Passport to Texas

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Some life lessons are classic, such as: pick up after yourself or be considerate of others. These behaviors are appropriate outdoors, too, and won’t limit your fun, as former Texas Outdoor Family guide, Lindsay Davis explains:

50— It is possible to both preserve and enjoy the great outdoors. We call this Leave No Trace. Research the area you’re visiting; check for burn bans and other restrictions. Once you’re out in the park, stick to the trails. Going off trail tramples vegetation and disturbs wildlife. If you pack it in, pack it out. Properly dispose of your trash in a dumpster or trash receptacle. Want some natural souvenirs? Take pictures. It’s a violation of state law to remove resources from the park – things like rocks, plants and other natural objects. Respect wild animals in their natural habitats, and from a safe distance. Never feed wildlife. And finally, be considerate of other visitors. Avoid walking through others’ campsites, keep the volume down, and respect the park’s quiet hours so folks can enjoy the sounds of nature.

View a segment with Lindsay Davis on Leave No Trace the week of August 24 on the Texas Parks and Wildlife PBS TV series. Check your local listings.

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.

Family Camping in Texas

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Before the school bell rings for the fall semester (it’s closer than you think) gather the family for a camping getaway—or two. With parks in every region of Texas, your destination is only a short drive away.

Most state parks have campgrounds, and some of those have water and electric hook-ups. Several parks also accommodate RVs for those who wish to bring the comfort of home with them to the great outdoors. Before hitting the road, though, check to see if RV connections
are available at your chosen park’s campsites.

For the pampered camper, check out state parks that offer cabins and lodges. Historic landmarks and secluded ranches make for a relaxing getaway.

When tent camping, remember to properly dispose of food waste to discourage unwanted animals visitors; and always pack out what you pack in.

Another reminder: you are not just a visitor, you are part of the natural world, and as such, it is your responsibility to keep it healthy and inviting to others. Play nice.

If you’ve never been camping before, and feel somewhat unprepared for what’s ahead, go on and sign up for one of our Texas Outdoor Family workshops. TPW staff will school your family on outdoor basics in a fun-filled weekend. Class is in session.

Find more outdoor opportunities at 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

Dinosaur Valley State park, Paluxy River.

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You don’t have to hunker down indoors this the summer when the temperature starts to climb. In fact, many state parks offer a cool alternative to air-conditioned cabin fever with a number of natural swimming holes…

Public swimming pools can be fun if you like noise and crowds. If you prefer peaceful playtime, float your cares away at Blanco State Park, 40 miles north of San Antonio. Here you’ll find cool, clear, spring-fed swimming for anyone seeking refuge from the long Texas summer.

Just 10 miles north of Beaumont is Village Creek State Park, and a free-flowing stream, popular with tubers and paddlers.

Located about one hour from Fort Worth, Dinosaur Valley State Park allows visitors to swim in the same Paluxy River where dinosaurs roamed 113-million years ago.

Garner State Park near Uvalde is home to 10 acres of Frio riverfront, giving visitors plenty of space to swim the clear water, scoot the rapids in inner tubes, or even rent pedal boats.

Find listings for river and creek swimming sites at state parks at texassrtateparks.org. You’ll also find a list of sites with lake swimming, and even some with ocean swimming. Or, if you prefer swimming pools, there’s a directory of parks offering those controlled environments to beat the heat. And don’t forget your sunscreen!

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.

Sea Rim State Park

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Sea Rim State Park in Sabine Pass is unique in the Texas park system.

07— It’s one of the most unique parks in the system, because it is the only park where the marshlands meet the Gulf of Mexico.

Ben Herman is Sea Rim’s superintendent. He says the diversity of ecosystems makes this park a standout – and an interesting place to live.

16— You have such a wide variety of ecosystems – both in the marshlands and on the surfside – that the joining of those two are pretty cool. I always joke on one side of my house I have mosquitoes and alligators and on the other side I have sharks and seaweed.

The natural world is as brutal as it is beautiful. In 2005 Hurricane Rita tore up Sea Rim, but before it could fully recover, Hurricane Ike brought destruction in 2008.

06— Which were pretty devastating blows for the park. We basically lost all of our facilities and all of our utilities.

TPWD closed the site for repairs. As recently as one year ago, when Herman joined the park, things looked bleak.

16— There was very little out here. We had to completely rebuild all of our logistics and all of our infrastructure. So now, being able to roll it back out to the residents, and everybody who wants to come up and enjoy Sea Rim, is a very proud moment for us. It was a long time coming.

The park celebrated its grand reopening June 20. How the park is nearly better than before. That’s tomorrow.

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

Fireworks in State Parks

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[SFX fireworks]

When it comes to celebrating our nation’s birthday at Texas state parks, bring the barbeque, watermelon and the outdoor games…but leave the fireworks at home.

06—It is illegal in Texas state parks…it is a Class C misdemeanor to possess fireworks in a state park.

We’re not trying to put a damper on your Independence Day fun, but Wes Masur, state park law enforcement coordinator at Texas Parks and Wildlife, says parks are no place for personal pyrotechnics. Even sparklers get two thumbs down.

09—Within the state park system we have different types of wildlife and different types of grasses and we don’t want to get any type of forest fire started…people are there to enjoy the state parks.

Devastating wildfires have started for much less. While some state parks offer organized fireworks displays, not everyone appreciates these holiday light shows even when they are sanctioned.

05—Some people don’t like fireworks…the noises that go along with that stuff—we just don’t allow it in the state parks.

Find out which state parks offer public fireworks displays this year, at the Texas Parks and Wildlife website

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