Passport to Texas

Rock Garden Trail, image from www.amarillo.com

State Parks: Rock Garden Trail Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

There was a ribbon cutting at Palo Duro Canyon recently that opened up the 2.38 mile Rock Garden Trails. And our state park Guide Bryan Frasier says, the trail climbs 600 feet straight up in elevation…

44— In fact, it connects up with the Rylander Fortress Cliffs Trail and opens up a whole other six plus miles of trails that were previously inaccessible. But, the view that can be had at from the rim on the Fortress Cliffs side is spectacular. So, it’s significant in that it takes what’s a wonderful canyon with its group facilities and cabins that were built by the CCC and it adds to it. Now, you can go across the canyon – go from the bed of the canyon – up the back side in elevation and see the canyon in a whole new angle and a whole new angle and whole new light through this new rock garden trail. It’s great for biking and it’s great for hiking. So, check it out as a whole other way to enjoy what it already one of the finest parks anywhere.

Thanks, Bryan.

Find more information about Palo Duro SP and its trails at texasstateparks.org.

That’s our show for today…with funding provided by Chevrolet, supporting outdoor recreation in Texas; because there’s life to be done.

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

State Parks: Hiking in Parks Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

More people are heading to state parks to hike. And our state park Guide Bryan Frazier says, that’s a good thing, because Texas state parks do not disappoint.

44— Our state park visitor surveys say that hiking and hiking trails is the number one amenity and activity sought after when people show up at a state park. That’s what they want to do. And by hiking that can be whatever outdoor recreation is to you: a leisurely walk with your children on a paved hiking trail that has no slope – we have that. We also have more challenging hikes that go into the mile high mountain ranges in far west Texas – like the Davis Mountains State Park, and those kinds of hikes. So, whether it’s a leisurely, relaxing hike, whether it’s a challenging hike – you can find it in a state park. The unique thing about a state park system is – it’s for the people. Get out and see the beauty, the serenity, and hiking might just be the best way to do that.

Thanks, Bryan.

That’s our show for today…with funding provided by Chevrolet, supporting outdoor recreation in Texas; because there’s life to be done.

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

Birders at Blind, image © John W. Liston

State Parks: World Birding Center Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Winter is one of the best times for birders to visit the World Birding Center in the Rio Grande Valley. Our state park guide Bryan Frazier says this sub tropical region boasts myriad species that you won’t see at any other place or time of year in Texas.

58— You’ve got about 500 species of birds that either reside there, or travel through there and spend some time there. And winter months, particularly in January, is about the best time to see most of them. And we’re talking about everything from birds of prey like Swainson’s hawks and falcons, to colorful sub tropic species like Altamira orioles and groove billed Anis. And Green jays – just spectacularly colored birds that draw people from all over. These are one of the few places you can see them – and one of the only places in Texas where you can see them. And, wintertime, in general, is the best time to go down there. Head to the Rio Grande Valley, and you can visit Estero Llano Grande SP in Weslaco, Resaca de la Palma SP, just outside of Brownsville, and
Bentsen Rio Grande Valley SP…the food and the culture there in South Texas is rich and diverse and unique. And the birding opportunities are second to none.

Thanks, Bryan.

That’s our show for today…with funding provided by Chevrolet, supporting outdoor recreation in Texas; because there’s life to be done.

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

TPW TV: Caprock's Bison Refuge Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Legendary Texas rancher, Charles Goodnight helped preserve the last of the southern plains bison… the descendants of which are the Texas State Bison Herd at Caprock Canyons State Park.

Texas parks and Wildlife TV Producer Bruce Beirmann says expect a segment this month that explores the herd’s legacy and their new enclosure.

56—Just recently, the park opened up a whole other pasture so they now have a thousand acres to roam.

You have to go see these bison. It’s the one place where you can still get right up to them [but you must remain in your vehicle] and experience it. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss.

Thanks, Bruce.

The show air the week of January 13

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

Texas Outdoor Family Workshop

State Parks: Texas Outdoor Family Grants Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Need guidance when it comes to spending time outdoors? The Texas Outdoor Family program can help.

23—And it basically just helps teach people how to camp, or remind them of the skills of pitching tents and building fires safely, and how to take their family outdoors. It’s something that we believe very strongly in here at Texas Parks and Wildlife.

Our state park guide Bryan Frazier says there are now ninety thousand additional reasons why the program is better than ever.

31—Texas Outdoor Families, through our interpretive services, here at Parks and Wildlife, received a ninety-thousand dollar grant from the National Outdoor industry Foundation. And that can actually parlay into a few hundred thousand dollars down the road. So, it’s a really important thing for lots of reasons. Not only does it recognize this program as significant, but it helps fund this program that state tax dollars now can be used in other ways. What it does, is it essentially allows us to stretch our budget. So, Kudos to our interpretive services and Texas Outdoor Families for getting this grant.

Thanks, Bryan.

That’s our show for today…with funding provided by Chevrolet, supporting outdoor recreation in Texas; because there’s life to be done.

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