike. For Father Tom Pincelli, this area is an earthly paradise.
From short pedals at local parks to epic journeys through rugged landscapes, mountain biking is a great way to experience the wild side of Texas. Texas State Parks offer the full range of off-road opportunities to riders of all ages. Go biking with us at Franklin Mountains, Brazos Bend, Government Canyon, Pedernales Falls, Ray Roberts Lake, and Tyler. It's Texas on two wheels.
Wade fishing on the Texas coast not only puts you right where the action is, but the experts say you can catch more and bigger fish. Sea Center Texas is the largest redfish hatchery in the world. Now biologists hope to replicate that success with spotted seatrout. Heralded for their awe-inspiring jumps and tenacious power, tarpon are the stuff from which fish tales are spun.
Some owls in El Paso have a fancy new home, complete with a surveillance system, which gives biologists a bird's-eye view of owl life. Pronghorn antelope populations in west Texas have wavered in recent years. Biologists are finding new information and solutions to help the Pronghorns. We follow along with some biologists that are worried about a tiny fish that is on the edge of extinction.
Meet some game wardens of the past as we discover an old film that showcases the agency's history. Kathleen Stuman and Shawn Hervey have both been Texas game wardens for 20 years. See how they are involved in helping folks in their communities. Searching for hidden game, weapons, missing people, or playing with a tennis ball, it's all in a day's work for canine commissioned Texas game wardens.
There are new paddling trails popping up all over Texas. Grab a canoe or kayak and come along as we check out some of the state's best river trips. Discover paddling trails in San Antonio, Dallas, the Hill Country, Caddo Lake, Port O'Connor and Goliad. Texas by water is a relaxing way to go.
Texas state parks are becoming more popular than ever. Here's a sampler of places where you can get away from it all. Start at South Llano River State Park where tubing the river or biking the trails go hand in hand. At Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site, you can relive the early days of frontier Texas. Relax beneath the tall pines at Huntsville State Park and end the day by the campfire.
Texas is home to a lot of unusual and interesting wildlife. At Houston's Cockrell Butterfly Center, watch as crawling caterpillars turn into beautiful butterflies. Discover the real story behind Old RIP, Texas' most famous toad. To find out how green jays are adapting to the changing environment of the Rio Grande Valley, biologists are trapping, tagging, and tracking these colorful birds.
When you think of Texas Parks and Wildlife, you might think of game wardens or park rangers or wildlife biologists. We're all that, but we're also a whole bunch of other people doing a wide range of wildlife related work. Take a look at some of the folks who work at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and see how all these conservation careers are tied together.
Long the domain of the locals, Lake Fork fishes a little bit differently when you're a professional angler trying to make a living. Threatened by loss of habitat and hybridization, the Guadalupe bass was close to being wiped out. Learn how biologists brought this Texas native back. catfish are the largest freshwater sport fish in Texas and are second only to bass in popularity among angles.
Grab your surfboard and hang ten in Corpus Christi. We go surfing at a popular spot that locals call Texas Point Break. Forest fires and floods have ravaged Bastrop State Park in recent years. Now comes rebirth: new trees, new plants, and new life. Learn how playa lakes provide water and wildlife habitat to the Southern Plains.
Meet a man that loves life to the fullest. Cole Johnson may be legally blind, but he doesn't let his disability slow him down. Members of the Lone Star Dutch Oven Society whip up some tasty dishes at Cleburne State Park. Moving your family that numbers in the thousands? Watch a bee specialist relocate a hive of European honey bees, giving them a safe new home where they can keep on buzzing.
Fisheries biologists are tracking largemouth bass to see if increased fishing pressure is changing fish behavior in ways that could make them more difficult for anglers to catch. From lake activities to birding and hiking, Lake Corpus Christi has what you need for a great getaway. For over 40 years biologists and volunteers have been working to save the Kemp's Ridley sea turtles from extinction.
Several species of colonial water birds are on the decline in Texas. In Nueces Bay, biologists are working to save eroding bird nesting islands. Shane Wilson is the founder of the non-profit organization Fishing's Future, which is devoted to strengthening family bonds through fishing. See what the Gulf Coast DesignLab at the University of Texas at Austin is building in parks along the coast.
A deadly fungal disease killing millions of hibernating bats is spreading through North America, including Texas. Go on a Texas Parks and Wildlife "mentored hunt" and see how grownups get a taste of the outdoors from field to table. Louis Stumberg was old-school: a hard worker, a businessman, and according to his sons, a great father. He was also a devoted environmentalist and rancher.
