Oct. 14, 2011

Third Texas Native Plant Week Celebrated Statewide

AUSTIN — With Texas in what is predicted to be an extended drought, Texas Native Plant Week Oct. 16-22 provides a great time to celebrate plants adapted to the state’s weather extremes.

Sept. 29, 2011

Take Me Outdoors Houston Set for Oct. 8 At Discovery Green

At a time when people in big cities are becoming increasingly disconnected from the world of nature and the outdoors, Take Me Outdoors Houston on Oct. 8 at Discovery Green will offer Houston’s 3rd annual free, family-oriented festival of the outdoors.

Sept. 15, 2011

Wildfire had significant impact on Bastrop State Park: How the public can help

AUSTIN – Beyond the loss of lives and property, the still-smoldering Bastrop Complex Fire has had a significant impact not only on the iconic and highly-popular Bastrop State Park but much of the entire Lost Pines ecosystem. The fire, which began north of the park on Sept. 4, claimed two lives, destroyed more than 1,500 homes, and changed the lives of thousands in Bastrop County.

Aug. 26, 2011

Deer Management Workshop Offered at Engeling Wildlife Management Area

ATHENS—The Henderson County Wildlife Committee will sponsor a white-tailed deer management workshop at the Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area on Saturday, September 24 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Aug. 25, 2011

Texas Parks and Wildlife Eyes Potential State Park in North Texas

AUSTIN — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Nature Conservancy have identified a property in Palo Pinto and Stephens Counties near the town of Strawn as a potential site for a new state park.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Manages 21.5 Percent Cut in 2012 Budget

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission today approved a 2012 budget that reflects a 21.5 percent cut in Texas Parks and Wildlife Department funding over the next two years. The agency is trying to limit impacts on the public involving state parks, fisheries and wildlife, and leaders say there are ways people can help.

Aug. 17, 2011

Drought Increases Texas Black Bear Concerns

AUSTIN — Wildlife biologists are advising hunters, ranchers and rural residents that black bears appear to be roaming longer distances and may approach people or houses in search of food and water because of the drought.

Aug. 10, 2011

Yes that deer looks lonely, but leave it be, experts say

Species including birds, deer and snakes are normally active this time of year but with water sources drying up many more animals are on the move and taking their young along as they search for resources. This means folks in rural as well as urban environments may find themselves coming across adolescent animals that may appear to need human kindness and a Disney song.

Aug. 1, 2011

Chasing after birds and mapping trails: stories of summer interns

Banding ducks off the side of a speeding airboat requires coordination and the wherewithal to lie on the front of the boat and basically hug a duck out of the water as you zoom by. If the duck makes a run for a tight spot, you’d better be ready to jump out of the boat and chase it down on foot.

July 29, 2011

Near shore artificial reefs build fish habitat, coastal economy

Reefing operations began in Port Mansfield last week in a joint project between the Coastal Conservation Association, Habitat Today for Fish Tomorrow and Texas Parks and Wildlife.