Passport to Texas

Bastrop Tree Planting, Image courtesy www.statesman.com

State Parks: Plant Trees in Bastrop State Park Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

As you know, Bastrop State park took a big hit during the 2011 Labor Day Wildfires. Approximately 95% of the park burned to ash. Our state park guide, Bryan Frazier, says reforestation efforts continue; and your chance to help is now.

52—We’ve had people lining up, wanting to know when can they help replant the loblolly pine seedlings. And they’re the drought resistant loblolly pines that were there before. In fact, they were originally planted there by the CCC about 75 – 80 years ago. The growth that’s there now –that’s what you’re seeing. Because a lot of Bastrop, and that area, the lost pines, the timber was used to build the city of Austin, San Antonio and a lot of their families. So, this growth now that we’re putting in the ground is for future generations. And we have several weekends in January where we need volunteers to come help put those trees in the ground so that future generations can enjoy those big, beautiful pine trees that we all have come to know and love in Bastrop State Park. And you can find out all about this on Parks and Wildlife’s website, specifically at texasstateparks.org.

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.

Image from Hammock Forums, Saab Zombee

State Parks: Hammock Camping Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

For some, the biggest barrier to overnight camping is sleeping on the ground. What if I told you there’s a new kind of camping allows you to sleep suspended over it instead? Our state park Guide Bryan Frazier has details on hammock camping.

51— I’m a little new to that, and had never really heard much about it. At Fairfield Lake SP recently, they had the fourth annual hammock camping event there – the Texas Society of Hammock Campers – and it’s really something that’s caught on with lots of people. It’s very stewardship driven; there’s extra care taken with nylon straps so that the hammock does not damage the trees. There’s minimal to no damage on ground resources and so the footprint is much, much smaller, and you’re camping suspended in a hammock with a tarp cover. There’s a whole group that’s doing it; you can find out more at www.hammockforums.net. It explains all about it…gives the details of it…talks about some of the events and how you can get involved. It’s an interesting way and a new way to enjoy parks all over. But here in Texas, it’s a growing trend and I think something that’s going to catch on even more.

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.

First Day Hikes

State Parks: First Day Hikes Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

You’ve heard of walking your talk…we’ll here’s a chance to hike your resolutions. Nearly all of us vow to get healthier each New Year, and with First Day Hikes, you can put your plan into action. Our state park Guide Bryan Frasier has details.

51— It’s becoming quite the tradition. Last year was out first year to participate in Texas; it’s been going on for a number of years with different State Park Systems, and last year we had more than 11-hundred people turn out on New Year’s Day – we had New year’s Day hikes in 47 of our state parks. There are even more scheduled this year. And these hikes range from all levels: challenging to very relaxed, very leisurely. There are nature hikes, birding hikes, hikes through the mountains. Hikes along boardwalks on the Gulf Coast… So whatever you like to do, or if there’s a state park near you….get out after the holidays. Maybe we overdid it a little bit with the holiday dining the little Christmas turkey and new year’s celebration….get outside and walk that off and see the beautiful scenery and enjoy the fresh air; make First Day Hikes a tradition for you and your family.

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.

Christmas Tree Lighting at LBJ State Park and Historic Site, photo by Bryan Frazier

State Parks: Christmas in the Parks Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Across Texas state parks and historic sites are celebrating the holiday season. Our state park Guide Bryan Frazier has the inside scoop on holiday fun.

61— Christmas and the holiday season is one of the most popular times to visit a state park – and rightfully so. Most of the parks will decorate or have some holiday event. But there are several that are more signature events around the state. And this year we’ve got at LBJ State Park and Historic Site it’s their Centennial Celebration, which would have been the 100th birthday of Lady Bird. And we’re also doing the lighting of the state Christmas tree – it’s their 43rd year for that. It’s a tradition here in Central Texas. And then at Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site, they’ve changed up what’s a very popular event and given people an even greater reason to go there. Having Santa Claus and a hay wagon there and craft stations around Barrington Farm that would have been happening in the 1850s. And you can see all of those Christmas experiences from the 19th Century –so that’s a great event. And we have caroling events at Cedar Hill State Park and inside Longhorn Cavern State Park. Just check the activities page at texasstateparks.org or there are links throughout that page to find out these various events.

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.

Texas State Parks Christmas Ornaments 2012

State Parks: Christmas Ornament Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Each December, Texas Parks and Wildlife makes available a delicate laser cut, gold-plated collectible Christmas ornament that celebrates the state’s parks and historic sites. Our state park guide, Bryan Frazier, talks about this year’s offering.

53— Well, this year. We’ve got three. And you can purchase them individually, or you can purchase them as a set. And they’re unique, because this year they’re carved out of wood. They’re usually a nice brass little trinket, and this year, the shape is similar but they’re laser carved with amazing detail of Lighthouse Rock from Palo Duro Canyon, and one of the Caddo Lake cabins, and the San Jacinto Monument, so they’re really some of our flagship parks and historic sites. And it’s a new look with them carved out of wood. And so, maybe people who’ve ordered them in the past and didn’t want one that looked similar – this is the year to order them. And you can only get them through the customer service center by calling 512.389.8900. And there are small shipping costs to go along with that, but check that out at texasstateparks.org. You can find out all about it, see the images; I think this is one you’re going to want to get.

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.