Passport to Texas

Robert Owen demonstrates putting up a tent at a Texas Outdoor Family Weekend Workshop.

Texas Outdoor Family Reboot Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This is Passport to Texas

The Texas Outdoor Family program from Texas Parks and Wildlife introduces families to the outdoors. Program coordinator, Robert Owen, says the program is entering a new phase, casting a wider net to encourage overnight park use by diverse audiences.

12 — We noticed that state park visitation did not represent the diversity of Texas, and we wanted to see that change. So, we Started to partner with community organizations that represent under-served audiences.

Using grant money, they created a 3-year pilot program in Houston, and worked with partner non-profit organizations that shared the goals of getting folks outdoors to enjoy healthier, happier lifestyles.

08—Houston is a wonderful melting pot. It represents cultures from all over the world, and a great diversity of Texas.

Owen and staff trained their partners how to facilitate an outdoor family experience.

12— We’re not just going to ask people to get out into the field and lead a workshop for a hundred people with no training. Instead, we like to set folks up for success with our master outdoor leadership training.

Robert Owen says, Texas Outdoor Family is now expanding the program to include DFW, Austin and San Antonio, and is looking for a few good partners.

12— We’re growing in those new markets. So, we are looking for those non-profit organizations that serve an audience that’s 50% free or reduced lunch. Or, a recipient of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Co-op grant program.

Find contact information at texasstateparks.org/tof.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

Victor Emanuel with former TPWD Executive Director Andy Sansom — Photo: BrendaLaddPhoto.com

A Birders Birder: Victor Emmanuel Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Legendary birder, Victor Emmanuel, founded the Freeport Christmas Bird Count more than 50 years ago. Since 1976, Emanuel has operated a nature tourism company that takes people to birding hotspots around the globe.

And it all started with a desire to make his passion his work.

51—I’ve been interested in birds and nature ever since I was a little boy. And I always wanted to know how I could find some way to make a living doing it. And I met a man named Peter Alton who was doing it for the Massachusetts Audubon Society, and thought, well maybe I can do that. And then I had a gentleman call me and ask me to take he and his sister out birding when I lived in Houston. So, I thought there was some market for that in society. And then the National Audubon Society had their convention in New Orleans in 1975. And they asked me to plan some trips for them to Mexico. And, I had met George Plimpton through a bird count that I do down in Freeport; he introduced me to Peter Matheson. Peter Matheson went on one of my first tours as a celebrity leader. I got to know Roger Tory Peterson, who was kind of the person who developed bird watching as a hobby in the united states by his field guides. And he helped me. So, I had a lot of lucky breaks, and a lot of people joining me—friends of mine—who helped me get started.

Learn more about birding in Texas when you go to the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

Texas State Parks Christmas Ornaments for 2015

State Parks 2015 Christmas Ornaments Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Tradition is what the holidays are about. And it’s a tradition for Texas Parks and Wildlife to commemorate state parks this time of year with ornaments.

12—That’s right. We’re on our 14th annual edition of our state park Christmas ornaments. This year we feature three different parks: Brazos Bend State Park, Mustang Island State Park, and Blanco State Park.

Thomas Wilhelm, spokesman for Texas state parks, says these rustic wooden, laser engraved ornaments tell each park’s story. The Blanco State Park ornament has special meaning this year as it recovers from spring flooding.

15—Blanco is having their own recovery story. The park is back open, but we did want to nod to the fact that they’ve had a tough year, but we wanted to commemorate that park and show off a little bit of their history and how they continue to thrive after the events of this spring.

The 2015 ornaments are available individually or as a set.

12—You can purchase the individual ornaments for $8.95, or you can purchase the set for $19.95. Call our customer service center 512.389.8900, and they can take your order over the phone.

The money raised helps support your state parks.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

Happy Holidays from Passport to Texas and Texas State Parks!

Christmas in Texas State Parks Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This is Passport to Texas

It’s not like we have to stay indoors huddled around a fireplace to stay warm during the holidays. It’s Texas, after all. But you can warm your spirit outdoors with a trip to a state park this holiday season.

04— We have over 47 parks participating this year, with over 65 events. So, lots of opportunities happening across the state.

Thomas Wilhelm, with state parks, shares a few places where we can find seasonal fun across the state.

48—At Franklin Mountains State Park they’re having an event called Howliday Hounds Hike, dressing up animals is Santa hats and going for hikes. LBJ State Park and Historic site here in Central Texas is having its 46th Annual Christmas Tree lighting. That’s been going on for a long time and it’s a lot of fun. Stephen F. Austin State Park, out towards Houston, is having its family Breakfast with Santa. And Lake Mineral Wells State Park up towards the Dallas area is having a [Cross-Timbers] Cowboy Christmas. With Cowboy poets and storytellers coming in to sit around the campfire and tell stories. There are events happening at several of our Valley area parks. Estero Llano Grande is having—one of the birding centers—is having a Santa Bird Hike. And, Resaca de la Palma, also in the valley, is having a Jolly Night Hike. And they’ll also have crafts and live performances by local talent.

Find a complete list of holiday events in state parks at www.texasstateparks.org/holidays.

That’s our show for today… Funding provided in part by Ram Trucks. Guts. Glory. Ram

For Texas Parks and Wildlife, I’m Cecilia Nasti.

Land Stewardship at Lavaca Rio Ranch Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

A group of coastal landowners in Jackson County turned their 5,000-acre ranch into what Texas Parks and Wildlife biologist Doug Jobes calls “the pinnacle of what natural resource management should be.”

04—The practices that are taking place on that ranch, I’d put ‘em up against any ranch in the state.

Lavaca Rio Ranch is a 2015 Lone Star Land Steward Regional Award winner for their land management, which Brent Friedrichs oversees.

11—What’s cool about this ranch is you’ve got these big, deep sand hills, and the vegetation is awesome. We’ve got little bluestem, switch grass, gulf coast muhly—which is all good nesting sites for quail.

About 300 acres at Lavaca Rio Ranch is coastal prairie, and support rare plant communities, says Texas Parks and Wildlife botanist Jason Singhurst.

13—They’re high-quality prairies. They have a lot of plant diversity in them. And they have some plants that are very special within the state. Now we’re down to about 150 thousand acres of coastal prairie, and the fact that this ranch has about 300 plus acres of intact prairie is unique.

Know a landowner who’s doing great work preserving their property? Nominate them for a Lone Star Land Steward Award. YOu can find information on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.

The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program supports our series.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.