Passport to Texas

TPW TV: Black Bears Return Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The Black bears population in Texas has dwindled because of habitat destruction. But on a parks and Wildlife TV segment this month, we learn they’re making a comeback. Producer Abe Moore.

59—I was really interested in doing the story because I didn’t really know much about black bears. And it turns out that more and more bears are starting to show up in certain parts of east Texas.

So, this was a study to see where the bears are hanging out in East Texas, and where the best bear habitat is.

Thanks Abe.

The show airs on PBS the week of January 8 through 14. Check your local listings.

The Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program…funded by your purchase of fishing and hunting equipment and motor boat fuel….

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

2012 Spring Outdoor Woman Workshop Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The popular Becoming and Outdoors Woman Program from Parks and Wildlife offers weekend workshops to help women 18 years and older to develop or hone their outdoor skills.

05—The fall workshop—when registration opened—it filled up within 10 days.

Heidi Rao coordinates the program. March 23 through 25 is the date of the next workshop in Brownwood. Heidi says a trained staff guides participants through a variety of activities.

17—A third of the activities that we offer are hunting and shooting and wildlife based learning. A third of the activities are fishing and boating and water based activities. And the final third of the activities are the non-consumptive such as bird-watching, astronomy, camping and backpacking.

Attendees choose activities in which to participate. Heidi adds it is a safe, supportive environment where women engage the natural world. And if the March Becoming an Outdoor Woman Workshop interests you, better contact Heidi soon.

09—From the people that could not make it into the fall workshop, we already have a waiting list growing by the day to get into the March event.

So what makes this such a popular program?

02—It’s fun. It’s absolutely fun.

Find information about BOW on the TWP website.

The Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program supports our series, and is funded by your purchase of fishing and hunting equipment and motor boat fuel….For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

State Parks: Help Now Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Record drought, heat, wildfires and a drop in visitation and revenue have led to a critical situation for your state parks. Texas Parks and Wildlife Executive Director Carter Smith is reaching out to Texans to help save these natural treasures.

:10—We depend upon our state park visitors to help keep our state parks open so that all Texans can use and enjoy them. But, if we’re going to do that, we’ve got to raise $4.6 million dollars, and we need to do it very quickly if we’re going to keep these special places open for all Texans to enjoy.

There are three simple ways Texans can help to keep your parks open.

:18—You can go to our website and make a tax deductible contribution to help support your state parks. Coming January when you go to renew your vehicle registration, you’re going to be given an opportunity to make a $5 or more contribution to support your state parks. And also, most importantly, take your family out and go visit one of your state parks and do it as often as you can.

Smith adds that unlike some other states, Texas depends on visitor fees to fund park operations.

12—So by the simple act of all of us going out and visiting a state park you’re helping to keep your parks well stewarded and well cared for. So go out and have fun and take your family out and enjoy your state parks. It will help all of them.

Go to texasstateparks.org/helpnow to find out how you can help save your state parks. That’s texasstateparks.org/helpnow. Thank you.

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

Resolve to Have Outdoor Adventures! Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This is Passport to Texas

Don’t you love the start of a New Year? It‘s totally fresh and filled with possibilities. So, take a few minutes to consider how you’re going to make this year better for you and your family.

One way would be to get outside more, because—as we like to say: life’s better outside.

Spending time in the natural world has a way of resetting the brain and giving you a fresh perspective. Researchers have discovered that children who spend time in nature do better on exams, and are less disruptive in the classroom.

Bring a pair of walking shoes to the office, and during your lunch hour, stroll outdoors in the fresh air. Even if you’re in a city, you can still observe the varied wildlife and plant life you see along the way. It’s amazing how much nature you can actually find in a concrete jungle.

Spend time with friends or family at one of your state parks. Most folks are within 90 minutes of a state park; many are much closer. Take a nature hike, ride a bike. Pitch a tent and sleep under the stars, or find a park with cabins and rough it indoors.

Commit to learning something new about Texas history by visiting one of the state’s incredible historic sites.

There’s a world of wonder out there, and once you spend more time outdoors, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

That’s our show… from all of us at Passport to Texas, we wish you a New Year filled with outdoor adventure…For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti

Butchering and Curing Program Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

They’re going whole hog at Barrington Living History Farm next month. On January 14 & 15 they’ll present a hog butchering and curing program to the public.

05—Butchering is just one part of many things that we do seasonally throughout the year.

Barb King is a park interpreter at the farm, located at Washington-on-the-Brazos SHS. The program takes place outdoors in January just as would have happened in 1850s rural Texas.

15—So, all the meat that will be produced, and the sausage and the fat that we will save for soap or cooking all needs to be at a constant temperature, which is cold—like your fridge—so that we can start the curing process without worrying about it spoiling.

The public will not witness staff dispatch the Ossabaw Island Hog: a heritage breed. But after that, Barb says the rest is for public view. And while this is primarily a demonstration…

18—People are able to do a tiny bit if they choose—like helping us scrape the hogs. But cutting up the carcass into specific portions of meat is only done by staff. A lot of people come right at 10, and we normally have a big group waiting. And then on Sunday, we focus on more of the preservation aspect.

Visitors may return Sunday to see how staff cures the meat for storage. The butchering and curing program at Barrington Living History Farm is January 14 & 15, beginning at 10 a.m. both days. Find complete details at texasstateparks.org.

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