TPW Television 2024-2025 Season

Program 3301 - October 6-12, 2024, and April 6-12, 2025
Gator Guardians, Las Palomas & Mattox Prairie Farm
Meet a game warden father and his biology professor son who monitor alligators and their ecosystem at Brazos Bend State Park. Follow a family in the Rio Grande Valley enjoying a day in the field on a dove hunt and back home for dinner. Julie Mattox...
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The Gator Guardians
Meet a game warden father and his biology professor son who monitor alligators and their ecosystem at Brazos Bend State Park.
Lake Somerville State Park and Trailway
Fishing, camping, mountain biking, horseback riding, birding, hiking - whatever your outdoor passion, you can pursue it at Lake Somerville State Park and Trailway.
Hunting Las Palomas
Dove hunting is a family tradition for a South Texas family. Follow them on a dove hunt at Las Palomas Wildlife Management Area and back home for dinner.
Lone Star Land Steward: Mattox Prairie Farm
Julie Mattox transformed an overgrazed dairy farm into a tallgrass prairie. But instead of getting rid of the cows, she uses them as a tool to restore the prairie ecosystem. Now it' a haven for migratory birds, but it' also an outdoor classroom where children learn about the prairie ecosystem and the wonders of nature.
Postcard From Texas: Chaparral Wildlife Management Area
In the brush country southwest of San Antonio, the “Chap” is home to javelina, bobwhite quail, Texas tortoise, and a whole lot more.

Program 3302 - October 13-19, 2024, and April 13-19, 2025
Bears Bounce Back, Longhorn Cavern, Southmost Sabals
Black bears, once common across Texas, were extirpated by the 1950s. Today, the species is experiencing a comeback in western regions of the state. Take a deep dive into Longhorn Cavern and explore a place rich in both interesting history and...
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Return of the Black Bear
Black bears, once common across Texas, were extirpated by the 1950s. Today, the species is experiencing a comeback in western regions of the state. In hopes of better understanding bear populations, the Borderlands Research Institute is leading a multiyear study to collect information important for the proper management of the species. In Sanderson, a landowner learns to live with bears.
The Pier
One of the more popular attractions at Goose Island State Park is the 1,620-foot-long fishing pier anchoring the park's bayfront. Spend some time over the water, feeling the Gulf breezes, and seeing what takes the bait.
Southmost Preserve: A Treasure at the Tip of Texas
The southern tip of Texas was once home to a vast forest of Sabal Palms, nurtured by rich South Texas soil. But over time, those forests have been almost completely cleared for agriculture. Now, efforts are underway that will protect, conserve, and restore this natural heritage.
Longhorn Cavern State Park
Longhorn Cavern is a hidden gem ready to be explored. This unique river-formed cave has been home to an underground restaurant, a concert hall, and a fallout shelter. Follow along on a tour to experience the magnificent geology and to hear some tales about the history of this legendary Hill Country cavern.
Postcard From Texas: Mill Creek
Spend some time reflecting by the water at Mill Creek Ranch in Ellis County, just west of Italy, Texas.

Program 3303 - October 20-26, 2024, and April 20-26, 2025
Gravel Roads of Texas, San Angelo State Park & Hawk Watcher
Join two friends traversing Texas on motorcycles and follow their adventure as they explore the state's gravel roads. Travel to San Angelo State Park where wide-open spaces abound and visitors can hike, bike, or gallop across more than 50 miles of...
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Lone Star Way Up
Two friends traverse Texas on motorcycle, from the state's lowest elevation to its highest. Follow along on this adventurous journey from east to west across the state.
San Angelo State Park
For a day of fun at San Angelo State Park, you can camp, hike, bike, or saddle up your horse. Or you can hit the water for some fishing, swimming and boating. Hikers, bikers, and horseback riders find adventure on over 50 miles of trails.
Lone Star Land Steward: MT7 Ranch
Located eight miles east of Breckenridge, Texas, the MT7 Ranch has elements of cross timbers, prairies, and rolling plains ecological areas. Landowners Mike and Mary Terry focus on the core principals of promoting good land stewardship, providing recreational activities, using the ranch as an outdoor classroom, and running an agri-business. The MT7 Ranch is the recipient of the 2024 Leopold Conservation Award.
Hawk Watcher
Park visitors count high-flying raptors and other flocks of migrating birds from atop the hawk observation tower at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park. Guests learn about the Hawk Watch citizen science program from a long-time park volunteer as they join in the action.
Postcard From Texas: Hueco Tanks
For thousands of years, people have trekked to these rock hills in far west Texas.

