AUSTIN – With only a few weeks left until kids are back in school, the chance for a summertime visit to a Texas state park is dwindling. And, while some state parks report slowing visitation, dropping lake levels, trickling rivers and parched vegetation and wildlife due to the persistent drought and heat, others are faring quite well and are continuing to draw crowds seeking recreational opportunities in the great outdoors.
HOUSTON – Restoration of 290 acres of bald cypress swamp, bottomland hardwood forest and savannah began on June 1 at Sheldon Lake State Park on the northeast side of Houston.
HOUSTON – The welcome rains subsided just in time for a crowd of 100-plus to witness the unveiling of the new John Jacob Observation Tower at Sheldon Lake State Park Thursday morning, on the east side of Texas’ largest city.
DAINGERFIELD, TX—After almost an entire calendar year of closure for repairs and renovations to facilities and campgrounds, Daingerfield State Park is once again set to host visitors at its Pineywood and lake setting, beginning Friday, June 24.
EL PASO — Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site has been selected to participate in the 2011 “This Place Matters” Community Challenge sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. One hundred sites were chosen from over 250 applicants from around the country to compete in a popularity contest for three cash prizes. The winning sites will be determined by the number of votes received through the National Trust’s Web site. The top prize is $25,000.
AUSTIN – Texans don’t need to get down and dirty this summer to help plant trees in their state park system. With the ease of a mouse click, visitors can designate a tree to be planted in a Texas State Park through the Odwalla Plant a Tree program, a partnership to support the environment and help with reforestation projects.
CONCAN — To celebrate 70 years of serving literally millions of visitors at one of the most visited natural attractions in Texas, Garner State Park will mark its anniversary this Saturday, June 4, and commemorate the role of the historic Civilian Conservation Corp that helped shape the scenic Hill Country retreat located north of the town of Uvalde along the Frio River.
CADDO – Possum Kingdom State Park, blackened but not bowed by April wildfires, reopened today just in time for the traditionally busy Memorial Day weekend.
Get your kids hooked on the outdoors this summer with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Go Fish! summer event series. Free fishing lessons for the young and young at heart will be hosted around the state at selected state parks throughout May, June and July.
CONCAN, TX—Thanks to thousands of votes by Texans this past year, Garner State Park is receiving dozens of new, healthy trees from the annual Odwalla plant-a-tree promotional campaign.