Passport to Texas

Learning to rock climb.

Rock On: Because You Can Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Brad Bell doesn’t think twice when you ask him why anyone would climb a rock.

Why would someone wanna…Because a it’s there (laugh)…

The Austin resident teaches the sport of rock climbing. He says although you don’t need rock-hard abs to climb — before you attempt this sport — a little weight training may be in order first…

Upper body strength is good and leg strength is even more of a plus. (Nat sound) “There ya go…push your hand and then move your hand up to the next one…there ya go (screams) pull on up…good!

And even though rock climbing offers climbers a feeling or solitude, it’s critical – whether you’re a novice or a seasoned climber — never go alone.

You should always have team partners… because you have to have a partner to help you belay and help you repel down and basically it’s a team effort all the way up.

Four Texas state parks offer rock climbing: Enchanted Rock, north of Fredericksburg, Hueco Tanks, just north of El Paso, Caprock Canyons southeast of Amarillo and Lake Mineral Wells.

Find your next climbing adventure on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Website.

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

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

Enjoying a trail ride in a State Park.

Trail Riding Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This is Passport to Texas

While driving is the way most folks enter a state park… Barbara McKnight says once inside… you can see more of the natural beauty of your surroundings… on hay power.

Something about riding a horse…looking at things is so much better. You’re more likely to see wildlife. We see bobcats and other things that will hear the engine of a car or smell it and they’ll leave.

As a member of the Texas Equestrian Trail Riders Association, she says state parks offer the perfect opportunity for exploring while on a horse. But before you hit the trail, there are a few safety precautions you need to be aware of…

The horse you want for trail riding needs to be completely unflappable, things shouldn’t scare it. It should be brave about walking up a hill, through water and over bridges. And the main thing you need to be sure and understand that horse and know how to control it.

Find a list of state parks with equestrian facilities on the Texas Parks and Wildlife web site.

We record our series in Austin at the Block House. Joel Block engineers our program.

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

Family Hiking Near RV at Daingerfield State Park.

Do Something That Scares You in 2016 Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Hard to believe, but another new year is just days away. Karen Zimmerman, who is a State Park Ambassador, offers a couple of suggestions to help you connect with the outdoors and yourself in 2016.

If you’re not getting outside try to go outside – even if it’s just walking outside. It’s amazing the benefits that that can bring to our mind. If you need to think on a problem, you should just let it marinate in your head while you walk among some trees. But, if you’re already into the outdoors recreation somewhat, and you want to take it a step further, I think the best resolution you can make to yourself is to try something that scares you. Because, there were so many things that I thought I just wasn’t tough enough to do – like repelling. And you might cry a little bit while you do it, but then afterwards you are going to feel so good. And, there is nothing in the world that can boost your confidence for months than undertaking something that scares you like that – and succeeding – because it’s actually not that hard, and you don’t need to be in that great of shape to do most of these outdoor activities.

Explore outdoor activities available in state parks and natural areas when you visit the 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.

Texas Outdoor Family Workshop at Inks Lake State Park

Partner with Texas Outdoor Families Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Being popular is a good problem to have for the Texas Outdoor Families program. It means lots of people want to learn how to engage the outdoors. To accommodate as many families as possible, program director, Robert Owen says Texas Outdoor Families is recruiting and training nonprofit community partners to facilitate the weekend campouts.

13 — We’re setting up these partners to run an event with some ranger guidance in the beginning, and then turning them loose after we feel confident in their abilities to have a safe, low, impact and fun time in a state park.

After a successful 3-year pilot program in Houston, Owen says they’re expanding to Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio.

14—We’re looking to grow by quite a few partners. In order for folks to get on board, would encourage them to give me a call to talk over the program and the opportunities and just hear where this organization is coming from—to see how our goals overlap.

Owens says the program needs at least 10 nonprofit community partners in each region.

24— We hope that organizations see the return in time spent outside. Some recent research has suggested that youth benefit from time spent outside through unstructured play, but also through the opportunity to make their own decisions and find themselves in a challenging environment. And camping does provide that. It’s very much a growth experience.

Find Robert Owen’s contact information and details about the program at texasstateparks.org/tof

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

Robert Owen demonstrates putting up a tent at a Texas Outdoor Family Weekend Workshop.

Texas Outdoor Family Reboot Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This is Passport to Texas

The Texas Outdoor Family program from Texas Parks and Wildlife introduces families to the outdoors. Program coordinator, Robert Owen, says the program is entering a new phase, casting a wider net to encourage overnight park use by diverse audiences.

12 — We noticed that state park visitation did not represent the diversity of Texas, and we wanted to see that change. So, we Started to partner with community organizations that represent under-served audiences.

Using grant money, they created a 3-year pilot program in Houston, and worked with partner non-profit organizations that shared the goals of getting folks outdoors to enjoy healthier, happier lifestyles.

08—Houston is a wonderful melting pot. It represents cultures from all over the world, and a great diversity of Texas.

Owen and staff trained their partners how to facilitate an outdoor family experience.

12— We’re not just going to ask people to get out into the field and lead a workshop for a hundred people with no training. Instead, we like to set folks up for success with our master outdoor leadership training.

Robert Owen says, Texas Outdoor Family is now expanding the program to include DFW, Austin and San Antonio, and is looking for a few good partners.

12— We’re growing in those new markets. So, we are looking for those non-profit organizations that serve an audience that’s 50% free or reduced lunch. Or, a recipient of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Co-op grant program.

Find contact information at texasstateparks.org/tof.

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