Program 3304 - October 27-November 2, 2024, and April 27-May 3, 2025
Wild Wetlands, Paddling Port O'Connor & Solar Eclipse Chasers
Join some duck hunters at the Justin Hurst Wildlife Management Area and learn how these wetlands are designed for wildlife. From paddling the bays, to sliding through a saltwater marsh, Port O'Connor has one of the best coastal paddling trails in...
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The Wild Wetlands
Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) provide public hunting opportunities for all Texans. Follow a father passing on a hunting tradition to his children at the annual Justin Hurst WMA youth waterfowl hunt. Behind the scenes, biologists work year-round to protect, conserve, and develop fertile hunting grounds.
Port O'Connor Paddling Trail
If you love to paddle and you want to get away there is no better paddling trail than the one in Port O'Connor. From paddling the bays, to sliding through a saltwater marsh, this one of the best coastal paddling trails in the state.
Blanco River Restoration
Massive floods in 2015 destroyed much of the natural habitat along the Blanco River. Texas Parks and Wildlife biologists have been working with landowners along the river to help re-establish trees and grasses, and by educating locals about the importance of managing healthy river ecosystems that are more resilient to the effects of flooding.
Eclipse Village
Viewing a solar eclipse is a wonderful experience, especially with friends and family at a beautiful place like Garner State Park. Dr. Kate Russo is a professional eclipse chaser and she's organized an eclipse village to celebrate this celestial event. Eclipses are a semi-annual phenomenon and Texas state parks are a great place to view them together.
Lone Star Land Steward: Sibley Last Chance Ranch
Welcome to Sibley Last Chance Ranch, nestled in the heart of West Texas. Owned and operated by the Sibley Family for 125 years, this ranch is a testament to dedication, tradition, and a deep love for the land. Led by Bill Sibley and his family, they're on a mission to restore and preserve the grasslands of the region, one acre at a time.
Postcard From Texas: South Padre Birds
Soar with the birds around the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center.

Program 3305 - November 3- 9, 2024, and May 4-10, 2025
Watching Whoopers, Time Capsule, Fort Boggy
Birders from all over the world flock to Port Aransas to take part in the annual Texas Whooping Crane Festival. Visit a park on the edge of East Texas where families find water, woods, and wildlife, along with primitive camping and some rather fancy...
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Watching Whoopers
The whooping crane is one of the rarest birds in the world. The only remaining wild population of whooping cranes winters at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Every year birders flock to here as well to take part in the Port Aransas Whooping Crane Festival.
Fort Boggy State Park
Visit a park on the edge of East Texas where families find water, woods, and wildlife, along with primitive camping and some rather fancy cabins nestled in the trees.
The Fox Finders
One fleet little fox is seldom seen. Is it vanishing from its range in Texas? A research team labors long hours to learn if time is running out for this elegant animal in the Panhandle Plains.
Centennial Time Capsule
During 2023's centennial celebration of Texas State Parks, park staff from across the state cast an eye to the past and the future and got together to build a Centennial Time Capsule, which they hope will capture the spirit of the first 100 years of Texas State Parks while still inspiring future generations to get outside.
Postcard From Texas: Lost Maples State Natural Area
The fall colors are showing at Lost Maples State Natural Area.

Program 3306 - November 10-16, 2024, and May 11-17, 2025
Game Warden Gear, Shrimp Science & Biking Big Bend
From airboats to night vision scopes, Gear Up for Game Wardens provides specialty equipment for Texas Game Wardens. Introduced diseases could pose a threat to native shrimp and an entire industry. See how anglers can help keep Texas shrimp stocks...
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Gear Up for Game Wardens
From airboats to night vision scopes, Gear Up for Game Wardens provides specialty equipment Texas Game Wardens use to maintain safety and ensure the highest level of service for the people of Texas.
Shrimp Science
Shrimping in Texas is a billion-dollar business, but concerns are mounting that introduced diseases could pose a serious threat to native shrimp and an entire industry. See how scientists and saltwater anglers play a role in keeping Texas shrimp stocks healthy.
Terroir
Sometimes the journey is as big as the destination, especially if you're carrying everything you need while camping and traveling by bicycle. Off-road bicycling meets backpacking in this adventure travelogue, as a group tests their endurance and documents their trek through Big Bend Ranch State Park.
Postcard From Texas: South Padre Island
Enjoy an afternoon in South Padre, catching waves at the beach and fish on the jetty.

