Passport to Texas

Time outdoors makes families healthier, happier and smarter — because Life’s Better Outside.

Recreation: Healthier, Happier, Smarter Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

There’s big push to get children outdoors. But kids aren’t the only ones who benefit from fresh air and sunshine. Survey says: Adults of all ages—as well as the kiddos—can achieve a better quality of life by committing to spending time in the wide open spaces…as well as the forested spaces…or watery spaces… Education and outreach director, Nancy Herron, shares some thoughts.

40— When you spend time outdoors you can be healthier, happier and smarter.

Those are some big claims there, Nancy. What do we mean by that?

Actually there is a lot of research that’s out there that shows that people of all ages actually do have benefits from being outside in nature, and that does include improvements to your health, your stress level, your sense of self esteem and confidence. Even being more cooperative. Can you believe that? Communities are more cooperative; families bond better in the out of doors. These are interesting things that we now know that we took for granted, and we just didn’t realize. That there’s a whole bevy of benefits from being outdoors.

Get healthier… happier…and smarter in the New Year when you spend time outdoors. Because, Life’s Better Outside…and so are you.

Happy New Year from Texas Parks and Wildlife and all of us at Passport to Texas …I’m Cecilia Nasti.

Lost Maples State Natural Area, Photo by Amanda Key

Using Survey to Guide Parks and Communities Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

A survey of Texas’ 95 state parks, historic sites and natural areas by Texas A & M University indicates park visitation brings hundreds of millions of dollars into the state’s economy annually.

08—We collected that data at 29 actual park locations, which we then extrapolated to the rest of the parks in the system.

Kevin Good, with state parks, says the survey looked at where survey respondents were from, how long they were visiting the park, and where they spent their money, among other things.

12—Because the economic impact of a visit to a restaurant, perhaps, might be different than spending dollars at a gas station. So, we wanted to see where their money was being left behind in the community.

The agency will use the data for the betterment of parks, their visitors and the communities they serve.

35—Local park management will be able to use it to educate their community on the value of that site, and how the state’s investment in that park actually pays multiple returns to the local community [including job creation]. It will also be used internally to help us evaluate where some parks may need some additional marketing input, or looking at how parks relate with their local community, and to some extent, where perhaps we may need to invest in additional facilities.

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

Palmetto State Park

Parks: Survey Sez Parks are Valuable to Texas Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

A recently completed survey of state parks reveals they provide meaningful economic value to Texas and Texans.

24—State parks are a good economic value for Texas. Overall, the state park system had an estimated increase of 774 million in sales to the state economy. That represents value added of 351 million dollars. Overall, that resulted in an additional 202 million dollars into the pockets of Texans.

Texas has 95 parks, historic sites and natural areas, with 91 of those open to the public. Kevin Good, with state parks, says the survey, headed by Dr. John Crompton of Texas A & M University, reveals state parks created 58-hundred jobs statewide.

15—Caprock Canyons, for instance, was estimated to create 14 jobs; now 14 jobs does not sound like a whole lot until you think of the context of Quitaque, Texas, which is a small community in the Panhandle. And that type of impact is certainly noticeable in a small town.

Nearly 4 percent of the Quitaque population earns a living working at Caprock Canyons. Good says parks conserve habitat and history, provide recreational opportunities, and bring money into communities. And the best way to support them?

03—The best way for people to support state parks is to go out and use them.

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

State Park Ambassadors at Colorado Bend State Park.

Parks: State Park Ambassadors Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This is Passport to Texas

Karen Zimmerman loves Texas state parks so much that she became a volunteer state park ambassador. Today she coordinates the program for Texas Parks and Wildlife.

15—The ambassador program is a team of hand-picked, dedicated outreach volunteers that mainly target the young adult demographic, and are just here to spread the word about the benefits of outdoor recreation and everything that Texas State Parks has to offer.

The program casts a wide net, with a particular interest in attracting young adults aged 16 to 28.

07— That demographic makes up 14 percent of the Texas population and only four percent of Texas State Parks visitors…

…thus creating a generational problem in Texas, said Zimmerman.

13—If you don’t go camping as a kid, it’s harder for you to learn to appreciate that as you get older. And, if you make it past that young adult age range without being exposed to how great that can be, then it becomes even harder.

The 16 – 28 age range is the last “entrance point” before possibly losing them altogether. Ambassadors reach out to these young people, speaking their language, using their technology and once they get them to sample the outdoors…

08—State Parks sell themselves. Usually all we have to do is just tell them what’s out there, how easy it is to get there, and how much it costs. Young adults are curious.

Read an in-depth article about the State Park Ambassador program in the December issue of Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine.

That’s out show. Funding Provided in part by RAM Trucks. Guts…glory…RAM.

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

Enjoy the holidays at State Parks and Historic Sites

Parks | Holidays: Festive Activities in Parks Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

You don’t have to travel far to find holiday events in state parks, but Thomas Wilhelm says, if you do have the time, how about a road trip December 16, to Far West Texas and Fort Leaton.

17—For this Christmas, Fort Leaton will be having a Posada, which is the recreation of Mary and Joseph’s trip through Bethlehem. But, there’s also going to be a performance by a local choir; so, it’s going to tell the holiday story with that area of the state’s culture in mind.

Palo Duro Canyon in the Panhandle is another far flung destination. On December 20, it offers a new holiday event worth the drive.

18—It’s called their Hot Air Balloon Glow. So, they’re going to bring balloons into the canyon and light them up. Of course, there’s going to be other traditional holiday events: hot cocoa, snacks – that sort of thing. Santa Claus will be there for the kids. So, it will be a really unique opportunity to not only experience Palo Duro Canyon, but really put a holiday feel to it.

If you prefer to celebrate nature, Central Texas’ McKinney Falls December 20 & 21 is the place to be.

14—They’re doing a Winter Solstice Celebration. So, they’ll have opportunities for kids to join with a ranger and do hikes, or nature themed crafts and activities. So, it’s a great opportunity to touch base with nature during the holidays.

Find a full list of holiday events on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti