WICHITA FALLS – Biologists from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Inland Fisheries office in Wichita Falls recently completed fall electrofishing and spring gillnet surveys on Possum Kingdom Reservoir, finding striped bass populations to be at their highest in 14 years.
AUSTIN— The findings from an unprecedented national study of Americans’ relationship to nature reveal an alarming disconnection, but also widespread opportunities for reconnecting. The results are prompting nature conservation, environmental education, and outdoor recreation leaders to rethink how they work to connect people with nature.
GRAPELAND— Experience how early Texas settlers lived at the 12th annual Mission Tejas Folk Festival 10 a.m. — 3 p.m. Saturday, April 29, at Mission Tejas State Park.
The following items are compiled from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement reports.
AUSTIN – Efforts to stop aquatic invasive species from taking over Texas waterways are ramping up this spring, made possible through record funding from state lawmakers. Invaders like giant salvinia, zebra mussels and many others blanket waterways and block boating, fishing and swimming, crowd out native species, spoil rivers and lakes, and clog power plant and municipal water pipes. Experts say it’s a huge challenge, but progress is being made, and the public still has a key role to play.
COLLEGE STATION – Dr. Kevin Conway is ecstatic.
AUSTIN – It’s officially catfish stocking season in Texas, and thanks to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Neighborhood Fishin’ program families won’t have to travel outside of the city to catch them.
SAN ANTONIO – A new wheelchair accessible nature trail will be unveiled at Government Canyon State Natural Area at a ribbon cutting ceremony at 9 a.m., Saturday, April 22. The 1.25-mile Discovery Trail and will connect with the ADA accessible nature playscape that was opened last month.
MONT BELVIEU – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is inviting the public to take part in the free 2nd Annual Spring Outdoor Celebration from noon to 5 p.m. at the Mont Belvieu City Park east of Houston on April 22nd. This celebration of the outdoors offers a chance for kids and families to participate in and learn more about fun activities in the natural environment.
FORT DAVIS – Davis Mountains State Park, in cooperation with the Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI), is bringing good food, fun and delicious competition back to the mountains this spring with the Third Annual Mile High Chili Cook Off from noon - 4 p.m., Saturday, April 22.