Wildlife biologists in West Texas are returning desert bighorn sheep to their historic habitat after being extirpated in the mid-1900s. Meet the crappie guys. One is a science teacher and part-time crappie fishing guide. Then there's Mr. Crappie, whose life revolves around his favorite fish. Ok, so now you've got some crappie in the boat. It's time to make 'em into a tasty meal, frying style.
A father and daughter take a paddling trip on the Devils River and make a movie about it. Well, she makes the movie and he does the paddling. See what it takes to be on the frontlines as part of Parks and Wildlife's Wildland Fire Team. The range of a unique hopping rodent has dwindled to just a few areas near the Red River. Researchers are hoping to learn more about it before it disappears.
From the brush country of South Texas to the mountains of West Texas, two women have outdoor pursuits as different as the landscapes. Biologists and landowners have been working together to reestablish healthy habitat along the Blanco River after recent floods. Fisheries biologists and volunteers put Christmas trees into Abilene's Stamford Reservoir to enhance angling opportunities on the lake.
After fires swept through Bastrop State Park in 2011, new CCC like crews came in to help restore the park. Tag along with some lucky hunters as they get a chance of a lifetime to hunt alligators at J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area. Austin chef Jeff Martinez cooks up some Texas alligator with a south of the border twist. Discover his alligator ancho chili relleno recipe.
Sheila Hargis says birding and the birding community transformed her life by channeling her enthusiasm for ornithology onto others. Meet some of the students on the University of Texas rock climbing team and see what it takes to excel at this demanding sport. A unique oyster shell recycling program is underway, and it's helping our bays and reefs rebound.
Zach Stephenson's mom didn't know the first thing about hunting, until she enrolled her son in a youth hunt. Zach's hunting experiences would lead to a career as a Texas game warden. A North Texas researcher investigates the health of our most productive native pollinators, and how we might simply help them bee. Atlanta State Park is known for its rolling hills, towering pines, and lakeside life.
Where trains once traveled, hikers and bikers now reign, on a protected pathway connecting Weatherford and Mineral Wells. Follow Noah Rudino, a health and nutrition enthusiast, as he hunts for the first time for his food. Texas rivers and streams are under attack. The invasive giant reed threatens pretty much every river system in the state, but biologists are fighting back.
Remember building a fort as a kid? Join a bunch of first-time fort builders as they get together to build one from recycled materials. Once numbering in the millions, the Southern Plains Bison currently number around 300. They now have a home at Caprock Canyons State Park. Located along the Navasota River, Fort Parker State Park offers a tranquil setting for camping, hiking, biking, and fishing.
Meet some of Houston's most dedicated bayou conservationists, striving to keep a city and its watery wilderness in better balance. A hiker and woodworker preserves his favorite park places as wooden map mementos. Relax to some sights and sounds from Goose Island State Park
Members of the Lone Star Dutch Oven Society whip up some tasty dishes at Cleburne State Park. By creating new wetlands and planting native grasses, Ronald Gard and his family have made Prairie Rose Ranch a haven for wildlife. A first-time hunter pursues quail around the state.
An orphaned black bear cub is released at Devils River State Natural Area. Landowners restore native prairies in Fayette County. Learn how playa lakes provide water and wildlife habitat to the Southern Plains.
The San Antonio Zoo raises Texas horned lizards in a bold effort to restore them to the landscape. The Cibolo Nature Center, once a neglected dump, is now a beautiful park preserving the Cibolo Creek watershed. Cooper Lake State Park in northeastern Texas offers shady campsites and cabins, a large lake, and plenty of fishing.
Meet a mountain-biking musician who has been taming trails in San Angelo for decades. Paul Melton's knowledge of quail habitats and his own land management practices have made him a leader in the quail conservation community. The beauty of a natural place draws some different crowds when arts are paired with parks.
The Nature Conservancy has worked for decades with landowners, Texas Parks and Wildlife and other partners to conserve one of the most pristine streams in Texas. Bat biologists climb deep into culverts to fight the deadly White-nose Syndrome, Master Naturalists save prairie dogs.
Unchecked by dams and protected from groundwater diversion, the ruggedly beautiful Devils River is the wildest, cleanest river in Texas. Holly Grand's coastal fisheries programs teach Texans about the beauty and bounty of the ocean. From lake activities to birding and hiking, Lake Corpus Christi has just what folks need for a great getaway.
Cole Johnson may be legally blind, but he doesn't let his disability slow him down. At the Shield Ranch, an historic ranching family has taken steps to forever protect their wild land. John Kohleffel has made it his mission to support his community in many different ways with a focus on teaching kids about the joys of the great outdoors.
See what passes by the trail cameras at Lake Ray Roberts State Park, both day and night. A conservationist forms vital partnerships to preserve more private Texas land, so migratory birds will have a place to survive and thrive. Visit Guadalupe River State Park to camp under the trees, take a bike ride, and find some fun for the whole family.
See and hear the Attwater's prairie chicken and discover how this beautiful bird's destiny is tied to the health of coastal prairies. A new partnership with private landowners is helping anglers and paddlers gain better access to Texas rivers. Visit a desert oasis near El Paso that has drawn visitors for thousands of years.
Conservationists are rethinking dam operations in the Big Cypress Bayou region to help restore river flows. Experience the rugged beauty of Caprock Canyon State Park in the Panhandle of Texas. Spend some time with the state fish of Texas, the Guadalupe bass.
Sheila Hargis says birding and the birding community transformed her life by channeling her enthusiasm for ornithology onto others. Hunters have provided over 10 million servings of venison to Texans in need. Mission Tejas State Park is a natural escape into deep-rooted Texas history, located at the north end of the Davy Crockett National Forest.
Dragonflies are fascinating insects and scientists have developed unique methods of tracking them. Blindness Outdoor Learning & Development weekend at Palmetto State Park fosters outdoor skills and life confidence for the young participants. The story of the Southern Palins Bison herd in Texas is one of survival and hope for the future.
The Texas Youth Hunting Program hosts an archery hunt in the Hill Country. Where trains once traveled, hikers and bikers now reign, on a protected pathway connecting Weatherford and Mineral Wells. An amazing assortment of wild animals live within the waters of the Texas Gulf Coast.
Copper Breaks State Park offers a variety of wildlife and activities for visitors to explore, most notably stargazing. Biologists are tracking largemouth bass to determine if increased fishing pressure is changing fish behavior. Ride along over natural bridges and through tunnels on the mountain biking trails at Caprock Canyons State Park.
Anybody can use the iNaturalist app to identify plants and animals while also contributing to science. Just an hour west of DFW, Possum Kingdom State Park offers the perfect family weekend. To find out how Green Jays are adapting to the changing environment of the Rio Grande Valley, biologists are trapping, tagging, and tracking these colorful birds.
Follow an angler fishing for dinner and sport in Trinity Bay. The Nature Conservancy has led a 30-year effort to protect tracts of land high in the Davis Mountains. From fleets of trucks to tons of toilet paper, it takes a massive amount of equipment and supplies to keep our state parks running and ready for visitors.
After 30 years of the Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshop, it's time to look back and celebrate this empowering program. The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas is working to restore the imperiled longleaf pine tree using prescribed fire. A family explores South Padre Island beaches looking for fun above and below the water.
A young man's hunting experiences lead to a career as a Texas game warden. For over 40 years, biologists and volunteers have been working to save the Kemp's ridley sea turtles from extinction. Once reviled, bats have enjoyed a remarkable image do-over thanks to Bat Conservation International and The Nature Conservancy
Prehistoric paddlefish return to the waters of Caddo Lake and Big Cypress Bayou, and what they may teach us about the importance of natural water flows is shocking. Follow Noah Rudino, a health and nutrition enthusiast, as he hunts for the first time for his food. Ruthie Russell devotes her life to the conservation of the land she loves
Trail runners explore the wilds of Texas and discover a sense of empowerment, community, and adventure. Texas Game Wardens are helping check for illegally transported game and fish resources at the border. Located right in the heart of downtown Waco, the Bosque Bluffs and Brazos Bridges paddling trails provide a unique view of the outdoors.
Clymer Meadow Preserve contains some of the largest and most diverse remnants of the Blackland Prairie. Follow along with Texas Game Wardens as they help make sure folks stay safe on the water. Franklin Mountains State Park is the largest urban park in the nation, making it an accessible getaway.
San Antonio voters have approved measures to protect the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone, knowing it will provide water for people and wildlife. Join some kayakers on the Paddle Point Creek Paddling Trail near Dallas. Meet artists commissioned to capture the natural beauty of state parks for enjoyment on canvas and coffee tables everywhere.
