Passport to Texas

Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

Spend time with the family outdoors this spring break.

I believe it’s very important for families to spend time outdoors. Especially in the metropolitan areas, (where) people aren’t able to fully experience nature in a natural setting.

Doug Huggins is assistant complex superintendent at Bastrop State Park, and says parks buffer visitors from the hubbub of city life.

It’s a good place to see nature, to look at the flora and fauna, and get out of the city and feel like you’re away from it all… and you can leave all the hustle, bustle and business behind, and slow down for a little while to think about what’s going on right here right now.

Weather during spring break can be cold and wet, but don’t let that keep you from the great outdoors. Think Cabins—like those at Bastrop State park.

They’re nice and cozy. They also have heaters and they have fire rings outside so you can have fires and roast marshmallows and make s’mores. It’s a great place to spend time with the family; and in the late winter, early springtime we still have some people that come out who take advantage of the bluebird days when it’s mild and the sun is out, to look at what winter residents we have at the park.

We have a link to state park information and reservations at passporttotexas.org

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

Spring Break: Family Fun Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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.

Goose Island's Big Tree Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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.

Valentine Weekend with the Family Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

In a society that seems driven by money, technology, and material objects, a Valentine’s Day spent reconnecting with the one you love, in a natural setting, can put everything into perspective.

If a long road trip or camp out at a state park isn’t in the cards this year, consider a cozy confab in your own backyard. Weather permitting, instead of eating dinner inside, spread a big comfortable blanket on the lawn and enjoy dining alfresco. If you are feeling adventurous, pitch a tent under the stars and sleep outdoors—and see what the neighbors say the next morning.

If you’re able to get away, how about packing your bags, throwing away the itinerary, and hitting the road with the one you love for an extended weekend. Don’t hurry and don’t worry where you’re going. Remember—it’s all about the journey. Stop along the side of the road when the spirit moves you, and appreciate the Texas landscape and the wildlife that may cross your path.

If you’re not comfortable going with the flow, and feel a little more structure is in order, consider reserving a campsite at a nearby state park and explore what nature has to offer. As the sun begins to set and stars light the night sky, build a fire and warm yourselves while contemplating how life, and love, really is better outside.

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

Outdoor Couples Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Wildlife Restoration Program

From virtual sinkholes to setting fires with a purpose: The Texas Parks and Wildlife TV series offers a wide range of fascinating fare in February. Writer Producer Ron Kabele:

Don Cash worked on a really cool story. Devil’s Sinkhole is this sinkhole that’s out in Central Texas. The problem is, it’s relatively dangerous. So a bunch of people got together and they decided what they wanted to do is create this 3-D, virtual tour of the sinkhole—and they did it through this really new age-y thing called Lydar.

So, the objective of what we’re doing is we’re shooting a laser model to recreate this space digitally where we can show people what it’s like to be at the bottom of this hole without having drop down 150 foot on a piece of rope (laughs).

And finally, Prescription to Burn is all about prescribed burns.

Most of the ecosystems did evolve with fire. The plants are adapted to fire. In the absence of fire, the ecosystem gets out of balance.

I heard a biologist here say one time, that one of the worst things that ever happened to forests was the program started by Smokey the Bear.

Thanks, Ron.

That’s our show… with support from the Wildlife Restoration Program…providing funding for the Private Lands and Habitat Enhancement Program.

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

To find a PBS station near you that air the Texas Parks and Wildlife Television Series, click here.

TPW TV February Highlights Play Now | Play in Popup | Download