Program 3307 - November 17-23, 2024, and May 18-24, 2025
Famous Trees, Paddling San Antonio & Fishing Facilitator
From majestic oak to towering cypress, get to know a few of the state park system's most famous trees and see what makes them special. Check out the Mission Reach Paddling Trail just south of downtown San Antonio. See how a redesigned boat is...
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Famous Trees of Texas State Parks
From majestic oaks to towering cypress, our state parks contain many remarkable trees. Three of them have risen to such a level of historical importance that they have been included on the Texas A&M Forest Service's Famous Trees of Texas Registry. Get to know a few of the state park system's most famous trees and see what makes them special.
Mission Reach Paddling Trail
When you think of a river adventure in San Antonio, the famous Riverwalk comes to mind. But there is a paddling trail of a different sort that's worth checking out.
Lone Star Land Steward: Dynamite and Mill Creek Ranch
The Dynamite and Mill Creek Ranch is just south of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The owners of this ranch have worked hard to preserve thousands of acres of prairie that supports a variety of wildlife including deer, turkey, quail, pollinators, and eagles.
The ICAN Boat
Shane Wilson and Tim Lippoldt had an instant connection when Shane realized Tim was the missing piece to his boat, the ICAN. The ICAN is a twenty-five-foot Triton boat designed to lift people with physical disabilities in and out of the water and take them fishing. See how the ICAN is bringing a new attraction to South Padre Island.
Postcard From Texas: Spring at Mattox Prairie Farm
The wildflowers are blooming in Northeast Texas at Mattox Prairie Farm.

Program 3308 - November 24-30, 2024, and May 25-31, 2025
Nature's Rhythm, Crab Trap Cleanup, Beneficial Wetland
The connection between artistic inspiration and the natural world comes to life in three unique profiles. Find out how an annual cleanup of lost and abandoned crab traps in our coastal bays and waterways helps save crabs and other sea life. And see how...
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In Tune with Nature
Art and nature have been intertwined since ancient times. The connection between music and the natural world comes to life in three unique profiles. A composer writes orchestral arrangements for the stage. A site-specific dance troupe find inspiration in the sounds of a waterfall. A tech innovator brings alive the inner life of plants with his musical invention.
The Crab Trap Collectors
For ten days each February, Texas bays are closed to crab trapping and derelict traps are collected by the thousands. Follow some dedicated volunteers as they clean up abandoned traps and save fish and crabs from the threat of ghost fishing.
John Bunker Sands Wetland Center
The John Bunker Sands Wetland Center is a one-of-a-kind outdoor classroom. Here kids can journey through a unique wetland ecosystem. But it's much more than a place to explore, this wetland also works to clean water naturally, filtering millions of gallons of Trinity River water each day to help provide clean drinking water to a growing Texas.
Postcard From Texas: Lake Whitney State Park
Relax on a quiet summer afternoon at Lake Whitney State Park.

Program 3309 - December 1- 7, 2024, and June 1- 7, 2025
Skimmer Savers, Paddling Goliad, Pineywoods Family
Learn about efforts underway to save one of the most threatened coastal birds in Texas, the Black Skimmer. Goliad State Park & Historic Site is known for its connection to history. It also has a connection to the San Antonio River as part of the Goliad...
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Skimmer Savers
If you're lucky, you might see this bird flying along the shoreline skimming the surface of the water—it's the Black Skimmer, and it's in trouble. Take a look at efforts underway to save one of the most threatened coastal birds in Texas.
Conserving Texas Grasslands
Grassland habitat is the most endangered and diminished type of habitat in North America. Large-scale habitat destruction is a major factor in the precipitous decline of grassland birds. In Texas, The Nature Conservancy is taking steps to conserve what's left.
Paddling Goliad
Goliad State Park & Historic Site is known for its connection to history. It also has a connection to the San Antonio River as part of the Goliad Paddling Trail. Take a leisurely float down this meandering river.
Lone Star Land Steward: Rocky Hill Ranch
After twenty years of working in the refineries in Houston, Blaine Morton retired and bought his family a deer hunting ranch in the Pineywoods of East Texas. Blaine soon began to learn about ways to improve the land for wildlife, including using prescribed fire. Blaine's enthusiasm for taking care of the land has spread to his family and his neighbors. Because of his efforts, he has been awarded with a Lone Star Land Steward Award by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Postcard From Texas: Coastal Prairie
Enjoy a variety of prairie plants as the sun rises on a coastal prairie south of Houston.

Program 3310 - December 8-14, 2024, and June 8-14, 2025
The Learning Ranch, Hueco Rock Rodeo, Parks on the Air
Rock climbers gather at Hueco Tanks State Park for some of the best bouldering on the planet. Volunteers learn how to conduct a prescribed fire in West Texas. Some visit parks to escape technology, but a few folks like to bring it along and do a little...
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The Learning Ranch
The 7 Oaks Ranch has forged creative partnerships with organizations and volunteers to help them manage their property for a variety of Texas wildlife. They actively implement prescribed fire, brush management, and community outreach, to educate others on land stewardship practices.
Hueco Rock Rodeo
Every year, rock climbers gather at Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site for the Hueco Rock Rodeo, a rock climbing competition amongst some of the best bouldering in the world. Meet a few climbers as they experience the challenges and natural beauty of this cherished climbing mecca.
Razing Cane
Texas Rivers and stream are under attack. The invasive Giant Reed threatens pretty much every river system in the state, but biologists are fighting back. We focus on the pristine Pedernales River and see what it takes to knock back this towering cane invader.
Parks on the Air
Some folks visit state parks to escape technology, but a few folks like to bring some along so they can do a little broadcasting.
Postcard From Texas: Birds of Mattox Prairie Farm
From Purple Martins to Bobwhite Quail, enjoy some birdwatching at the Mattox Prairie Farm in Northeast Texas.

Program 3311 - December 15-21, 2024, and June 15-21, 2025
Texas Water, Archery in School & Free Fishing
As Texas grows and prospers, securing our water future remains a critical priority for sustaining the health and resilience of our state. Follow a team of student archers from San Antonio on their journey to compete in the state finals tournament. A...
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In the Balance: The Future of Texas Water
As Texas grows and prospers, securing our water future remains a critical priority for sustaining the health and resilience of our state. Because much of Texas' water use is dedicated to agriculture, landowners are among our biggest allies in finding solutions to our water woes. The Nature Conservancy and partners are collaborating with the agricultural communities—providing incentives in exchange for access to water rights and management decisions during times of drought.
Bullseye: Archery in Schools
According to the National Archery in Schools Program, archery is a different kind of team sport. It's a great way for kids to learn focus, self-control, discipline, and patience--and it's open to any student. Follow a team of student archers from San Antonio on their journey to compete in the Texas state finals bullseye tournament.
Parks & Wildlife People: Heather England
Fishing takes skill, patience, and luck. It's a way to connect with nature, enjoy some alone time or time with friends and family. And the thrill of the catch is hard to compare. Heather England promotes fishing for Texas Parks and Wildlife. She spends most of her time indoors working to get people outdoors.
Postcard From Texas: Browns Creek
Enjoy the soothing sights and sounds of this backwoods creek in East Texas.

Program 3312 - December 22-28, 2024, and June 22-28, 2025
Seed Collectors, Operation Game Thief, Park History
Discover how plant experts collect seeds to help propagate rare plants and protect our natural heritage. A Texas Game Warden uncovers some fishy contraband during a routine stop. Learn about the history of our treasured parklands, and some hopes and...
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Seed Collectors
Most people don't think of seeds as living creatures, but that is exactly what they are. Humans have been collecting and saving seeds for thousands of years. See how this timeless skill can help us propagate rare plants and protect our natural heritage.
Operation Game Thief
Operation Game Thief is a 24/7 hotline that lets concerned citizens report hunting, fishing and boating violations to their local game wardens. If the call leads to a conviction, you could receive up to a one-thousand-dollar reward. Just call 1-800-792-GAME (4263).
Texas State Parks: The First 100 Years
The State Parks Board was created in 1923, making 2023 the 100th year of Texas' park system. Learn about the history of our treasured parklands, and some hopes and plans for the next century of state parks.
San Angelo State Park Bike Trails
Right outside of San Angelo, the state park offers several different ecosystems to explore. With 50 miles of biking trails there are opportunities for mountain bikers of all levels to enjoy.
Postcard From Texas: Desert Bighorn of Elephant Mountain
Elephant Mountain is home to a herd of desert bighorn sheep at this wildlife management area in the Trans-Pecos.