Could there be a Bigfoot in Texas? Myth or mammal, these tall tales draw many to the mysteries of the outdoors. Ancient rock art and outdoor recreation will draw you to Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site. In the high Chihuahuan desert just north of Terlingua, residents are once again learning to live with bears.
On this special episode, head to the coast to explore the sparking waters of the Laguna Madre. This long, narrow bay system stretches 130 miles between Corpus Christi and the Rio Grande. Follow along as we go wade fishing in the shallows, birding along the bay, and studying the natural wonders of this pristine Texas treasure.
2018
Paddle a kayak within sight of downtown San Antonio on the Mission Reach Paddling Trail. As the Rio Grande Valley becomes more urbanized, habitat for wildlife is dwindling. To find out how Green Jays are adapting to the changing environment, biologists are tagging and tracking these colorful birds. Step back in time and take a bumpy ride in an old stagecoach at Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site.
Hunting is not only a tradition in small towns across Texas, it's also an important part of the local economy. Travel to Goldthwaite, population 1,687, for the opening weekend of deer season to see how this close knit community comes alive when the hunters arrive.
Huntsville State Park opens a door to 2000 acres of outdoor adventure. Camp, mountain bike, or fish the day away on Lake Raven. Bucking the trends of fragmentation and non-native invasive grasses, the Laborcitas Creek Ranch is adding acreage and diligently restoring native habitat to benefit wildlife. Take it slow on the beach at Galveston.
By acquiring land, resting it from grazing, and reducing deer numbers, one family began to restore their Hill Country ranch. Hunting blinds are not designed for people with disabilities. Inks Lake State Park has tackled that problem by building special hunting blinds that are accessible for people with physical limitations. Enjoy a few moments of natural sights and sounds in the East Texas woods.
From the brush country of South Texas to the mountains of West Texas, meet two women whose outdoor interests are as different as the landscapes. The management goal of one West Texas ranch is to maintain native resources and provide ample habitat for wildlife. The Katy Prairie Conservancy has partnered with a dozen schools to create small urban prairies that are helping nature as well as students.
On a ranch in South Texas, biologists are tapping the latest technology, and fitting turkey with tiny backpacks, to learn where the turkey lurk. Calling turkeys is an art. Get some tips on painting just the right sound. Meet the wild Texas turkey as it gobbles, struts and tantalizes turkey fans. Learn where turkeys live in Texas and how to "talk" turkey.
Austin's new central library is a very green building, but the library's greenest feature may be up the rooftop garden. Texas oysters have endured everything from hurricanes to floods to drought. Now work is underway to help strengthen Texas bays and the oyster industry. Nelson Roach embodies the tenets of land stewardship through a holistic approach to managing his Camp County property.
Biologists on the Colorado River are searching for a rare fish. It's called a Blue Sucker, and not much is known about this Texas native. When an aspiring nature photographer joins a group of Buffalo Soldier re-enactors, he discovers history's ultimate outdoorsmen. Meet the courageous visionary and driving force behind the Lake Wichita Revitalization Project.
The range of a unique hopping rodent has dwindled to just a few areas near the Red River. Researchers are racing to learn more about it before it disappears into the night. Meet Shannon Tompkins, outdoor writer, expert angler, and Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame member. Learn what biologists and conservationists are doing to prevent the deadly White Nose Syndrome from affecting Texas bats.
Goliad State Park & Historic Site is known for its connection to history. It also has a connection to the San Antonio River as part of the Goliad Paddling Trail. Protecting Texas' deer population is Ryan Schoeneberg's job and his passion. Through the vanishing art of lithography, a Fort Worth artist captures a conserved habitat and its wildlife in living color.
History is the highlight at Fort Richardson, but even if today's travelers aren't settling the West, many still come to pitch tents and blaze trails. Richard Heilburn reaches a wide and diverse audience as an urban biologist. The hottest sport to hit the south these days isn't on the field, it's in the water. Check out these high school fishing teams and the kids that cast.
Coastal state parks need durable structures and design students need projects. See what the Gulf Coast Design Lab at the UT Austin is building in parks along the coast. Ride along on a trawl of Texas bays to collect data on the marine species that live there. The Alum Creek WMA works to increase the quantity and quality of habitat for the Houston toad in the Lost Pines area of Texas.
