Passport to Texas

Fishing: Gateway to outdoor obsession.

Health: Benefits of Time Spent in Nature Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

With more than a million acres of public parks and wild spaces in Texas, opportunities to get outside abound, and so do the health benefits of being active outdoors.

Adult men and women should carve out at least 30 minutes a day for some kind of physical activity. For children, that time grows to a full hour. Regular body-moving, heart-pumping movement builds muscle and develops balance and flexibility – among other benefits.

From daytime and guided night hikes, to star gazing, bike and equestrian trails, bird watching, to swimming, rock climbing, paddling, and geocaching – state and local parks offer a chance to get outside no matter your interest or ability. Your imagination is really the only
thing standing between you and what you can do outdoors.

Of course, you can always go to the gym to log your 30 minutes of activity a day, but when nature is your fitness center your workouts will all seem like play. Side stepping puddles, leaping up rocks, and traversing up and down hills exercise your balance and stability in
addition to the cardiovascular system…not to mention what being in the wide open spaces breathing fresh air can do for your peace of mind.

The outdoor alternative is also more affordable than the gym, as many state parks offer low-cost admission. So go ahead and get out, because life’s better outside. Find a park or scenic trail near you at texasstateparks.org.

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.

Using GPS technology to enjoy the outdoors.

Technology: Tech and Nature Summit Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

For years, outdoor educators have condemned technology for the growing disconnect between children and nature. But, technology isn’t going away; so, they’re finding ways to embrace the pods the pads and the phones to get kids interested in the outdoors. In recognition of this, the first day of the Children & Nature conference this April is a Technology & Nature Summit.

11— Our kids are becoming more and more tech savvy, and it’s part of their interests. And so, as we try to get more kids outside, we’ve found technology has become a helpful resource.

Ryan Spencer manages the Children and Nature Collaborative in Austin, and says the summit will cover a lot of ground.

20— We’re going to be talking about technology and its role in reconnecting children to the outdoors. We’re going to be talking about action steps that participants at the conference can take to help get more kids outside in their own communities. And, we’re going to come together and take a look at what the role technology has – what role can it play – in reconnecting kids to the outdoors.

The Children in Nature Conference is April 7 through 9 at the Hyatt Lost Pines in Bastrop, Texas. Find additional information at passporttotexas.org.

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

Time outdoors makes families healthier, happier and smarter — because Life’s Better Outside.

Recreation: Healthier, Happier, Smarter Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

There’s big push to get children outdoors. But kids aren’t the only ones who benefit from fresh air and sunshine. Survey says: Adults of all ages—as well as the kiddos—can achieve a better quality of life by committing to spending time in the wide open spaces…as well as the forested spaces…or watery spaces… Education and outreach director, Nancy Herron, shares some thoughts.

40— When you spend time outdoors you can be healthier, happier and smarter.

Those are some big claims there, Nancy. What do we mean by that?

Actually there is a lot of research that’s out there that shows that people of all ages actually do have benefits from being outside in nature, and that does include improvements to your health, your stress level, your sense of self esteem and confidence. Even being more cooperative. Can you believe that? Communities are more cooperative; families bond better in the out of doors. These are interesting things that we now know that we took for granted, and we just didn’t realize. That there’s a whole bevy of benefits from being outdoors.

Get healthier… happier…and smarter in the New Year when you spend time outdoors. Because, Life’s Better Outside…and so are you.

Happy New Year from Texas Parks and Wildlife and all of us at Passport to Texas …I’m Cecilia Nasti.