Passport to Texas

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

Autumn is gaining on us…and no self-respecting Texan would ever allow an entire summer to go by without spending time in or on the water. Fortunately, state parks provide many opportunities for both.

Inks Lakes State Park near Burnet offers first-time boaters a chance to take part in their basic canoe skills clinic, which prepares participants for the Devil’s Waterhole Canoe Tour at the same site.

Already a skilled paddler? Then make tracks – or is that waves – to any Texas inland or coastal paddling trail. These trails provide well-mapped accessible day trips in a variety of settings, for all levels of paddling experience.

Anglers will gain a new perspective on their sport by casting a line from a kayak or canoe. It’s simple to do.

And, what’s better than being neck-deep in cool water on a hot summer’s day? No matter where you live in Texas, there’s a state park with a lake, river or creek, or ocean just waiting for you to dive in.

Find links to information about the opportunities I mentioned today when you log onto passporttotexas.org.

That’s our show…with support from the Sport Fish Restoration Program…working to increase fishing and boating opportunities in Texas.

For Texas parks and wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

Getting Splashy at State Parks Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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

You may think a marsh area is the same as any other waterlogged piece of land, but Goose Island State Park interpreter Mike Mullenwig, begs to differ.

In this case, a marsh is a wetland that is distinguished by the vegetation that is growing in it, which would be low grasses and shrubs. If you have a wetland that has tall wooded plants, that would be considered a swamp.

Development is often to blame for loss of marshland, but not at Goose Island. Wind and waves from the gulf have eroded significant portion of the land.

At Goose Island over the past 25 years, almost close to 35 years, we have lost roughly 25 acres of marshland due to erosion. So, the marsh walk that I do talks about what Texas Parks and Wildlife is doing to restore the wetlands here around Goose Island.

Attend a Marsh Walk at Goose Island with interpreter Mullenwig, and learn about this fascinating ecological resource.

The plants that we look at on our marsh walk include the front line grass, and that’s the smooth Court Grass. As far as the animals living out there, probably the most noticeable that you will see are of course the Brown Pelican and Great Blue Herons.

The Marsh Walk is Saturday, August 4th from 10 to 11 AM at Goose Island in Rockport. The program is free with park entrance fee.

That’s our show for today…with research and writing help from Loren Seeger…The Wildlife Restoration Program supports our series…and provides funding for wetland conservation through the Private Lands Enhancement Program.

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

______________________________________________________________

August 4, 2007 — Goose Island SP — Marsh Walk
— Come join our park interpreter as he leads a walk along the shell ridge and high marsh of the western portion of Goose Island. Learn about the flora and fauna that make this area their home and learn what the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is doing to protect and preserve this endangered ecosystem. Bring your binoculars, drinking water, insect repellent, sun screen and some shoes you won’t mind getting muddy. 10-11 a.m. (361) 729-2858.

Marsh Walk Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

Prairie dogs live in connected underground burrows called “towns,” which have been known to cover up to 1,000 acres of land!

These colonies are divided into social groups usually consisting of one male, up to four females, and offspring less than two years of age.

Pat Bales, San Angelo State Park Assistant Superintendent, says the animals are active only in daylight hours.

They’re most active during the cool hours of the day, during that time they’ll engage in the social activities- visiting, grooming, as well as feeding of grasses and herbs. And normally whenever they are out feeding like that, they’ll have a sentry and they’ll have a lookout.

And down in the burrow itself, they’ll have little compartments where they can sleep, where they can feed.

Prairie dogs were indigenous to the San Angelo area, but various factors drastically reduced their population. But thanks to dedicated dog lovers – they’re back.

Actually, we have 2 towns- we’ve established one on the north side and south side of the park.

And you’re invited to take a Prairie Dog Tour at San Angelo SP on Saturday, August 4th. The program is free with park entrance fee. Find details at passporttotexas.org.

