AUSTIN— Starting July 8, the Battleship Texas State Historic Site is reducing its visitation hours to allow staff full accessibility to the ship and its historic artifacts ahead of an upcoming trip to a drydock facility for major repairs to restore the ship’s leaking hull. The ship will be closed to the public Monday-Thursday and open weekends 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
AUSTIN— Last year, Texas’ temperatures soared to record highs and staff at more than 40 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department sites handled 134 incidents relating to heat-related illnesses in humans and pets. On the eve of the official start of summer, TPWD experts are sharing their top six heat hacks for staying safe in the outdoors during the blistering Texas heat.
AUSTIN – With long summer holidays on the horizon, many anglers are looking for unique fishing destinations to explore with friends and family. This year, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department fisheries staff are encouraging Texans to try heading west to target a variety of fish species and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
On June 1, researchers put leg bands on fuzzy Aplomado falcon chicks at Mustang Island State Park, where a pair of adult falcons occupy one of 67 artificial nest structures maintained along the Texas coast. A few days later, on June 5, scientists banded the 500th Aplomado falcon in Texas. It’s all part of ongoing monitoring to maintain the success of a wildlife restoration effort begun decades ago.
PILOT POINT— Ray Roberts Lake State Parks’ Isle Du Bois Unit is closing its day use area for a major capital repair project until fall 2019. The closure begins May 28 and includes the swimming area, picnic area and pavilions.
AUSTIN— The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved $3.81 million dollars in grants to fund 22 motorized and non-motorized recreational trail-related projects across the state.
LA PORTE— The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site and the Battleship Texas State Historic Site will be reopening to the public May 8 after the recent chemical fire in La Porte.
AUSTIN— More than 150 cities around the world, including eight in Texas, are gearing up to compete in this year’s annual City Nature Challenge. From April 26-29, Amarillo, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston, Lower Rio Grande Valley and San Antonio can participate in the challenge to see which urban area has the most diverse landscape.
GLEN ROSE –Green Mountain Energy and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) unveiled the completion of solar installations at three state parks across Texas at a ceremonial “Flip the Switch” event at Dinosaur Valley State Park. These three installations are the latest in a long-standing sustainability partnership to bring renewable energy to Texas State Parks.
AUSTIN— From Easter egg hunts to egg coloring, Texas State Parks are hopping with unique Easter programs for the whole family to enjoy.