Passport to Texas

This is Passport to Texas State Park Getaway

Built by in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, Indian Lodge located within Davis Mountains SP, is a truly special place. Recently renovated and updated, Indian Lodge makes a great Getaway. Bryan Frazier has details.

So, you have the best of both worlds: the conveniences of the lodge, set in the Davis Mountains. So, you’re up about a mile high; hiking trails right outside your door of Indian Lodge. Skyline Drive that goes through the park. It has some hike and lookout points there. And you’re just outside the town of Fort Davis in Far West Texas; it’s just a fantastic place.

The national historic site in Fort Davis is located just below the park. There are great hikes through that—and it’s a fully restored frontier fort. There’s just a lot to do for a town the size of fort Davis. You know, if you’re a Texan, and you enjoy the outdoors, it’s a place I really encourage you to go and stay. I think it will be a really unforgettable trip.

Thanks, Bryan.

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

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This is Passport to Texas State Park Getaway

You can’t put a price on our incredible state park system. But you can get a deal when it comes to visiting them. Our State park Guide, Bryan Frazier is here to tell us about the Texas State Park Pass.

:48—The State Park pass is a program that’s been one of the most successful things we’ve done in the last several years. And depending on how long you stay, or how many people go along with you on that trip, the State Park Pass can, by far, be the most economical way to see our parks. It waives the entrance fees of everyone in the vehicle—in a non-commercial vehicle—and you get some discount coupons for camping. You get automatic discounts on what you purchase on the state park store; so it pays for itself in about three visits, depending how long you stay. It’s $60 for 12 months from the date of purchase. So if you buy it May it’s good through May [the following year], you buy it in September, it’s good through September [the following year]. And, again, it waives the entrance fees for everyone in your car every time you come, so it’s unlimited visits as long as the card holder is present. And what we find it people love it.

Thanks, Bryan.

You can buy the pass at any Texas State Park. You can also buy it over the phone when you call the Texas Parks and Wildlife Customer service center at 512-389-8900.

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

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This is Passport to Texas State Park Getaway

Bluebonnets started blooming along roadsides in mid-March around much of the state, and have since been joined by other wildflowers for what should be a remarkable display. Our SP Guide, Bryan Frazier says a great place to get an eyeful of colorful native blooms is at a state park.

And interestingly about that: it’s spectacular across the state. You have pockets that are more traditionally known like Washington Country where Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site is…or places like Inks lake or LBJ in Central Texas. But really, you’ve got great wildflowers from the Rio Grande Valley all the way up even to Palo Duro Canyon, all the way out even to the Big Bend Area. Depending on the time of year, depending on the amount of rain…and it’s looking like this year…the expectation is at least…that it’s going to be good. We had some late winter rains that have really made it lining up to look like it’s going to be a really good wildflower season. And so, whether you’re talking about bluebonnets, or whether you’re talking about the evening primrose, or even things like the bluebonnets out in far west Texas, which are different than the others, it can just be a spectacular splash of color. Texas is THE place for wildflowers, and state parks are great places to see them.

Thanks, Bryan.

Find the wildflower hotline at passporttotexas.org.

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

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This is Passport to Texas Outdoor Families

[:20 Wind ambience under script and sound bite] It was unusually windy as sixteen families checked-in at Lake Casa Blanca International State Park in Laredo to learn camping basics at a Texas Outdoor Family Workshop.

We’re going to talk about setting your camp up. As you probably know being from around here, wind makes everything a challenge, especially setting your tent up.

After a demo, and using loaner gear, families were in high spirits as they found their campsites and tested their new skills. [Little girls screaming] Friends, Jazlyn Salinas and Daejia Rodriguez, had a blast wrestling with their tent.

It’s a super windy day over here, and the tent is literally flying all away. So, have you girls been camping before? No. But I love it because it’s super cool.

[:04 hammering] Daejia’s mother Laurie assisted the girls.

I am trying to bang in one of these silver things (laughs); it holds the tent down. (laughs) And I am using a mallet to get it in this hard ground.

[:03 hammering] Rodriguez, who admitted to not being “outdoorsy,” took the wind and hard ground in stride, saying she was glad to have an opportunity to expose Daejia to camping in state parks through TOF.

So that’s why I decided to go ahead and come out here and, who knows, if she enjoys it, then, probably we’ll start camping every summer.

That’s our show for today, with support from Toyota. To learn about upcoming Texas Outdoor Family workshops visit lifesbetteroutside.org. For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

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This is Passport to Texas

If you get the itch to visit an exotic tropical locale, but are short on time, and want to skip all the shots, do the next best thing: visit Palmetto State Park.

Named for the dwarf palmetto palm found around the ephemeral swamp, some areas of the 270 acre park resemble the tropics more than they do Central Texas.

Located in Gonzales County, between Gonzales and Luling, Palmetto State Park abuts the San Marcos River, making it a favorite place for canoeists to put in.

Situated within the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, the park has a reputation as a birding “hot spot.” Birders from across the country flock to Palmetto State Park to view many of the over 240 species of birds observed within the park’s boundaries.

Palmetto State Park has more than 39 campsites – all with water, some with water and electricity. There’s a group camping area and a group picnic shelter complete with kitchen.

If you want to stretch your legs and imagination, trek the park’s 3 miles of interpretive and hiking trails.

State Parks are closer than you think, and really far out. Visit the Texas parks and Wildlife website to start planning your state park adventure today.

That’s our show… remember—Life’s Better Outside!

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

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