Passport to Texas

TPW TV: Charlie's Cannon Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

History comes alive every April on the San Jacinto Battlegrounds with the reenactment of the battle of San Jacinto. This month the TPW TV show introduces viewers to a reenactor who brings his own cannon to the event. Producer Bruce Biermann.

67—I never met anyone who owns a cannon until I met Charlie Yates.

He wants to preserve those who came before us—their memory, their efforts. And help us never to forget them, but also to learn from them.

Thanks, Bruce.

Catch Charlie and his cannon on the Texas Parks and Wildlife PBS TV show the week of July 29th.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti

Battleship Texas Turns 100! Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Throughout the year, Battleship Texas is celebrating the 100th year of its launching—which occurred May 18, 1912. Our State Park Guide Bryan Frazier has details.

63—There simply is not a more historic watercraft that we have here in the united states. Everything from the only remaining dreadnaught class battleship to the only surviving battleship to have fought in both WWI and WWII. It was the first US naval craft to get a commercial radar put on its decks. It was the first ship in the navy to get anti aircraft guns mounted on its deck back in 1916. It sits in the Houston Ship Channel in la Porte Texas near the San Jacinto Battleground Complex. People can tour it, there are overnight events, and they’re celebrating the hundredth year of its launch. And its and amazing piece of living history. It’s not only significant to Texas; it’s significant to our country. It’s not only this gigantic boat that sits there moored in the harbor, but it’s a symbol of everywhere we’ve been with our military history, and it just represents the pride and the investment that people have put into that, and what our country and our freedom have stood for on the seas. Battleship Texas is a living legend, and it is 100 years old this year.

Thanks Bryan

That’s our show for today…with funding provided by Chevrolet, supporting outdoor recreation in Texas; because there’s life to be done.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife I’m Cecilia Nasti.

Camping Primer Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

I know it feels like summer just started, but it will be over before you know it. And camping is the perfect way to turn an average summer weekend into a vacation. With parks in every region of Texas, your destination is only a short drive away.

Most state parks have campgrounds, and some of those have water and electric hook-ups. Several parks also accommodate RVs for those who wish to bring a little piece of home with them to the great outdoors. Before you travel, check to see what RV connections are available at your campsite.

For the pampered camper, check out state parks that offer cabins and lodges. Historic landmarks and secluded ranches make for a relaxing getaway.

When tent camping, remember to properly dispose of food waste to discourage unwanted animals visitors; and always pack out what you pack in.

When camping, remember that you are you are not just a visitor, you are part of the natural world, and as such, it is your responsibility to keep it healthy and inviting to others.

If you’ve never been camping before, consider attending a Texas Outdoor Family workshop where TPW staff teaches you and your family the basics in a fun-filled weekend.

Find more outdoor opportunities at the website lifesbetteroutside.org.

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

World Listening Day 2012 Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

It’s easy to forget how the sounds of nature enrich our wellbeing, or how some manmade sounds can have the opposite effect. The World Listening Project recognizes these relationships.

08—The World Listening Project is a not for profit organization whose goal is to help people better understand our relationships with the sounds around us.

Dan Godston lives in Chicago and is involved in the World Listening Project. He says Wednesday, July 18 is World Listening Day, and one way to observe it is by taking a sound walk in a state park.

05—And a sound walk is where you’re focused on what you hear in your sound scape, your sonic environment.

In parks you might hear birds, rustling leaves, water, buzzing insects, the sound of mountain bikes whizzing by, people’s voices, and the crunch of a hiking trail beneath your feet.

Traffic, the clanging and growling of industry and manufacturing, and the thumping bass of car stereos heard from blocks away, are also part of the sonic environment, and often considered sound pollution. Just as bright city lights obscure our view of stars in the night sky, excessive man made sounds muffle our ability to connect with the natural world.

10—As stewards of this planet, we should try to be careful about what’s happening to biodiversity, and certainly, I think, having the range of sounds relates to that.

We have instructions for making a sound map at passporttotexas.org. For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.
___________________________________________________________

HOW TO MAKE A SOUND MAP

Do You Hear What I Hear?
Make a Sound Map!

What You Need:
•Paper
•Clipboard, tablet or something to write on
•Something to write with like a pencil or pen

Directions:
1.Find a comfortable spot to sit outdoors.
2.Mark an “X” in the center of the paper. This shows YOU on the map.
3.Close your eyes and listen for at least one minute. Listen for sounds from animals, birds, people and other activities.
4.Keep listening, but now draw pictures or symbols on the map representing all the sounds you hear, and where they are coming from.
5.At the top of your page, write down the date, time and where you were (school yard, park, etc.)

What Did You Discover?
Did you hear something from each direction around you? Could you hear at least 10 different sounds? Could you identify all the sounds you heard? If you did this with a friend, compare your maps!

Stuff to Think About:
•What would happen if you sat somewhere else?
•What would be different at another time of day? Another season?

TPW TV: Employee Recognition Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Throughout the month of July, Texas Parks and Wildlife’s PBS TV series spotlights agency employees and the interesting and meaningful work they do. Producer Don Cash introduces us to one of them.

61—One of those people is Steve Magnelia.

So, the story on Steve and what he’s done with the trout airs on the Texas Parks and Wildlife TV show. It will be on the week of July 15th. And if by some reason you happen to miss the television show, you can always see the videos on our YouTube channel.

Thanks, Don.

The WSFR program supports our series and is celebrating 75 years of funding diverse conservation projects throughout Texas…For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti