April 2006 Info for Listeners The following phone numbers and addresses are included in this month's programming. Please use this sheet, as a handy reference should any of our listeners contact your station seeking information mentioned on the air. For general information on State Parks or 1-800-792-1112 Texas Parks & Wildlife Programs For State Park reservations 512-389-8900 TPWD Internet Homepage http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us April 3 & 4 -- Great Texas Birding Classic: Each spring, for the past ten years, birders from around the globe have flocked to the Texas coast to participate in The Great Texas Birding Classic, a competitive bird watching tournament sponsored by the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory and Texas Parks and Wildlife. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/birding/gtbc/index.phtml http://www.gcbo.org April 5 -- May Magazine Preview: The May issue of Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine is for the birds, because it's the birding issue. Learn about an endangered woodpecker that few people know about, or whether wind turbines are affecting bird migration. Plus, there's a calendar of birding events, too. http://www.tpwmagazine.com/ April 6 -- South Texas Plains Events Round-up: There's nothing like the South Texas Plains in spring. And Bentsen Rio Grande Valley SP is the place to experience diverse outdoors opportunities. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/calendar/?calpage=rsoutht April 7 -- Outdoor Stories: Jeff Hershey: When he was only eight years old, Jeff Hershey's father took him fishing at McKinney Falls SP in Austin, where he caught, and brought home, a catfish that he kept in his aquarium for two years before releasing it back into Onion Creek How could he have know that twenty-eight years later he would be working at that same park ... Share your Outdoor Story by contacting Cecilia Nasti at 512-389-4667. April 10 -- Panhandle Plains Round-up: Whether you're planning to visit, or live there already, there are enough outdoor opportunities at Panhandle Plains state parks to keep you informed, active and entertained ... no matter your age. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/calendar/?calpage=rpanhan April 11, 12 & 13 -- Bats Return to Texas: Thanks to the work of people like TPWD bat biologist, Ms. Goodman, and TxDOT bridge engineer, Mark Bloschock, more people are beginning to appreciate bats than fear them. In fact, we have even started to look forward to the return of certain bats - such as the Mexican free-tail - that winters in Mexico and summers in Texas. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/junior_naturalists/bats.phtml April 14 -- Austin Nature Day: The second annual Austin Nature Day is a celebration of Austin's beauty, vitality and diversity of natural resources and landscapes: More than 40 unique events are open to the public to learn about, experience, and enjoy the open spaces and natural places that make Austin special. McKinney Falls State Park is a participant, and invites everyone to come to Austin for a day of fun. http://www.austinnatureday.org/ April 17 & 18 -- Shooting Sports: Before you become a hunter, you must become a shooter, and the shooting sports are the best way to get started. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/hunter_education/shotsafe.phtml April 19 -- San Jacinto Festival & Battle Reenactment: You're invited to revisit this important moment in Texas history during the free San Jacinto Day Festival, Saturday, April 22. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/calendar/?calpage=s0144 April 20 & 21 -- State Parks Guide & State Parks Pass: The 2006 State Parks Guide is hot off the presses, and it's FREE. To get the best use out of it, pair it with an annual State Parks Pass, for $60; and when you buy a pass before June 30, you get a free subscription for 12-issues of Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine. Does it get much better than that? http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/parkguide http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/parkinfo/passes/parkpass/ http://www.tpwmagazine.com/ April 24, 25 & 26 -- Angler Education/Family Fishing/Tackle Loaner: We are entering a time of year when the fishing is great. So whether you're a first time angler needing to borrow tackle, a family looking for free fishing opportunities, or a seasoned fisherman who's looking to share his or her love of the sport with other's - these programs are for you. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/angler_education/ http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/calendar/?calpage=a0202 http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/learning/angler_education/tackloan.phtml April 27 -- Passport to Texas Legacies: Joe Moore, Jr.: Joe Moore, educator and former Executive Director of the Texas Water Development Board, understands the importance of freshwater inflows to the health of bays, estuaries and to us. Getting others to understand has been a challenge. www.texaxlegacy.org April 28 -- Understanding Seagrass: Sea grass - a battalion of succulent, slimy, shimmy-in-the-seawater aquatic plants -- plays a vital role in the health and vitality of marine ecosystems. Learn about it. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/water/habitats/seagrass/ 4200 Smith School Road Austin Texas 78744 * PH: 512-389-4667 * FAX: 512-389-4450 * cecilia@passporttotexas.org