AUSTIN — The entirety of Powderhorn Ranch is now in the hands of the people of Texas. In a land transaction that closed Oct. 27, Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF) donated the final 1,360 acres to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). In 2018, TPWF donated 14,998 acres of the property to TPWD for Powderhorn Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The remainder of the property that transferred last week will one day become a state park.
AUSTIN— In honor of both active and retired military, daily entrance fees at Texas State Parks will be waived for all day-use visitors Sunday, Nov. 14.
ATHENS — The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is pleased to announce a new event to honor and support veterans. “Veterans Day at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center” will be held from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, with free admission for veterans and their families.
AUSTIN – Corporate and conservation partners are coming together to enhance wetlands on Richland Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) to improve wildlife habitat and water resources in the Trinity River Basin.
DENTON— Ray Roberts Lake State Park will be reopening the Highway 380 access point to the Greenbelt Unit at 8 a.m., Oct. 27. This will reopen about four miles of multi-use trail and allow for hiking, biking, and equestrian access. The kayak launch and designated equestrian trailhead at the highway 380 access point will remain closed until further notice.
AUSTIN – Ghouls and goblins of all ages are invited to a variety of family-friendly Halloween-themed events at state parks across Texas that are guaranteed to provide a witchy good time. Activities range from educational conversations on creepy crawlies and nocturnal animals to pumpkin scavenger hunts along park trails. Anyone interested in finding an event in their area can visit the TPWD state park calendar for a list of spooky events and updates.
ATHENS – The East Texas family tradition continues October 28 when “Halloween at the Hatchery” returns to the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center after being cancelled in 2020 due to the public health crisis. The annual event provides a safe place to go trick-or-treating while raising money for three local beneficiaries, The Rainbow Room, East Texas Crisis Center and the Athens High School Fishing Team.
AUSTIN— After closing its doors in 2013 due to extensive damage from the Halloween flood, the Smith Visitors Center at McKinney Falls State Park is now open. To commemorate the reopening of the building, the park will be hosting a series of guided programs on Saturday, Oct. 16.
EL PASO— Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site invites the public to come celebrate its 27th Annual Interpretive Fair Oct. 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This event will be free, and all park entry fees will be waived for the weekend.
VALLEY VIEW – Ray Roberts Lake State Park is excited to announce the grand opening of a new Nature Center at the Johnson Branch of the park Saturday, October 9. The grand opening event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., beginning with a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony followed by tours of the facility. The park is also waiving entrance fees for this special event.