Passport to Texas

A family hike at Garner State Park.

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This is Passport to Texas

Enduring traditions and beautiful scenery have drawn generations of Texans to Garner State Park.

A number of times when I was very small we went to Garner. And then, actually not just when I was very small, but I remember going there as a middle schooler and even a high schooler. In fact, I went there the weekend after I graduated from high school with a big bunch of friends. I’ve always loved going to Garner.

Melissa Gaskill is a freelance writer living in Austin; she says the bracing waters of the Frio River keep her coming back.

That is some of the best water in the state, I would say. Swimming in it; tubing on it; just lying next to it staring at it…. It’s a gorgeous river. The setting is beautiful. It has those big, beautiful trees. You’ve got Old Baldy. The sky’s usually blue. It’s really a beautiful, peaceful place to go and have a great time.

When Melissa Gaskill had children, she introduced them to this scenic getaway that also offers tubing, paddling, fishing, hiking, and camping.

My children also love to camp and do all the things outdoors that I love to do. And, they loved it so much they wanted to go back every year. So, it was not a conscious thing, but definitely in my sub-conscious obviously this is a special place, for me. And I wanted it to be a special place for my family—and it happened.

Melissa’s grown children visit Garner State Park on their own now. And she says one day she hopes to carry on the tradition and introduce her future grandchildren to this special place.

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.

Cool clear waters at Garner State Park.

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This is Passport to Texas

The cold, crystal waters of the Frio River that flow through Garner State Park in Uvalde County, have attracted people since prehistoric times.

 That is some of the best water in the state, I would say.

The water attracts them, but the bounty, beauty and relaxed vibe keeps them coming back. Melissa Gaskill is a freelance writer living in Austin; she wrote about this 75-year-old park for the July issue of Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine. Garner has special meaning to many Texans, including Gaskill.

 I love it. I think, to me, it’s just kind of a heritage. A piece of Texas that’s been special to me since I was little. Special to my parents. Now it’s special to my children. And I hope one of these days—not in the too distant future—my grandchildren.

Vintage structures built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps dot the landscape, and in summer the pavilion—with its jukebox filled with diverse musical offerings—swarms with activity.

Yeah. That’s the first place I ever got asked to dance—the Garner Pavilion. I danced with my kids there when they were little. I see other people dancing with their children and grandchildren there. The Pavilion is a very special place.

Read Melissa Gaskill’s story about Garner State Park in the July issue of Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine.

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

Fireworks over San Jacinto Monument

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This is Passport to Texas

The July Fourth weekend is upon us, and with it comes fireworks.

Yet when celebrating our nation’s birthday at Texas state parks: bring the barbeque, watermelon and the outdoor games…but leave the fireworks at home. Sorry folks.

It is a Class C misdemeanor to possess fireworks in State Parks. Now, we’re really not trying to put a damper on your Independence Day fun, it’s just that parks are no place for things that explode. And the only things that should be sparkling at night are the stars above.

Within the state park system we have a variety of wildlife and plant life… and despite the rains we’ve had this spring…devastating wildfires can flare up with a single runaway spark and destroy it all.

Moreover, many visitors choose a state park setting to get away from the hustle and bustle of a city soundscape. And they cannot abide the big booms and rat-a-tat-tat of these holiday explosives. And we want everyone to enjoy themselves in state parks.

And if you enjoy fireworks, some State Parks do facilitate public pyrotechnic displays. And you can find out which ones will be whooping it up this July Fourth weekend when you log onto the Texas parks and Wildlife website.

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.

Biking in Buescher State Park

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This is Passport to Texas

Located adjacent to Bastrop State Park, Buescher State Park in Smithville is home to towering pines, picturesque yaupons, deer, raccoons and even mountain lions.

We work as the Lost Pines Complex. And, we work hand-in-hand with our guests. If they come to Bastrop, they’re more than welcome to come to Buescher with their pass.

Adam Bain is site manager at this Central Texas getaway.

We have a scenic corridor; it’s a 12-mile road. A lot of that was burned with the wildfires in 2011, but people still like to take that road between the parks. They also use that for biking; we get a lot of bicyclists between the parks, and they use that road as a bicycling path.

Although lesser known than Bastrop, Bain says Buescher is a popular destination, offering camping, fishing, hiking and mountain biking—something not available at Bastrop.

It is very much a destination. Our revenue has increased over the past four years significantly. Ten to 15 percent a year; that is a big increase. And where do the people come from who visit Buescher? We do get a lot of people from the Houston and Austin areas. And San Antonio as well—Boy Scout groups come from San Antonio. But mainly Houston and Austin.

Next time you’re traveling on Texas Highway 71 between Houston and Austin, Adam Bain invites you to drop by Buescher State Park. Currently the trails are closed due to the wildfire in October of 2015, with plans to have them open this August.

We’re off the road enough that people may not know we’re there. So, come out to Buescher; take in fishing, get on a kayak or go running and hiking on our trails.

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.

Fishing with Dad on Father’s Day

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This is Passport to Texas

Few people on our gift giving lists are harder to buy for than our fathers. Most men don’t want friends and family to make a big fuss over them on special days – but we’re going to do it anyway, Dad. So get used to it.

On Father’s Day – June 19 — show Dad what he means to you by giving him the gift of the great Texas outdoors.

How do you do that? You could buy him a Texas State Parks Pass (which is really like a gift for the whole family); it allows Dad unlimited access to all state parks for a year, discounts on camping, as well as discounts at state parks stores.

You could take Dad on a picnic at a state park or natural area. We have suggestions for creating a memorable picnicking experience – including recipes to try out — at texasstateparks.org/picnic.

If your dad likes to get out on his own for some quiet time with nature – because let’s face it, you can be a handful – and doesn’t already have a limited use permit from Parks and Wildlife, getting him one gives him access to a million acres of public land in Texas, where he can hike, mountain bike, watch wildlife, fish, and in some cases do a little primitive camping.

Texas is a big state that offers a wide range of recreational opportunities. Doesn’t your dad deserve Texas?

That’s our show… Funding provided in part by Ram Trucks. Guts. Glory. Ram

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti