Passport to Texas

State Park Youth Ambassadors, image from America’s State Parks

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If you’re of a certain age, when you were growing up, the outdoors was your primary source of entertainment, and probably continues to play a role in your quality of life.

20— A decade back or so, we did a visitation study to get a sense of who are our most common visitors. What we found was a 48 year old couple with no children was the average visitor. In the years since, we saw that number go to 49 year olds. And that showed us that we were missing out on some our younger generations, including kids and young adults.

Today, young people occupy themselves with electronic gadgetry, which keeps them willing captives indoors. Ky Harkey is the outdoor education and outreach coordinator for state parks.

19— We want to make sure that we have a new generation that’s going to be stewards to the parks. [We want them to] get out and enjoy the parks. The younger generation today, is the next generation that will be raising kids, and they will have the choice to either take the kids to Texas State Parks or not. We want to make sure that the parks are on the radar of the younger generations already.

State parks developed an outreach program whereby it recruits young people currently engaged in the outdoors, and asks them to invite their peers to join in.

08— The millennial generation, I you will – roughly 16 to 28 year olds or so – is a particular focus for us. Trying to bring that audience into parks.

Ky Harkey returns tomorrow to tell us about the Texas State Park Ambassador program.

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

Biking in Texas

Recreation: Biking in State Parks Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Biking is a practical way to stay fit, as well an environmentally conscience style of transportation. Use your two-wheeled transportation to escape the hectic urban jungle and ride with nature for a change of scenery.

Many Texas state parks offer a wide range of biking trails for your enjoyment. There are trails for all abilities, from beginner to advanced, making it easy for anyone to get outdoors to enjoy the natural world in an intimate way.

Designated biking trails are numbered to indicate their difficulty level. Beginner Level is a course that only requires basic riding skills.

Intermediate Level cyclists must have off-road experience and knowledge. Difficult Level tracks demand an advanced biker who can navigate various terrain conditions.

You will enjoy your ride more when you ride with safety in mind. Always wear a helmet. Be aware of hazards in your path such as ruts, rocks and even wildlife. Also, check the air in your bicycle tires regularly to avoid flats and accidents. Pack a large bottle of water—at least eight ounces for every hour of riding.

Find information about biking on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.

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

Trail Riding

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

17—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, McKinight says state parks offer the perfect opportunity for exploring while on horseback. But before you hit the trail, there are a few safety precautions you need to be aware of…

18—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.

Keep in mind horses are not allowed be ridden in the park until a Coggins test is verified at the park office during office hours.

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

[Happy Trails to You — music]

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

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

Camping at Inks Lake

Nature: Outdoor Resolutions for the New Year Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Don’t you love the start of a new year? It‘s totally fresh and filled with possibilities. So, take a few minutes to consider how you’re going to make this year better for you and your family.

One way would be to get outside more, because—as we like to say: life’s better outside.

Spending time in the natural world has a way of resetting the brain and giving you a fresh perspective. Researchers have discovered that children who spend time in nature do better on exams, and are less disruptive in the classroom.

Bring a pair of walking shoes to the office, and during your lunch hour, stroll outdoors in the fresh air. Even if you’re in a city, you can still observe the varied wildlife and plant life you see along the way. It’s amazing how much nature you can actually find in a concrete jungle.

Spend time with friends or family at one of our many state parks. Most folks are within 90 minutes of a state park or natural area; many are much closer. Take a nature hike, ride a bike. Pitch a tent and sleep under the stars, or find a park with cabins and rough it indoors.

Commit to learning something new about Texas history by visiting one of the state’s incredible historic sites.

There’s a world of wonder out there, and once you spend more time outdoors, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

That’s our show…Funding provided in part by Ram Trucks. Guts. Glory. Ram…For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti

Barrington Farm Christmas

History: Time off in Early Texas Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

We have something in common with early Texans.

06 – Christmas and the month of December—in large part—was the time when Texans gathered.

Cynthia Brandimarte is program director for Texas historic sites. Unlike today when a short trip by car or plane will get us to our holiday destination, travel was difficult for early Texans.

09 – And so when you traveled, you tended to stay. People had time at Christmas to do that—to travel and spend weeks.

Which makes the few days that most of us get off at Christmas seem like a rip off. And early Texans made good use of this block of time.

08 – It was then that they celebrated not only Christmas, but other special events, and planned weddings for the month of December.

Since Texas was mostly rural in the 19th and early 20th Centuries, and there wasn’t a lot of farming that could happen in December…

15 – It almost gave 19th Century and early 20th Century rural Texans an excuse not to work. And thus to play a bit more, and socialize a bit more, than they had time to do many other months of the year.

How will you spend your time off this holiday season? How about making a little time to enjoy the great outdoors?

From all of us at Passport to Texas, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year…For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.