A unique recycling program is underway, returning old oyster shells to Texas bays. As part of a decades long program to restore Desert Bighorn Sheep to West Texas, about 30 bighorns have been released at Big Bend Ranch State Park. A North Texas researcher investigates the health of our most productive native pollinators, and how we might simply help the bee.
Sharks are disappearing from the world's oceans at an alarming rate but efforts are underway along the Texas coast to help save these wolves of the ocean. Recognizing that habitat restoration doesn't happen overnight, one Texas family has taken a step-by-step approach to managing their ranch. Palo Duro Canyon's youngest park host has found a way to save money on housing while attending college.
Meet a team of biologists tasked with investigating oil spills or other environmental disasters affecting Texas wildlife. Since 1999 the Lake Fork Sportsman's Association has worked to protect and promote Lake Fork's natural resources. Join some folks who are building rainwater catchment systems that are designed to provide water for bighorn sheep and other thirsty animals in the desert.
The black-capped vireo was once on the verge of extinction. But thanks to better conservation practices, vireo numbers have rebounded. At state parks, iconic brown and yellow signs help give you directions, and for decades they have all been made in the same shop at Bastrop State Park. Helping those with disabilities catch their first fish is all in a day's work for this Texas Game Warden.
Follow Dave Roberts in his unfolding adventure as he explores the Texas state park system one step at a time. The required legal process to protect our natural resources isn't glamorous work, but Robert Macdonald makes it as fun as possible. Efforts are underway to save one of the most important rookery islands on the Texas coast, and help the thousands of birds that nest there.
When a hurricane destroyed their homes and work, they just picked up the pieces and kept on going. Texas Rivers and stream are under attack. The invasive Giant Reed threatens pretty much every river system in the state, but biologists are fighting back. Kids at Texas A&M's SeaCamp solve mysteries using biology, chemistry, and physics, much like the work done by TPWD's forensic group.
Enjoy some nature on the edge of Austin with a homemade frog pond. An ongoing study is shedding light on how bobcats live among us, in the suburbs and edges of our cities, without conflict and almost completely without notice. If you're looking for the best place to camp right on the beach, Mustang Island State Park might by the spot for you.
Meet an Austin man who took up hunting and fishing as an adult and is determined to pass along these traditions to his sons. Take a dog hike at Franklin Mountains State Park and learn how to keep your canine companion comfortable on the trail. Birding hotspots are not always where you might expect them to be. See the sights, hear the sounds, and smell the smells of a "marginal" nature haven.
Armed with a smartphone and a savvy for social media, one Austin urbanite's outdoor experience might be a little different than his grandfather's, but it works. The Texas Water Safari is billed as the World's Toughest Canoe Race. Follow two teams to see if they can compete the 260-mile race from San Marcos to Seadrift. Relax on a rainy day at Caddo Lake.
Biologists are working with landowners along the flood ravaged Blanco River to help re-establish trees and grasses that are more resilient to the effects of flooding. Texas Game Warden helicopter crews helped rescue hundreds of people from the flood waters of Hurricane Harvey. For adults interested in taking up hunting, "mentored hunts" give grownups a taste of the outdoors from field to table.
The Devils River valley is about as wild as you can get in Texas. But there are threats to this natural place, and that's got those passionate admirers worried. Sliding down dunes is just some of the fun in the sun at the unique landscape of Monahans Sandhills State Park. Fisheries science requires a lot of complex knowledge and instruments. Dijar Lutz-Carillo knows how to pull it all together.
Located along the Navasota River, Fort Parker State Park offers a tranquil setting for camping, hiking, biking and fishing. And there is some history there, too. When hunting in a group, each hunter has a safe zone of fire. Find out where that safe zone is, and why it's so important. Watch a bee specialist relocate a hive of honey bees, giving them a safe new home where they can keep on buzzing.
Meet a husband and wife team that's spent half of their lives working to save the Chimney Swift. When paddlefish were stocked in Caddo Lake in 2014, it was truly an experiment. No one could be certain the fish would survive or stay put, but years later it seems they have done both. Learn to prevent the number one cause of hunting injury: falls from tree stands.
Just months after sending the cargo ship Kraken to the floor of the gulf, biologists check out one of the Gulf Coast's largest artificial reefs. There are new paddling trails popping up all over Texas. Grab a canoe and check out some of the state's best river trips. Firearm safety requires you to know where the muzzle is pointed at all times. Follow these basic rules for a safe, fun, hunting trip.
