Passport to Texas

Camping at Palmetto State Park

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

The outdoor industry association conducts yearly surveys to determine the state of the outdoors. And our State Park Guide Bryan Frasier says: the results are in.

66– And we saw that camping is trending upward — even camping in state parks. Almost half of these reservations for overnight camping were done inside state parks. And what was maybe the most encouraging news of all was that people with young children are more likely to camp and go outdoors — significantly more, in fact. So that’s great for the future of something that all of us hold near and dear who love the outdoors. And that is: taking families…taking children out there. Letting them connect with nature and see the world and the discovery that we have here..from the wildlife..to cooking outdoors and spending some family time. And to see these statistics and data and know that more people are enjoying that, and the mission that we have here at Texas Parks and Wildlife is being understood on some level by people and that they are really starting to this outdoor lifestyle: tent camping, RV camping, cabins — it really doesn’t matter what it is. Just a hike through the woods… but those things are growing and catching on in ways that gives us reason to be encouraged.

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.

Old Baldy, from www.austin.ynn.com website

State Parks: Champion Trees Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Not all champions cross the finish line first. In state parks we have champion trees that earned their honors for simply existing. Our State park Guide Bryan Frasier explains.

69— By champion trees, we mean the biggest or the oldest or something that’s historically noted about these trees. And one that’s probably the least known, is the second oldest sycamore tree in Texas, which is inside Palmetto State park. I saw it for the first time the other day — could not believe my eyes. In fact, I thought it was a live oak, until I backed up and looked up and saw the leaves on it. It was amazing! And then there’s Old Baldy, which is inside McKinney Falls State Park, right in the city limits of Austin. And it’s a big bald cypress tree; the largest bald cypress tree on public land in the state of Texas. It’s a hundred and three feet tall and the circumference is sixteen feet on this tree, and it’s 500 years old — and it was named Austin’s tree of the year. And then, of course, we can’t not mention the Big Tree at Goose Island State Park. It’s the oldest coastal live oak in the United States at more than a thousand years old. In state parks, we take special care to make sure these champion trees are looked after and that they’re around for generations to see and enjoy in the future.

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.

Hiking in State Parks

State Parks: Wildlife Hikes Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

It’s finally cool enough to do some serious hiking in state parks…and there’s plenty to see when you go…especially if you’re on the lookout for the state’s abundant wildlife. It’s cool enough for them to be milling around, now, too. Our state Park Guide, Bryan Frasier tells us more.

47— I’m so glad we’re doing a show on this, because it’s one of the most enjoyable experiences that you can do outdoors — and one of the most popular. And it’s great for kids. I was out the other day in a greenbelt, looked up into a big live oak tree, and there was a gray fox sitting in the tree. We’re blessed with a variety of wildlife, and if you walk slowly and look through the tree lines and just see…the excitement that kids experience when they observe wildlife like that in the woods — for the first time sometimes — there’s no experience like it. And it’s just a real discovery moment for them, and good for everyone. So, when you’re outside and enjoying the great weather here in the fall in Texas, take time to see the wildlife that are already there. It will really enrich your already great hiking experience.

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 Window on State Government

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

This is Passport to Texas

Cooler fall temperatures may have you chomping at the bit to get on your bicycle and ride. When the spirit moves you, our state park guide Bryan Frasier suggests you hit the trails at one of our state parks.

56— If you like extreme, challenging mountain biking on single track trails, you can really get out and get a workout and see some of the most unique and beautiful scenery in Texas on a bicycle. Let’s say you want something that’s rugged and enjoyable but not necessarily an epic ride; well, we have that, too. We even have paved flat surfaces and road surfaces that people can just enjoy seeing nature from two wheels. And a few tips we might give to people before they go out is make sure their bike is in good shape, that their tires are inflated, that their gears, and cables, and chains have been checked out recently so that they’re safe. And make sure they take their biking helmet. Always take at least one bottle of water. Get your biking map in hand, and they’re available – the site maps are available – at all of the headquarters at all of the state parks. Plan your route and see how much fun biking can be at a state park.

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.

Bastrop State Park

State Parks: Trees for Bastrop Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Bastrop State park lost most of its beloved loblolly pines in last year’s Labor Day wildfires. But our State park Guide Bryan Frasier says thanks to the Arbor Day Foundation – and you –the park is getting new trees this fall.

59—Arbor Day Foundation, along with a lot of corporate sponsors, has helped integrate this program where people can sponsor trees. For a dollar a piece, for up to the next five years, it’s a way that people can tangibly get involved and help re-grow Bastrop State Park…and those big, tall, drought resistant loblolly pines that make the lost Pines forest so unique and such a worthy destination here in Central Texas. After we’ve done some erosion management, after we’ve done all the surveys, now we’re approaching the time to get some trees in the ground. And people have really been anticipating this – and Arbor Day Foundation has it all set up. You can go to TPW website, texasstateparks.org, and click on the ‘Help Restore Lost Pines’ banner link, and it will take you right to the Arbor Day site and how to get involved and how to do it. And we are so excited about this partnership and about the future of Bastrop, Central Texas, and the Lost Pines forest.

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.