Passport to Texas

State Parks: Interpretive Programs Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

You’ve heard the expression that every picture tells a story. Well, so does every state park—with the help of interpretive programs. Bryan Frazier explains.

62—I think what people find when they go to any state park is that that particular state park has a unique story to tell. And one of the most popular things at a state park is maybe one of the most undersold—and that is our interpretive programs.

Sometimes these programs are free, and sometimes there’s a modest fee for these interpretive programs. But either way, I just really want to encourage people that when they’re outside and enjoying the state parks and the beauty of nature and getting out for spring—try to find out what interpretive programs are going on.

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.

Gear: Choosing Hiking Boots Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

While it’s tempting to wear flip flops and sandals when visiting state parks and natural areas, if your goal is to hike trails or tread through other wooded or rocky terrains, you’ll need something sturdier and safer on your feet.

Choose the right shoe for the activity. If ambling along a relatively smooth, well maintained trail is your speed, then a light hiking shoe may suffice. They’re a more robust version of a running shoe, with great support and a flexible mid sole for comfort.

Next up is the hiking boot. These can be mid or high cut and take a little time to break in. Both mid cut and high cut boots wrap around the ankle. High cut boots provide greater stability and support. Overall, hiking boots are good to wear on day hikes when carrying light loads. If you commonly carry 40 pounds or more when hiking, a high cut boot will give you the best support.

Backpacking boots are the next boot in the lineup when it comes to support and durability. They generally have a stiff mid sole and may be mid to high cut to help prevent ankle roll when carrying heavier loads.

The sturdiest boot is the mountaineering boot. This is outdoor footwear at its most tough, supportive and durable. They’re heavier boots made to help you carry heavier loads. They’re also able to accommodate crampons should you find yourself scuttling up a glacier.

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

Nature: Why Wildflowers? Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Texas roadsides will be awash in colorful wildflowers soon. Dr. Damon Waitt, senior botanist at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, says these and other native plants have a place in the built landscape as well as nature’s landscape.

61—Natives provide really important ecosystem services for local wildlife, pollinators.

There are a lot of people who might look at wildflowers and native plants and say, gosh, how do those fit into my idea of a formal landscape. That’s something we’re really trying to fight—that concept that if you’re a native plant enthusiast, then your yard must look wild and unkempt. At the wildflower center, we model different design styles using native plants, and you can use native plants in very high designs and very formal designs if that’s the look you’re going for.

Find plants that are right for you at wildflower.org.

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

State Parks: Spring Awakenings Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

It feels good to be outside in a state park again after the miserable heat and drought of this past summer and the chill and wet of winter. But as our state park guide, Bryan Frazier, tells us, we aren’t the only ones stirring this spring.

65—The animals and bugs and things that live in our parks all the time, this is their first time to get out and stretch their legs and see the sunshine and do all that. So we want to encourage people of some basic safety tips when they’re going outside to remember.

So, more than anything, a modest amount of practical sense and just respect for nature will keep everybody safe and [create] a happy, enjoyable outdoor experience for you and for the residence of the four-legged kind that live there all the time.

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.

Outdoor Stories: Snakes Alive! Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

When David Guthrie was a boy growing up in Round Rock, he and his buddies regularly camped out in the woods and fields around his parent’s home.

David told his Texas Outdoor Story of a particularly memorable camp out.

51—In the middle of the night it started to rain. So we packed up our things, and just took off and went back to my parent’s house and then we crashed on the living room floor. And the next morning I remember feeling something on me – it was moving across my leg – and I woke up and I looked down and there’s this enormous bulge around my leg.

It was a three foot one inch long black racer; it was a rather memorable experience. I had a lot of sleepless nights as a kid after that (laughter).

Have your own Texas outdoor adventure to share? Just go to passporttotexas.org and click on the outdoor stories link.

The Wildlife and Sport Fish restoration program supports our series…and is funded by your purchase of hunting and fishing equipment and motor boat fuel. For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.