Passport to Texas

Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

Whether you’re a native Texan or got here as soon as you could…the place to be on Saturday and Sunday, March first and second is Washington-on-the-Brazos state historic site–the “Birthplace of Texas,” where we’ll be celebrating 172 years of Texas Independence.

Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site honors the 59 men who met there in March 1836 to declare Texas a free and independent nation.

Throughout the weekend historical re-enactors, skilled artisans and period musicians will transport visitors back to a time when Texas was a struggling young nation.

In addition, a special ceremony will be held Sunday afternoon honoring Texas’ past and present ending with a Texas sized birthday cake. Maybe it won’t really be as big as Texas, but it’ll get pretty darned close.

Because it’s a party, tour fees will be waived on this special weekend so all Texans—as well as those who simply love the Lone Star State–can learn about our common heritage.

So, make plans to be in Washington, Texas, at Washington-on-the-Brazos Saturday and Sunday, March 1 & 2, between 10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days to celebrate Texas Independence …at the “Birthplace of Texas.”

That’s our show for today… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

 

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Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site, about 40 miles west of Del Rio, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the world of our ancient ancestors.

Seminole Canyon, and in fact, in this regions of Texas, here, we have some of the finest archeology in the state.

Jack Johnson is an archaeologist and educator. He’s organizing the first ever Archaeolympics at Seminole Canyon State park and Historic Site, where individuals and teams will test their skills using replicas of ancient weapons.

When you use these weapons, you’re like, ‘you know, I could do this. I could make a living doing this. I could feed myself.’ Or you’re like, ‘Oh my gosh. I would starve.’

To participate in the February 9th event, you’ll need to register—and there’s still time. Find out how at passporttotexas.org. The competition is open to individuals and teams.

The team would be perfect for families or any group that would want to compete in teams of up to five people. We’re going to have a number of targets set up along a nature trail at Seminole Canyon SP. Walk along the trail, and take shots at different targets from different ranges, different angles, and that kind of stuff. And it’s going to be scored.

Spectators are welcome. Visit Seminole Canyon SP & Historic site anytime and get in touch with your inner cave dweller.

That’s our show… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.
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For general information about archaeological sites, click here.

February 9, 2008 — Seminole Canyon SP&HS — Seminole Canyon Archaeolympics — Test your ancient hunting and survival skills at this first-ever event. Individual contestants and teams will compete throwing atlatl darts, rabbit sticks and race to be the fastest to start a friction fire using a hand drill. 1-4 p.m.; e-mail jjohnson at shumla dot org for more information, competition rules and registration or call (432) 292-4848, or (432) 292-4464.

 

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Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

Most Texans live within ninety minutes of a state park… and many state parks offer holiday events to get you in the spirit of the season.

Throughout the month, Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery State Historic Site, in Central Texas, invites visitors to walk a glittery quarter mile long trail of lights that overlooks the quaint town of La Grange. Get a sense of how German settlers in the area celebrated the holiday in the 1850s. Admission is $3 for adults and a dollar for children.

On December 15, celebrate the “nature” of the season at Sheldon Lake State Park in the Gulf Coast region. Kids of all ages get a chance to create wildlife-inspired ornaments to take home, or to use as decorations on trees at the site.

A trip to the Hill country on December 16 is in order for the annual tree lighting ceremony at LBJ State Park and Historic site…an event started 38 years ago by President and Mrs. Johnson…and made more poignant with the passing of Lady Bird Johnson earlier this year. It’s a step back in time, and it’s free.

Finally, on December 21, a visit to Government Canyon State Natural Area will put you in touch with how Native Americans celebrated special occasions. This is part one of a three-part series.

Find complete details about these and other holiday events when you visit our website passporttotexas.org.

That’s our show for today…For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

 

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Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

Looking for something fun to do with your family this holiday season that gets you out of the mall and into the wild? Texas State parks may have the answer.

On December 15th, Martin Dies, Jr. State Park is hosting a Holiday Celebration. At 2 pm, the park will be holding it’s annual Gingerbread House Design and Construction Marathon followed by a holiday sing-a-long with a live band concert.

If you’re in West Texas, the Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center is hosting Christmas on the Border on the 17th. The season will be celebrated in true border fashion with local community performers providing entertainment. Treats will be served and Santa Claus is scheduled to make an appearance.

Fort Richardson State Park and Historic Site and the Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway in North Texas is featuring a visit with Saint Nick on the 22nd. Visitors are invited to go back in time and see what Jolly Old Saint Nick was like in the 1870’s.

Battle Ship Texas State Historic Site, on the Gulf Coast presents Santa Swingin’ 40’s Christmas on the 22nd. Santa is on board for the occasions along with swing dancers, who will perform live.

You can find more information about these and other holiday events happening in state parks this holiday season at passporttotexas.org.

That’s our show…with research and writing help from Kate Lipinski… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

 

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Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

Halloween is a time for ghosts, goblins and goodies…and
State parks across Texas are gearing up for some frightening family fun.

October 20th, the Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historical Site, on the Gulf Coast, is holding a Haunted Hayride from 7 to 9 pm. Games, goodies and a spooky storyteller will be on hand for brave visitors.

In North Texas, Fort Richardson State Park and Historic Site and Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway host a Ghost Walk from 8 to 9 PM on October 27th. But don’t worry; all the ghosts are friendly on this trail.

For those looking for ghost stories, the Mission Tejas State Park, in East Texas, is hosting Fireside Storytelling on October 27th. Ranger John Tatum, a member of the Tejas Storytellers Association will be on hand from 7:30 to 9 pm. Not all the stories will be ghost stories but all will be age appropriate.

If you are looking for something a little batty in South Texas, don’t pass up the World Birding Center’s, 2nd Annual Halloween Fest on October 27th. The fest features programs on bats, kids costume contests, night hikes and more.

For more information on these and other Halloween events across Texas, visit passporttotexas.org.

That’s our show…with research and writing help from Kate Lipinski… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

 

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