Archive for the 'State Parks' Category

Camping 101: Choosing the Right Tent

Wednesday, June 18th, 2008

Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

When choosing the best tent for your next camping trip, first take into account the number of people going.

Dome styled tents will fit up to eight people and a minimum of two or three people. They’re the easiest to put up. They have two poles that run straight across and then you stake it down on all four corners. They are definitely the easiest to setup and take down. It takes fives minutes to setup and five minutes to take down.

Academy Sports and Outdoors camping expert J.B. Sharp says if you’re expecting a larger crowd you may opt for a cabin styled tent.

They are larger, have more head room, stand a little taller and they are also separated by rooms. Most of them have two or three rooms where you can fold down a little piece of cloth that will separate each room. These tents fit eight to 15 people.

Although a cabin style tent may seem to be the right choice, consider the wind gusts that may kick up while outdoors.

The dome styled tents are much better for wind because they’re lower to the ground. It’s designed to be more wind resistant; it has a little more curve. The cabin styled tents are a lot taller with a broader face so the wind has a lot more to catch, so there’s more of a chance of it blowing away, blowing over or snapping a pole.

We have more camping tips at passporttotexas.org.

That’s our show…with research and writing help from Alanna Jones… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

Camping 101: What to Take Camping

Tuesday, June 17th, 2008

Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

Having the necessary gear packed before heading out on your next camping adventure can ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience…

Some of the basic equipment you would need is a tent, a sleeping bag, and a pillow if you like it comfortable. Some people like to use a roll-up or foam mat to put underneath the sleep bag for extra padding, maybe a canopy if you’re expecting rain so you can have somewhere dry to hang out, and if your campsite is next a lake maybe fishing poles to have fun with.

J.B. Sharp is a camping expert with Academy Sports and Outdoors. He says tent stakes are easy to forget, so pack those first. But that’s not all you should take along.

You want Off, bug repellent, food, a cooler to keep your food and drinks cold, and something to cook your food with like a mess kit.

For added safety, Sharp says never to cook food directly on a fire.

You can use a griddle. We [Academy Sports and Outdoors] sell two-sided griddles that can be used when cooking a steak- it’s going to simulate a barbeque pit. You definitely don’t want to put your food on the fire, so use a rotisserie that can go above the fire. Those are your most common ways of cooking.

Find more information about camping by visiting passporttotexas.org.

That’s our show…with research and writing help from Alanna Jones… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

Getting Better all the Time: Davis Mountains SP

Tuesday, June 10th, 2008

Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

Davis Mountains State Park and Indian Lodge are popular destinations for travelers.

We’re just about a mile high in elevation, so very good climate all year round. We have mountain biking, and equestrian trails, and miles and miles of hiking trails. And Indian Lodge, it was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps back in the 1930s. Anyway, the lodge has 39 rooms, and it was done in Indian pueblo style, and it’s the only place in Texas that is in that style.

David Bischofhausen (BISH-hoff_howzen) is park superintendent. New funding provided by the Texas Legislature will allow the park to hire new staff.

We’re getting a park peace officer / interpreter position at Davis Mountains SP so, we’re excited about that. We’ll be able to do more interpretive programs to tell folks about the wonderful cultural and natural things that we have out here in our parks. Plus, it’ll get a little more extra measure of security.

This cash infusion benefits the Black Bear restaurant at Indian Lodge, too.

Because of the extra money we received, we’re able to hire an assistant food service manager, and another dishwasher, which is desperately needed. We’re trying to pick up our service in food a notch, and provide better customer service.

Proposition 4 monies make possible repairs to historic buildings, constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Learn more about Davis Mountains State Park and Indian Lodge at passporttotexas.org.

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

Free Fishing in State Parks: Events

Friday, May 30th, 2008

Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Sport Fish Restoration Program

Parents sometimes look at summer with dread: How can we keep the kids busy and not go broke in the process. If that echoes your concerns, here is a suggestion: free fishing at state parks.

Free fishing means that you do not have to have a license to fish in a state park. You would still be paying the entry fees to the park.

Ann Miller is aquatic education coordinator. Now through July, many parks will provide angling instruction for novices as well as for anglers that are more experienced.

Some of the events are more children oriented. But, we also have some events that are geared for a more advanced angler. Eisenhower State Park is doing a fly-fishing program in June that folks might be interested in. We also have Galveston Island State Park that is focused on saltwater fishing.

If you’re just dipping your toe in the angling waters, you may not have the equipment you need to reel in a fish.

At many of these events that we’re sponsoring, you can come without equipment. There will be equipment there for families to borrow to participate in the program. Now, these programs do teach you the basics of fishing, but they also give you time to go fishing with an expert.

Find a link to these events at passporttotexas.org.

That’s our show for today… we receive support for our program from the Sport Fish restoration Program… reminding you that Saturday June 7 is Free Fishing Day in Texas….For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

Free Fishing in State Parks: Fishing & Family

Thursday, May 29th, 2008

Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Sport Fish Restoration Program

[School bell rings] As school bells ring out the last day of classes across the state, parents seek ways to keep their children occupied without breaking the bank. May we suggest free fishing at state parks?

Texas state parks are a great place to go fishing because you don’t have to have a license.

Ann miller, aquatic education coordinator, says taking the family fishing at a state park is not only economical, but can also help parents and children reconnect.

Fishing is wonderful because it gives time away from normal duties for the parents to enjoy the children. It puts all the family in a different atmosphere to focus on one another for a change, instead of all the other distractions of everyday living.

Beginning this month, leave everyday issues behind when you take the family to a state park for free fishing events.

These events are made to help beginners who are just getting started in fishing learn how to fish, And that will be beginners ages six on up, by the way, so you don’t have to be a child. Some of the events are more children oriented, but they’re really family oriented events.

Find a link to these events at passporttotexas.org.

That’s our show for today… we receive support for our program from the Sport Fish restoration Program… reminding you that Saturday June 7 is Free Fishing Day in Texas….For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.