Passport to Texas

Girls riding bikes at Resaca de la Palma State Park

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In February 2015 the White House announced a new initiative called Every Kid in a Park.

06— It’s a very exciting initiative. It is something that really ties in with what we’re working so hard with here in Texas.

Jennifer Bristol coordinates the Texas Children and Nature Program at Parks and Wildlife. The new initiative waives national park entrance fees for every child in the fourth grade. Why fourth grade? Jessica says kids are still willing to spend time with mom and dad, and that it’s an impressionable time.

25—It is really the time when children connect probably the most with nature. It’s called the age, or development time, of joy and wonder of discovery. And it’s when kids really make that connection – especially with wildlife. They care about something; they understand that the actions that they take can have an impact either on the environment; it can have an impact on wildlife. And so, they want to care for it, and they start building up those bonds with it.

Texas currently waives state park entrance fees for children 12 and under, and the new White House initiative dovetails nicely with the Texas program.

06— This is just one more way that families can have those barriers reduced to access to the outdoors.

And as we all know: Life’s better outside. Discover ways to engage the outdoors when you visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.

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

Photographing spring wildflowers.

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Introduce youngsters to photography this spring break as a fun and affordable way to get them interested in nature and the outdoors.

08—I believe that all children have a basic connection with the outdoors and I do feel that photography is a good way to develop that bond. It can really enhance that experience altogether.

Texas Parks and Wildlife photographer Chase Fountain says picture taking is a great way for kids to record and enhance their experiences in nature.

15—Let’s say you’re out and about and you’re on a family vacation… that’s a great way for you to be able to record those memories and take them back with you. With today’s technology and digital cameras only starting at $20, it’s affordable for almost any family to buy cameras for the kids and let them experience nature.

The key to getting kids outside is to find something that makes going outdoors sound like even more fun.

09—As far as utilizing photography… you know every kid is different and maybe some kids won’t like photography, but for some that might just be the proper tool to get them outdoors.

Visit passporttotexas.org for more ideas for getting your kids engaged in the outdoors.

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

Spring Break: Camping at a state park with the family.

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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 works with state parks in the Houston area, but when we spoke, he worked at Bastrop State Park. Parks buffer visitors from the hubbub of city life.

16—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.

Spring break can be sunny and warm or cold and wet; whatever the weather you can enjoy the Texas outdoors. If an overnight stay is in your future, and the weather warrants, consider cabins—like those at Bastrop State Park.

20—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 winter time 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.

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

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

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

Independence Hall, Washington-on-the-Brazos

History: Texas Independence Day Celebration Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Celebrate Texas Independence at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site February 28 and March 1.

07—And, there’ll be lots of activities going on in the park. They’ll have special programs and demonstrations down at the Barrington Living History farm…

Houston McGaugh is director of the Star of the Republic Museum for Blinn College.

12— We’ll have some various demonstrations going on in the museum, and just lots of activities in the park. Food. And, it’s a free, two-day event for people to come out and enjoy and learn a little Texas history.

We remember The Alamo, and the Battle of San Jacinto and their roles in gaining independence for Texas, but what about Washington-on-the-Brazos? On March 2, 1836, it’s where delegates signed the declaration of independence from Mexico.

21— And, I think that’s something we always keep coming back to. That, you know, it’s not necessarily battles; it’s the documentation; it’s the representatives of the people that come together and say, you know what, we’re not going to do this anymore. We’re going to be a free and independent country, and have a democracy. And that’s really what we celebrate here, I think. It’s the birthplace of a democracy. The Republic of Texas.

Find details about this year’s Texas Independence Day celebration at Washington-on-the-Brazos on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.

Funding for our series provided in part by Ram Trucks. Guts. Glory. Ram

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

Ray Roberts Lake State Park

TPW TV: Ray Roberts Lake State Park Bike Trails Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Looking for a place for two wheeled fun in North Texas? Then make a beeline to Ray Roberts Lake State Park, 20 minutes NE of Denton.

05— From the beginner to the expert, any type of biking that you’d like to do – Ray Roberts Lake State Park has it.

Learn about all the park’s trails on the PBS Texas Parks and Wildlife TV Show; park superintendent, Gary Waller.

10—We have everything from single track mountain bike trails, to fairly wide concrete trails for walking and mountain biking and hiking; and then we have equestrian trails, too.

A group that regularly takes advantage of the trails at Ray Roberts Lake SP is DORBA: the Dallas Off-road Bicycle Association. Guy Grey is an active member.

08—I had my dog Haddie with me. I’ve come out here and done the whole eight miler with her before. It’s a little bit different. You don’t see too many dogs out on the trail – but it’s fun to do.

DORBA member, Will Bloodworth, says the variability of trails can help mountain bikers improve their skills.

19— Around the lake is more of an intermediate terrain. Johnson Branch has quite a bit of what we call flowy sections – switchback sections, roots and rocks and sand and open field. So, you get a little bit of everything here. I love it. I think it’s very challenging; and if you don’t challenge yourself you’re never going to improve.

Learn more about bike trails at Ray Roberts Lake SP on the PBS Texas Parks and Wildlife TV series. Check your local listings.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti