Passport to Texas

Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site, about 40 miles west of Del Rio, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the world of our ancient ancestors.

Seminole Canyon, and in fact, in this regions of Texas, here, we have some of the finest archeology in the state.

Jack Johnson is an archaeologist and educator. He’s organizing the first ever Archaeolympics at Seminole Canyon State park and Historic Site, where individuals and teams will test their skills using replicas of ancient weapons.

When you use these weapons, you’re like, ‘you know, I could do this. I could make a living doing this. I could feed myself.’ Or you’re like, ‘Oh my gosh. I would starve.’

To participate in the February 9th event, you’ll need to register—and there’s still time. Find out how at passporttotexas.org. The competition is open to individuals and teams.

The team would be perfect for families or any group that would want to compete in teams of up to five people. We’re going to have a number of targets set up along a nature trail at Seminole Canyon SP. Walk along the trail, and take shots at different targets from different ranges, different angles, and that kind of stuff. And it’s going to be scored.

Spectators are welcome. Visit Seminole Canyon SP & Historic site anytime and get in touch with your inner cave dweller.

That’s our show… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.
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For general information about archaeological sites, click here.

February 9, 2008 — Seminole Canyon SP&HS — Seminole Canyon Archaeolympics — Test your ancient hunting and survival skills at this first-ever event. Individual contestants and teams will compete throwing atlatl darts, rabbit sticks and race to be the fastest to start a friction fire using a hand drill. 1-4 p.m.; e-mail jjohnson at shumla dot org for more information, competition rules and registration or call (432) 292-4848, or (432) 292-4464.

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Passport to Texas Outdoor Stories from Texas Parks and Wildlife

Waco resident, Judith Nees, is passionate about Atlanta State Park in east Texas. She calls it a hidden gem, and says it is priceless.

Atlanta State Park has so much to offer. What I liked the most was the tent camping areas were spacious enough from each other that you would never know that you even had a neighbor for the way they’re designed.

The park has both fire rings as well as griddles to grill on. They offer electricity and water. We noticed the restrooms are very, very nice. They each have showers in them—very clean. And it’s just a nice park settled in East Texas.

With hiking and interpretive nature trails—in addition to fishing and swimming—Judith says everyone can find something to love about Atlanta SP.

Do you have a favorite state park you want to tell us about, or outdoor experience you want to share? Go to passporttotexas.org, and click on the tab for Outdoor Stories.

That’s our show…Remember: Life’s Better Outside…For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

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Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

You know, I think my dogs like me more now since I took them on all those hikes.

Melissa Gaskill hiked over three hundred miles with her dogs while conducting research for her book, Best Hikes with Dogs Texas Hill Country and Gulf Coast.

I really love the Lake Georgetown Trail. I also love the Hill Country State Natural Area. That one was really great. And then, some of the East Texas trails in the Big Thicket, in the National Forests. You get into deep thick woods and you find all kids of swampy areas.

Some of her favorite hikes were in Texas State Parks.

In my experience, all the hikes that I made in state parks – it was really easy to stay on the trail. You know there’s lots of nice amenities, the staff is always really helpful. They’re always really excited you’re there and willing to share what they know. And there’s so much variety. I hiked in Galveston Island State Park, which is basically just walking through a coastal marsh – tons of wildflowers and you see waterfowl. Nice vistas, they had a viewing tower that you could climb up. And then, you know, you hike in Enchanted rock and you’re climbing a giant rock.

Gaskill says Texas has a lot of variety to offer hikers and their furry friends.

Among these trails, there’s just about anything you could want from flat coasts to mountains and everything in between.

Find more about hiking with your dog at passporttotexas.org.

That’s our show…with research and writing help from Kate Lipinski… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.
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Best Hikes with Dogs:
http://www.trails.com/catalog_product.asp?productfamilyid=10853

Hike With your Dog Website: http://www.hikewithyourdog.com/

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Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

For everyone out there who has ever had trouble finding a hiking companion, Melissa Gaskill suggests you may want to consider recruiting your dog.

It’s just great for the dog. I mean so many people have dogs and the dogs don’t get enough stimulation and exercise and interaction; and rather than having to do something like take them to a dog park where you’re just doing something for the dog – this is something for both of you.

Gaskill is the author of Best Hikes with Dogs Texas Hill Country and Gulf Coast. She says it’s easy to start hiking with man’s best friend.

You don’t need any special skills really. If you haven’t done it, don’t start with a twenty-five mile overnight. But for the most part, if you can carry a backpack with some water in it and you’ve got some shoes on – you can go.

Before heading out, to a state park, Gaskill recommends doing some research to make sure that dogs are allowed and that the trail is right for you.

Every park has some management. Whoever is in charge of it, whoever owns it, and they’ll have their own rules. You just have to ask. One thing that I would recommend is talking to the people at the park when you go for a variety of reasons. Ask them about the conditions of the trail. You might ask them what sorts of hazards there are. You can ask them about the weather. You know, people at the parks are really knowledgeable, they’re there and in general, they love to talk to you.

Dogs are welcome in state parks across Texas but leashes are required.

Melissa’s favorite trails tomorrow.

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

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Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

Most Texans live within ninety minutes of a state park… and many state parks offer holiday events to get you in the spirit of the season.

Throughout the month, Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery State Historic Site, in Central Texas, invites visitors to walk a glittery quarter mile long trail of lights that overlooks the quaint town of La Grange. Get a sense of how German settlers in the area celebrated the holiday in the 1850s. Admission is $3 for adults and a dollar for children.

On December 15, celebrate the “nature” of the season at Sheldon Lake State Park in the Gulf Coast region. Kids of all ages get a chance to create wildlife-inspired ornaments to take home, or to use as decorations on trees at the site.

A trip to the Hill country on December 16 is in order for the annual tree lighting ceremony at LBJ State Park and Historic site…an event started 38 years ago by President and Mrs. Johnson…and made more poignant with the passing of Lady Bird Johnson earlier this year. It’s a step back in time, and it’s free.

Finally, on December 21, a visit to Government Canyon State Natural Area will put you in touch with how Native Americans celebrated special occasions. This is part one of a three-part series.

Find complete details about these and other holiday events when you visit our website passporttotexas.org.

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

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