Passport to Texas

Cameron Dodd, Northeast Texas Hiking Trail

Hiking: The Northeast Texas Trail Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

When Railroad companies retire sections of track, some extend their rights-of-way to public or private entities, which convert the corridor into recreational trails; considered by some to be long, narrow parks.

Journalism student, Cameron Dodd, hiked much of the 130 mile Northeast Texas Trail earlier this year. Once owned by Santa Fe Railroad, the trail – still in development – stretches from Farmersville, north of Dallas, to New Boston, just west of Texarkana.

07— There are parts of it that are overgrown, and parts of it that some landowners have blocked off; they were just kind of impassable.

Dodd traveled solo carrying a backpacked filled with camping gear and provisions…but company was never far.

10— I met a lot of nice people along the way. I took help when I needed it; wound up spending the night in a cabin of someone I met in Ladonia, and accepting some rides when the trail was impassable.

The trail took him through small towns and open vistas. And along the way, he picked up a traveling companion.

17 — Yeah, this dog showed up one night when I was heating up some beans in Ladonia; he didn’t have any tags on him, and nobody seemed to know whose dog it was, and he kept following me, so…next morning I was walking off to Wolf City, the next town. The dog just followed me, so I just kept him around; he was good company.

Cameron checked the dog for a microchip, and finding none, gave this dog a home. Cameron Dodd’s article on the Northeast Texas Trail appears in the October issue of Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine.

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

Wild Mustang Grapes, Image Aggie Horticulture

Foraging: Stalking the Wild Harvest Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Before trudging into the woods with dreams of foraging wild persimmons or mustang grapes, remember: leave some for the wildlife.

09—When you’re a gatherer, it’s kind of like being a hunter: you should only take what you think you can use; although, I have been known to get fourteen gallons of wild grapes.

Dyanne Cortez writes about gathering and using wild Texas fruit for the August/September issue of Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine.

15—Well, a lot of things grow in pretty wild places. So, you need to be aware of snakes; wear boots; be aware of your surroundings. You’re out in the field. There’s going to be sun; there might be poison ivy. You’re really out stalking the wild harvest.

Learn about edible Texas plants before going out; the Native Plant Society of Texas and the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center are great resources for that. Cortez, meantime, advises about where to find wild fruit.

24—It is not legal to collect any plant or plant part in a state park or a national park. It can be a challenge because you see this stuff in the parks and it’s very tempting, but you don’t do that. Go for private land; look in your own backyard. Ask your friends. It’s so much fun when it’s all done. It’s just really worth it, and it’s so neat to know what nature has to offer.

Dyanne Cortez’ article about gathering and using wild fruit is in the August/September issue of Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine.

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

Foraged feast; image courtesy of Edible Austin, www.edibleaustin.com

Foraging: The Wild Harvest Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Before grocery stores, humans acquired their sustenance directly from nature. Hunting was part of that culture.

09— The other side of the culture, which is very ancient, is the gathering side. So, I wanted to do something about gathering and just let people know what’s out there for the taking.

Dyanne Cortez calls herself a gatherer.

14— I started gathering when I was about 19, when I discovered wild mustang grapes. To me, it’s like this stuff is out there, and it’s almost an insult to Mother Nature if I don’t go make use of it.

She wrote an article for the August/September issue of Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine about gathering and using wild Texas fruit.

30—Well, the article focuses on persimmons, plums; we also cover prickly pears, agarita berries, and wild grapes. And dewberries – which are the wild blackberries that are found in odd little places. We talk about where to find them, how to harvest them, the best season to harvest, and how to clean and prepare them. And then we’re going to have a web extra that has recipes to get people started.

The dos and don’ts of gathering wild fruit tomorrow; Dyanne Cortez’ article is in the August / September issue of Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine.

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

Two Least Sandpipers, Image Creative Commons, Mike Baird

TPW Magazine: August / September Preview Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

It may be summer in Texas, but the August/September issue of Texas parks and Wildlife magazine is focused on fall. Editor, Louie Bond.

61— Well, you know, there’s that hint of fall in the air in August nights, and certainly in September, and I think our two features in this fall issue are so appropriate. The first is about two incredible birders. Now, I participated in my first Great Texas Birding Classic this year, and it was very exciting, but it was nowhere near the caliber of these two guys: David Shackelford and Phil Rostron, who have each seen over 8-thousand birds. They are both in the top 10 lists of birders. And Russell Roe, our managing editor, writes a very compelling look at these two very different birders who have achieved this great milestone. And then, our own Dyanne Frye Cortez has taken on what I like to do. I remember when I moved to the country I went out and picked dewberries until my hands were purple and my legs were bleeding scratched. So, she shares with us the best way to harvest agarita, prickly pear, dewberries and Texas persimmons, and all those great wild Texas fruits – and what to do with them after you’ve harvested them. So, I hope you’ll go on a little fall outing with us and read this issue.

Thanks, Louie.

The August/September issue of Texas parks and Wildlife magazine is available on newsstand or by subscription. Learn more at tpwmagazine.com.

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

Palo Duro Canyon State Park, © Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

TPW Magazine: Celebrating 50 Years of Texas Parks and Wildlife Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Fifty years of stewardship is something to celebrate…and Editor, Louie Bond, says TPW Magazine is pulling out all the stops for the July edition: a commemorative issue celebrating fifty years of Texas Parks and Wildlife.

59 – We are putting out a commemorative issue. We are so excited about our July issue; we feel it’s going to be the kind of issue that’s going to sit on your coffee table maybe for a year or so. We’re going all out to celebrate TPWD’s 50th anniversary as an agency by adding extra pages, upping our paper quality so the photographs will be more beautiful, and putting more photos than – I believe – we’ve ever put into any issue. And of course there are going to be those usual, stunning, great photos that just make you say ‘wow’ when you turn the page. So, we’re going to be talking about the great partnerships the agency’s had with all different groups across the state – which is really how we get a lot of work done. We’re going to be, of course, touring, our own accomplishments over the past 50 years. And out executive director, Carter Smith is going to write a piece about what we might expect in the next 50 years for Parks and Wildlife. I can’t wait to read that one myself. So, we’re hoping everyone will come and get this issue and share it with their friends and family and help us celebrate this wonderful 50th anniversary.

Thanks, Louie.

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.