HOUSTON — Once an endangered species, the American alligator is now common in rivers, creeks, and backwater sloughs of East and South Texas. An ever-expanding human population continues to encroach upon the alligator’s domain, driving a trend of increased encounters between alligators and people.
AUSTIN — Gary E. Saul, PhD, has been named director of the Inland Fisheries Division of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Saul assumes his new position May 10.
AUSTIN — When Mother Nature shines as she’s done this spring, it makes anyone with a plot of dirt look good. But, it’s those times when the rains don’t come and the heat turns most of Texas brown and crunchy that a landowner’s mettle is put to the test. Those who can keep habitat conditions going in tough times as well as good are true conservation heroes.
AUSTIN, Texas — With spring come young, wild animals venturing from their nests and hiding places under the watchful eyes of their parents. Young animals often stray and appear to be abandoned; that’s when humans need to resist the urge to help, wildlife experts say.
The following items are compiled from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement reports.
LUMBERTON — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will join with the National Park Service, The Nature Conservancy and local communities to christen the latest Texas Paddling Trail. The 10:30 a.m. event at Village Creek State Park is one of numerous events commemorating Texas Travel Rally Day being celebrated statewide on May 11.
WESLACO — Explore the amazing world of dragonflies and damselflies at the annual Dragonfly Days, being held May 14-16 at the Valley Nature Center and Estero Llano Grande State Park. Attendees can look forward to live music, arts and crafts and learning more about these fascinating winged creatures.
AUSTIN — To celebrate the 40th Earth Day, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Executive Director Carter Smith will be planting a 15-gallon Cedar Elm at the agency’s Austin headquarters at 10 a.m. on April 22. The event will mark the donation of 65,000 trees made by the Apache Foundation Tree Grant Program to the agency.
AUSTIN — Schools and organizations across the state have begun service-learning projects to benefit wildlife and the environment with the help of Texas Healthy Habitats Grants. A total of $225,000 in Texas Healthy Habitats Grants were awarded to 15 different schools and non-profit youth organizations across the state, including near Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, Bryan, Lubbock and other cities. Each organization received up to $15,000.
AUSTIN — The invasive species Web site http://www.texasinvasives.org/ debuts a complete redesign this month, featuring new interactive features enabling people to report sightings and take action to stop the spread of invasive plants and animals that threaten the state’s economy, environment and quality of life.