Passport to Texas

Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

The “Big Tree” at Goose Island State Park is kind of a big deal

This tree is incredibly unique.

Mike Mullenweg is the Park Interpreter.

In 1969, it was measured. It was approximately forty-four feet tall. Had a ninety foot crown spread and really, the impressive stat on the “Big Tree” was the trunk circumference. They measured it at four feet off the ground and the trunk of the “Big Tree” measured at around thirty-five feet in circumference.

The “Big Tree” isn’t the biggest in the nation…

But it is probably one of the oldest. By comparing it to other trees that we know the age of, we have estimated that the “Big Tree” is somewhere over one thousand years old.

In that time, the tree has survived a lot

According to climatologists, the “Big Tree” has survived anywhere between forty and fifty major hurricanes. Hurricane Rita that two years ago tore through the Beaumont Area, the “Big Tree” has seen its fair share of storms that size and survived them all. Not to mention, anything from droughts, floods, wildfires, any probable natural disaster that you can think of in the last thousand years, I’m sure that the “Big Tree” has seen it.

For more information on the “Big Tree,” 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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Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

A great way to show your family you care about them this Valentine’s Day—or any day—is to take everyone on an outdoor adventure to a nearby state park.

Doug Huggins, assistant complex superintendent at Bastrop State Park, located in the Pineywoods Region, says February, with its cool, crisp air, and minimal insect activity, is an ideal time to take the family outdoors. It’s recreational and educational.

Well, I believe nature is an educational tool, especially for your children. In the classroom you can look in a textbook… you might be able to look out the window, but whenever you’re in a park and you have the knowledgeable staff there to assist you in learning more about the natural environment, it adds a little bit of depth to the learning and the education that young folks need to be well-rounded in society.

I think it’s important that our message of conservation and public access and public use of our public lands is embedded in our younger children… they are the future or next generation or group of people that will be benefiting from what parks have to offer.

To find more about Bastrop State Park and other state park activities visit passporttotexas.org.

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

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Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

Unstructured outdoor play used to be the norm—but not anymore. And that’s unfortunate, as time spent outdoors enriches children’s lives.

It broadens their world; reduces the stress tremendously—it’s an amazing thing. Their attention is improved; they’re more creative in school. The kids who get outside and play, and especially play in nature are more resilient; they’re better problem solvers. They cooperate better with other kids.

Nancy Herron coordinates outdoor learning programs for Parks and Wildlife. Many parents feel the world has become a dangerous place, and no longer insist their kids spend time outdoors, because then they’ll be away from mom’s or dad’s watchful eyes. But getting the kiddos outside is something parents should reconsider.

I think it’s going to be a conscious effort for parents to take their kids outside. It might be a trip to the park; it could be looking at how your community is built. Are there safe places to play where you can look out the window and see where they are?

Make getting outside a family activity; it’s is as easy as…

Deciding that an hour a day or a half hour a day we’re just going to take as family time. And why can’t that family time be outside. And just make it a part of your schedule.

We have links to outdoor family activities at passporttotexas.org.

That’s our show for today… remember: life’s better outside… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

Children & Nature, Part 2 of 2 Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

Unstructured outdoor play used to be the norm—but not anymore. And that’s unfortunate, as time spent outdoors enriches children’s lives.

It broadens their world; reduces the stress tremendously—it’s an amazing thing. Their attention is improved; they’re more creative in school. The kids who get outside and play, and especially play in nature are more resilient; they’re better problem solvers. They cooperate better with other kids.

Nancy Herron coordinates outdoor learning programs for Parks and Wildlife. Many parents feel the world has become a dangerous place, and no longer insist their kids spend time outdoors, because then they’ll be away from mom’s or dad’s watchful eyes. But getting the kiddos outside is something parents should reconsider.

I think it’s going to be a conscious effort for parents to take their kids outside. It might be a trip to the park; it could be looking at how your community is built. Are there safe places to play where you can look out the window and see where they are?

Make getting outside a family activity; it’s is as easy as…

Deciding that an hour a day or a half hour a day we’re just going to take as family time. And why can’t that family time be outside. And just make it a part of your schedule.

We have links to outdoor family activities at passporttotexas.org.

That’s our show for today… remember: life’s better outside… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

Children & Nature, Part 2 of 2 Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

Although Valentine’s Day is typically for couples, why not make it a family affair? Grab your sweetheart and the kids and get outside to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.

Fishing is a simple and economical activity everyone can enjoy, and when you take your family to a Texas state park, you’ll fish for free. In addition, many state park lakes are stocked with rainbow trout this winter—an easy-to-catch, and tasty fish.

If you live in the Houston area, head over to Sea Center Texas, in Lake Jackson, where your family can learn about conserving coastal wetlands. The center also provides a “touch tank” so the kids can get up-close and personal with marine critters.

If you live in the Dallas area, check out Cedar Hills State Park for a family retreat. Spend time on Joe Pool Lake relaxing in a boat, or on shore. We have more suggestions for outdoor family fun at passporttotexas.org.

Family is love and sharing your love for the great outdoors can bring you closer together.

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

Share Love of the Outdoors With Family Play Now | Play in Popup | Download