Passport to Texas

Bastrop State Park Entrance During the Fire

State Parks: Celebrating Bastrop's Recovery Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

After the wildfires last year, it’s taken coordinated efforts among public and private interests and individuals and even nature to start bringing back Bastrop State Park and the surrounding community. And one year later, our State park Guide, Bryan Frazier says – it’s time to celebrate.

55— So, to mark that anniversary of the fire, lots of activities are going to be happening in Bastrop State Park. Around Labor Day – which this year is September third – there’s going to be a Fun Run that’s going to be held by the YMCA of Bastrop, which operates the swimming pool inside the state park. And the run will go around the park. And that’s going to be from about 7:30 in the morning until about 10 in the morning. And then there’s going to be all kinds of exhibits and activities. There will be even things like how to become a firefighter at the refectory and dining at Bastrop State Park. All kinds of activities for the whole family. And then on Sunday, the Ministerial Alliance has set aside a time about two o’clock in the afternoon where there will be a fellowship service to just talk about that, you know, people are still in recovery in some respect. On Monday, September third, there will be a community potluck. The park looks great and we’re looking at how can we make Bastrop State Park even better as we look forward.

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.

Caprock Canyons Superintendent Donald Beard with Bison Cut-out

State Parks: Caprock's Bison Celebration Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Eighty descendents of the southern plains bison roam freely on 700 acres at Caprock Canyon SP…with plans to give them even more room to roam in the future. To celebrate these majestic animals and to raise money for their continued restoration, Caprock Canyons SP is throwing a party. Our State park Guide Bryan Frazier has details.

54— Beginning September 14th, they’re going to have the Bison celebration days on that Friday. They’re having school groups from all over the region come in and learn about the native Americans, and learn about the impact of the Buffalo Soldiers on the settlement of that region. And then on Saturday, there’ll be opportunities to photograph the free roaming bison walking around, there’ll be other activities, vendors, and lots of things going on during that Saturday to bring everyone out. And then on Sunday, there’s a concert that benefits Caprock Canyons and the bison restoration, and it’s going to be done by nine time Grammy award winning, and Texas legendary band – Asleep at the Wheel. And that’s on Sunday, September 16th at Caprock Canyon SP, as part of the second annual bison celebration days going on there. If you’re a Texan….if you’re a history buff…if you like Asleep at the Wheel and good music..and incredible scenery…this is the place.

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.

State Parks: Aplomado Falcon Release Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

After disappearing from parts of Texas almost 50 years ago, steps are being taken to restore the endangered falcon to its native range—and one state park will play a role in this effort. Our State park Guide, Bryan Frazier has more.

62—We had some habitat destruction and just practices that we just weren’t aware of what we were doing as a culture that ended up impacting these birds of prey. Well, in the years and decades since, we’ve been able to learn from our mistakes, and we’ve been able to bring back some of the beautiful, magnificent birds of prey to the south Texas coast. You’ve got an existing population of about thirty-five or so nesting Aplomado falcons, and we’re now putting more in at mustang island SP. It’s a real creative task force effort from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Peregrine Fund, and Texas Parks and Wildlife, the National Park Service, and all these groups and agencies that have interest in protecting and preserving our resources are bringing back these birds. They’re putting them up on these ten and twelve foot platforms called hack sites, and they’re putting chicks in there; getting the acclimated to the habitat, getting the ready to leave the nest and help fill some of those habitat gaps in between existing populations. And Mustang Island State Park’s right near Corpus—along a key part of the shoreline. It’s a great place to get those birds back where they belong.

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.

State Parks: Mother Neff Park Grows Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Texas’ first state park just grew by more than half again its size, when Texas Parks and Wildlife purchased adjacent land along the Leon River for Mother Neff State park. Bryan Frazier has details.

62—Mother Neff State Park is literally named in honor of Governor Pat Neff’s mother, Isabella. And in 1928 you had this burgeoning SP board set up by Governor Part Neff to start a state park system here in Texas. And Isabella Neff donated six acres of land, which has now become Mother Neff State Park. It’s grown significantly, and recently we’ve just now added more than a hundred more acres to the park. It’s got river frontage along the Leon River, these beautiful scenic bluff overviews; it will be awhile before there’s accessible trails and things into that area. But there are even some ancient archeology resources in this new part of the park. Mother Neff State Park is a unique place. It’s a jewel. It was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, And was finished in the 1930s; it’s the flagship for us. It was where we started as a park system and what we’ve grown into today with 94 state parks and historic sites. And it all began back with Mother Neff, right there on the Leon River, southwest of Waco, about 30 miles. And it’s a place that’s worth the trip.

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.

Camping Primer Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

I know it feels like summer just started, but it will be over before you know it. And camping is the perfect way to turn an average summer weekend into a vacation. 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 a little piece of home with them to the great outdoors. Before you travel, check to see what RV connections are available at your campsite.

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.

When camping, remember that you are 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.

If you’ve never been camping before, consider attending a Texas Outdoor Family workshop where TPW staff teaches you and your family the basics in a fun-filled weekend.

Find more outdoor opportunities at the website lifesbetteroutside.org.

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