Passport to Texas

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

The June issue of Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine celebrates saltwater angling. Managing editor, Louie Bond is here to tell us more.

A lot of saltwater fishermen go out for the big three fish, which are the speckled trout, the red fish and the flounder. But, as Larry Bozka points out this month, unpredictability is the essence of saltwater fishing.

And so, any of these fish put up a good fight, they’re really great eating, they’re just as much fun as the big three, and, heck, part of the fun is the mystery of what is on the end of your hook.

Thanks, Louie. Find links to saltwater fishing information at passporttotexas.org.

That’s our show…with support from the Sport Fish Restoration Program…working to increase fishing and boating opportunities in Texas… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

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Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

The May issue of Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine is traditionally the birding issue, and this month, says it offers readers a little sizzle. Managing editor, Louie Bond.

You know, May’s not exactly the month for romance, but in bird terms, it is. And you know—birds—the important things for them to do are survive and reproduce. So, the focus of one of our articles this month is on the courtship rituals of the birds.

Isn’t that just the most romantic bird story? I just think that’s very sweet, and every bit as spicy as any modern day romance novel. So, if you’re looking for romance, and February is long gone, turn to the May issue. Even is you’re not into birds, you’re going to find something there that you’ll love.

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

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Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

When Hurricane Humberto made landfall along the Texas coast last September, High Island, an important sanctuary for migratory birds, got hit hard. The April issue of TP&W Magazine follows the efforts of volunteers who brought the island back to life. Managing Editor, Louie Bond.

When you talk about damaging hurricanes, I think everybody thinks about Katrina and Rita. But actually, Hurricane Humberto was the fastest-growing hurricane in US history. And, unfortunately, the bull’s-eye hit High Island, which is a wonderful bird sanctuary. And, it’s an important stopover for neotropical birds who are coming north from Central and South America to their spring nesting places in North America. There’s marshland all around, and there’s just beautiful little secluded sanctuary where the birds can stop and rest and then continue on their way. And when Humberto came around, it uprooted centuries-old trees, tore up boardwalks, and just did incredible damage. But luckily, volunteers came on the weekends—members of the Houston Audubon Society—and they worked and worked and they cleaned up the debris and rebuilt the boardwalks. And now, I’m glad to say High Island has been totally restored and will be ready for the visiting birds this spring.

Thanks for the great news, Louie. Learn more about High Island at passporttotexas.org.

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

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Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

You know you want your kids to spend more time outdoors, but you’re stumped how to make that happen. The March issue of Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine can help. Managing editor, Louie Bond.

This is an issue we’re so excited about because it’s just so relevant to everyone. You know, when you and I were kids, we used to go outside and play all day long outside. These days, kids have so many distractions; so many amusements inside that I think some of them have forgotten what to do outside.

And so, we’re really excited about this issue. And, so we’re hoping it’s going to be a keeper for parents and grandparents. When they’re wondering how in the world to get their kids outdoors, they can refer to this and know what to do.

That’s our show…Remember: Life’s Better Outside… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

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Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

The February issue of Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine, on newsstands now, offers readers an insightful article highlighting the plight of a vanishing Texas prairie; Managing Editor Louie Bond.

Texas is home to twelve million acres of gently rolling land called Blackland prairie, or it was at one time, which we visit in the February issue. Pioneers called the Blackland soil “nooner” soil, because it was often too gummy to plow in the morning, and hard as concrete by mid-afternoon. But Blackland Prairie can also be beautiful, as writer Henry Chapel discovered when he visited a rare one hundred and ten acre parcel that was chest deep in a riot of wildflowers. Unfortunately, due to grazing and the success of the cotton crop, Blackland prairie is the most rare and endangered habitat in Texas, if not in all of North America. As much as 98 percent of it is gone. As author Mark White says, if we think of the Blackland prairie as a person, all that we have left is the sliver of a fingernail.

The February issue of Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine is on newsstands now. Or, you can subscribe to this monthly publication. Find out how at passporttotexas.org.

While you’re there, you’ll also find a link to more information about the Blackland prairie.

That’s our show… We record our series in Austin, Texas, at the Production Block Studios…our engineer is Joel Block…For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

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