Passport to Texas

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

The Texas Parks and Wildlife TV series airs a segment this month about a splash course in Marine Science. Producer, Don Cash.

The Down Under, Out Yonder Program is sponsored by the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, and what it does, it takes teachers, educators out on a five-day workshop, and it’s on a boat, and what they’re trying to do is teach the teachers about marine sciences, and they in turn will take that back to their classrooms.

I want to be able to go back in and relate this to my students in my class next year.

One of the schools in Houston that we feature has actually started a scuba diving class in the school—and the students are becoming certified scuba divers.

It’s fun. It’s hand’s on. They’ll walk away from here, and not matter where they go in the world, they’re a certified scuba diver. And they learned that at F.M. Black Middle School.

The marine science to a science education class is a natural connection, but one of the different connections was, an art teacher who went and took a lot of the photographs and stuff back to his classroom and had his students drawing what he had seen down in the ocean. So, it’s a really interesting program. A great way to teach teachers is to get them out there in the environment, and they can take that hands-on experience and bring it back to their classrooms.

Thanks Don.

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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Here’s a link to cut and paste into your browser that will take you to the Down Under, Out Yonder program Don talked about,
http://www.gulfmex.org/duoy.htm

CLICK HERE to find the PBS station near you that broadcast the TP&W Television series.

T&PW TV Feature: Down Under, Out Yonder Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

San Antonio mom, Karen Spangrud, wanted to explore Texas with her son, and not break the bank. She decided to take him camping.

Someone suggested Garner State Park. And, how can you go wrong with Garner? So, we packed up our truck and off we went.

Karen didn’t grow up knowing about camping and recreational opportunities at Texas state parks, until she was invited to go on a camp out.

I first learned about Texas State Parks through a friend’s parents. The invited me to dinner, and to possibly stay over with them—years ago when I was in school. It was so much fun, I had never thought of doing it before.

When Karen became a mother, she knew Texas State Parks would be valuable to her son’s formative years. And his first camping tip proved it.

He was so excited to sleep in a tent. It’s not the same as a tent in the backyard. He woke up talking about the noises heard overnight [and wondered] if the deer had come by, [and] if the raccoons had come by. He has really developed an affinity for the outdoors, and he’s exploring climbing trees, he’s looking at the wildlife, looking at the scat—little boys think that’s really cool—and he’s really become quite a little naturalist, which is great.

What’s your story? Go to passporttotexas.org as Karen did and tell us what like to do in the great Texas outdoors.

That’s out show…reminding you that Life’s Better Outside…for Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

Outdoor Story: Karen Spangrud Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

College students—take your spring break to the extreme; go on a camel trek at Monahans Sandhills State Park.

The camel treks at Monahans Sandhills State Park are pretty extreme adventures. This isn’t a short, quick tourist jaunt through the dunes… we’re talking 3,000 acres of sand dunes.

Doug Baum, who is the proprietor of the Texas Camel Corps, www.texascamelcorps.com, guides trek participants through this Trans Pecos region park on camelback. He says exploring the dunes is better aboard a ship of the desert.

The trip themselves focus on the flora, the fauna, the history and the prehistory of the Trans Pecos Region. The camels are carrying all of our gear so it really makes exploring through the dunes very easy. They’re carrying all the water, the groceries, the tents and camping supplies. It’s a really unique way to go through the dunes and experience that very unique part of Texas.

Due to high winds in spring, Doug forewarns spring-breakers that you will get personal with sand.

Springtime is beautiful in the Trans Pecos but it can get a little windy. You can expect sand to get everywhere. Folks should get very creative when they think of where everywhere means. Sand will get everywhere.

I think we get it. Find links to Camel Corps,www.texascamelcorps.com, at passporttotexas.org.

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

Spring Break: College Students Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

Spend time with the family outdoors this spring break.

I believe it’s very important for families to spend time outdoors. Especially in the metropolitan areas, (where) people aren’t able to fully experience nature in a natural setting.

Doug Huggins is assistant complex superintendent at Bastrop State Park, and says parks buffer visitors from the hubbub of city life.

It’s a good place to see nature, to look at the flora and fauna, and get out of the city and feel like you’re away from it all… and you can leave all the hustle, bustle and business behind, and slow down for a little while to think about what’s going on right here right now.

Weather during spring break can be cold and wet, but don’t let that keep you from the great outdoors. Think Cabins—like those at Bastrop State park.

They’re nice and cozy. They also have heaters and they have fire rings outside so you can have fires and roast marshmallows and make s’mores. It’s a great place to spend time with the family; and in the late winter, early springtime we still have some people that come out who take advantage of the bluebird days when it’s mild and the sun is out, to look at what winter residents we have at the park.

We have a link to state park information and reservations at passporttotexas.org

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

Spring Break: Family Fun Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

Introduce youngsters to photography this spring break as a fun and affordable way to get them interested in nature and the outdoors.

I believe that all children have a basic connection with the outdoors and I do feel that photography is a good way to develop that bond. It can really enhance that experience altogether.

Texas Parks and Wildlife photographer Chase Fountain says picture taking is a great way for kids to record and enhance their experiences in nature.

Let’s say you’re out and about and you’re on a family vacation… that’s a great way for you to be able to record those memories and take them back with you. With today’s technology and digital
cameras only starting at $20, it’s affordable for almost any family to buy cameras for the kids and let them experience nature.

The key to getting kids outside is to find something that makes going outdoors sound like more fun than indoors.

As far as utilizing photography… you know every kid is different and maybe some kids won’t like photography, but for some that might just be the proper tool to get them outdoors.

Visit passporttotexas.org for more ideas for getting your kids engaged in the outdoors.

That’s our show…with research and writing help from Alanna Jones… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.
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Links to help connect your kids with nature and photography:
http://www.forestwander.com/news/2008/01/28/young-nature-photo-competition-winners/
http://www.adobe.com/education/digkids/tips/photo/nature.html
http://www.betterphoto.com/photography-for-kids.asp
http://www.biglearning.org/treasure-photography-for-kids.htm

Spring Break: Kids & Photography Play Now | Play in Popup | Download