That’s our show for today…with research and writing help from Loren Seeger…For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti

_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

August 4, 2007 — San Angelo SP — Prairie Dog Tour — Prairie Dogs once numbered in the tens of millions and ranged throughout the entire plains regions of the central United States. Park interpreter will guide you to a Prairie Dog town, interpret facts and tell the story of these little engineering marvels who had a symbiotic relationship with other animals and helped shape the landscape of the Great Plains. Meet at the South Shore Gatehouse. 10-11:30 a.m. (325) 949-4757.

Prairie Dog Towns Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

Whether you seek the cool comfort of a mountain setting, or the peaceful nature of a prairie, the Texas Parks and Wildlife TV series has what you want in July. Writer/Producer, Alan Fisher, fills us in.

In the later part of July, we’ll pay a visit to the Davis Mountains. Davis Mountains State Park is home to Indian Lodge, which is a fantastic lodge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the thirties.

We have hiking trails all over this park. So, if you want to get out and exercise, this is the place to do it. Mountain biking, equestrian trails, hiking, backpacking, or you just kick back and relax.

We’ll also explore the challenges of finding a balance between conservation and urban expansion on the Katy Prairie which is west of Houston. This area has traditionally been agricultural land and wildlife habitat for waterfowl, but it’s becoming more and more a part of Houston. And, as the city grows, displacing the farms and the wildlife habitat can be a problem.

I’m working on my fifty-ninth crop here. And I’d like to see the geese and what ducks there are and the sandhill cranes and what have you, have a place to stay as long as I’m around here, you know.

The story is a good reminder that anywhere we move as human beings, there’s something else that used to be there, and can also be really important to our lives.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Television series airs on PBS stations. Check your local listings.

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

Texas Parks and Wildlife on PBS and Cable
Times and dates are subject to change, especially during PBS membership drives.

• Amarillo, KACV-TV, Channel 2: October–March, Saturday 6 p.m.
• Austin, KLRU-TV, Channel 18: Monday, 12:30 p.m.; Friday 5:30 a.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. KLRU2, Cable 20: Tuesday, 11 p.m.
• Bryan-College Station, KAMU-TV, Channel 15: Sunday, 5 p.m.; Thursday, 7 p.m.
• Corpus Christi, KEDT-TV, Channel 16: Sunday, 12 p.m.; Friday, 2 p.m.
• Dallas-Fort Worth, KERA-TV, Channel 13: October–March, Saturday, 6 p.m. Also serving Abilene, Denton, Longview, Marshall, San Angelo, Texarkana, Tyler, Wichita Falls and Sherman.
• El Paso, KCOS-TV, Channel 13: Saturday, 3 p.m.
• Harlingen, KMBH-TV, Channel 60: Sunday, 5 p.m. Also serving McAllen, Mission and Brownsville.
• Houston, KUHT-TV, Channel 8: Saturday, 3:30 p.m.; Friday 1:30 p.m. Also serving Beaumont, Port Arthur, Galveston, Texas City and Victoria.
• Killeen, KNCT-TV, Channel 46: Sunday, 5 p.m. Also serving Temple.
• Lubbock, KTXT-TV, Channel 5: Saturday, 10 a.m.
• Odessa-Midland, KPBT-TV, Channel 36: Saturday, 4:30 p.m.
• San Antonio and Laredo, KLRN-TV, Channel 9: Sunday, 1 p.m.
• Waco, KWBU-TV, Channel 34: Saturday, 3 p.m.
• Portales, New Mexico, KENW-TV, Channel 3: Sunday, 2:30 p.m.
• The New York Network, NYN, Thursday 8:30 p.m.; Saturday 2:30 p.m. Serving the Albany area.

CABLE

Texas Parks & Wildlife can also be seen on a variety of government, educational and access cable channels in the following communities: Abilene, Allen, Atlanta, Boerne, Collin County Community College, Coppell, Del Mar College, Denton, Flower Mound, Frisco, Garland, Irving, McKinney, North Richland Hills, Plano, Rogers State University, Texarkana College, The Colony, Tyler, Waco and Wichita Falls. Check your local listings for days and times.

