WHITNEY — Spring brought a new activity to Lake Whitney State Park’s popular mix of fishing, boating and wildlife watching: facility upgrading. Workmen are already busy on a host of improvements slated for this water-focused central Texas park.
ATHENS — Lake Amistad moved into sole possession of second place in the number of Toyota ShareLunkers produced this season on April 21 when Marion Merritt from Florida caught ShareLunker No. 502.
WESLACO — Explore the amazing world of dragonflies and damselflies at the annual Dragonfly Days, being held May 14-16 at the Valley Nature Center and Estero Llano Grande State Park. Attendees can look forward to live music, arts and crafts and learning more about these fascinating winged creatures.
ATHENS — Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will be conducting a free Hunter Education New Instructor Training Workshop Saturday, May 15th, 2010 in Whitney, Texas. The workshop will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the US Army Corp of Engineers Lake Whitney Offices at 285 CR 3602, Clifton, TX 76634.
AUSTIN — To celebrate the 40th Earth Day, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Executive Director Carter Smith will be planting a 15-gallon Cedar Elm at the agency’s Austin headquarters at 10 a.m. on April 22. The event will mark the donation of 65,000 trees made by the Apache Foundation Tree Grant Program to the agency.
CADDO — One of Texas’ most scenic and popular water-sport parks will soon boast two new rustic-style cabins to meet the eager demand of year-round visitors. Thanks to bond funding authorized by the Texas Legislature and approved by statewide voters, Texas Parks and Wildlife is currently replacing two dilapidated Possum Kingdom cabins built shortly after World War II. The new cabins, to be completed this fall, will have increased space and amenities, be more fire resistant and meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
AUSTIN — Schools and organizations across the state have begun service-learning projects to benefit wildlife and the environment with the help of Texas Healthy Habitats Grants. A total of $225,000 in Texas Healthy Habitats Grants were awarded to 15 different schools and non-profit youth organizations across the state, including near Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, Bryan, Lubbock and other cities. Each organization received up to $15,000.
AUSTIN — Golden alga (Prymnesium parvum) has once again impacted two very important reservoirs and fisheries on the Brazos River system. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists have been monitoring golden alga blooms and resulting fish kills on both Possum Kingdom Reservoir and Lake Whitney.
AUSTIN — The invasive species Web site http://www.texasinvasives.org/ debuts a complete redesign this month, featuring new interactive features enabling people to report sightings and take action to stop the spread of invasive plants and animals that threaten the state’s economy, environment and quality of life.
ATHENS, Texas — Athens will celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) May 8 with food, music and dancing in addition to the normal TFFC activities such as fishing, tram rides and dive show presentations.