TPWD TV -- Mountains & Prairies Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

Whether you seek the cool comfort of a mountain setting, or the peaceful nature of a prairie, the Texas Parks and Wildlife TV series has what you want in July. Writer/Producer, Alan Fisher, fills us in.

In the later part of July, we’ll pay a visit to the Davis Mountains. Davis Mountains State Park is home to Indian Lodge, which is a fantastic lodge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the thirties.

We have hiking trails all over this park. So, if you want to get out and exercise, this is the place to do it. Mountain biking, equestrian trails, hiking, backpacking, or you just kick back and relax.

We’ll also explore the challenges of finding a balance between conservation and urban expansion on the Katy Prairie which is west of Houston. This area has traditionally been agricultural land and wildlife habitat for waterfowl, but it’s becoming more and more a part of Houston. And, as the city grows, displacing the farms and the wildlife habitat can be a problem.

I’m working on my fifty-ninth crop here. And I’d like to see the geese and what ducks there are and the sandhill cranes and what have you, have a place to stay as long as I’m around here, you know.

The story is a good reminder that anywhere we move as human beings, there’s something else that used to be there, and can also be really important to our lives.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Television series airs on PBS stations. Check your local listings.

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

Texas Parks and Wildlife on PBS and Cable
Times and dates are subject to change, especially during PBS membership drives.

• Amarillo, KACV-TV, Channel 2: October–March, Saturday 6 p.m.
• Austin, KLRU-TV, Channel 18: Monday, 12:30 p.m.; Friday 5:30 a.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. KLRU2, Cable 20: Tuesday, 11 p.m.
• Bryan-College Station, KAMU-TV, Channel 15: Sunday, 5 p.m.; Thursday, 7 p.m.
• Corpus Christi, KEDT-TV, Channel 16: Sunday, 12 p.m.; Friday, 2 p.m.
• Dallas-Fort Worth, KERA-TV, Channel 13: October–March, Saturday, 6 p.m. Also serving Abilene, Denton, Longview, Marshall, San Angelo, Texarkana, Tyler, Wichita Falls and Sherman.
• El Paso, KCOS-TV, Channel 13: Saturday, 3 p.m.
• Harlingen, KMBH-TV, Channel 60: Sunday, 5 p.m. Also serving McAllen, Mission and Brownsville.
• Houston, KUHT-TV, Channel 8: Saturday, 3:30 p.m.; Friday 1:30 p.m. Also serving Beaumont, Port Arthur, Galveston, Texas City and Victoria.
• Killeen, KNCT-TV, Channel 46: Sunday, 5 p.m. Also serving Temple.
• Lubbock, KTXT-TV, Channel 5: Saturday, 10 a.m.
• Odessa-Midland, KPBT-TV, Channel 36: Saturday, 4:30 p.m.
• San Antonio and Laredo, KLRN-TV, Channel 9: Sunday, 1 p.m.
• Waco, KWBU-TV, Channel 34: Saturday, 3 p.m.
• Portales, New Mexico, KENW-TV, Channel 3: Sunday, 2:30 p.m.
• The New York Network, NYN, Thursday 8:30 p.m.; Saturday 2:30 p.m. Serving the Albany area.

CABLE

Texas Parks & Wildlife can also be seen on a variety of government, educational and access cable channels in the following communities: Abilene, Allen, Atlanta, Boerne, Collin County Community College, Coppell, Del Mar College, Denton, Flower Mound, Frisco, Garland, Irving, McKinney, North Richland Hills, Plano, Rogers State University, Texarkana College, The Colony, Tyler, Waco and Wichita Falls. Check your local listings for days and times.

TPWD TV -- Mountains & Prairies Play Now | Play in Popup | Download