Program 3313 - December 29, 2024-January 4, 2025, and June 29-July 5, 2025
Conservation Dog Squad, Playa Protector, Jetty Fishing
Meet the Working Dogs for Conservation, a canine team that protects Texas lakes from problematic zebra mussels. Visit the High Plains of Texas, where Stan Adcock is working to preserve the Trail of Living Waters. Grab a fishing pole and head to a...
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Working Dogs for Conservation
Zebra Mussels were first detected in Texas in 2009 at Lake Texoma. Since then, these highly invasive freshwater mussels have spread across the state, wreaking havoc on Texas lakes. They threaten fish populations and can damage boats and water systems. Now, the Working Dogs for Conservation are sniffing boats at Lake Meredith National Recreation Area to help stop the spread of these little lake monsters.
Bringing Birds to Bastrop
See what makes Bastrop, Texas a great place for birds and learn how this Central Texas community has chosen to roll out the welcome mat for birds and nature tourism in general through a special designation.
Lone Star Land Steward: Adcock Ranch
Adcock Ranch, owned by Stan Adcock since 1984, is 5,500 acres of High Plains short grass prairie near Pep, Texas. This farmland's natural springs were an important part of the historic “Trail of Living Waters” that crosses the High Plains. Today it continues to support wildlife and native prairies for future generations.
Head to the Jetty
You don't need a fancy boat or chartered excursion to go fishing at the coast. Grab your fishing pole and spend the day at your nearest coastal jetty. You're sure to meet some other anglers, and you may be surprised to see what's biting.
Grassland Restoration Incentive Program
Jim Willis wanted more quail on his land, but he learned that restoring native grasses was key to wildlife populations, water, and soil health. Today the Grassland Restoration Incentive Program helps landowners improve grassland habitat.
Postcard From Texas: Clouds Over Texas
Fluffy, puffy giants go floating through air…time for some cloud watching!

Program 3314 - January 5-11, 2025, and July 6-12, 2025
Patriot Anglers, Oyster Recycling, Cibolo Creek Ranch
Join a support group that uses fly fishing as a form of therapy for veterans living with PTSD. A unique recycling program is underway, and it's helping our bays. By returning old oyster shells up and down the coast, many Texas reefs are on the...
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Patriot Anglers
Patriot Anglers helps veterans suffering from PTSD and other issues by using fly-fishing and immersion in the outdoors as a form of recreational therapy. Some are experienced anglers and others are learning to fish for the very first time. Patriot Anglers organizes mentored fishing trips like these for veterans, first-responders and members of law enforcement.
Back to the Bay
A unique recycling program is underway to help our bays. By returning old oyster shells up and down the coast, new oysters have more places to grow, and Texas reefs are on the rebound.
Cibolo Creek Ranch: A West Texas Legacy
Before the Civil War, Milton Faver built fortifications and a cattle empire around a set of springs in the Chianti Mountains. Since the early 1990s John Poindexter has restored Faver's frontier forts and the desert grasslands that once surrounded them into an oasis known as Cibolo Creek Ranch.
Postcard From Texas: Coastal Marsh
Scenes from the salt marshes of J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area.

Program 3315 - January 12-18, 2025, and July 13-19, 2025
Pocket Prairies, Bird Island, Byler Ranch
Meet a couple who got interested in building “pocket prairies” for native bees and butterflies. Meet the people saving an eroding island for nesting birds, in honor of a past protector. Visit the Byler Ranch, where the Texas Hill Country...
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Creating Habitats
Amy and Jeff Thompson just wanted a piece of property where they could ride their bikes. But one fateful phone call to get some plants identified changed their trajectory. After learning the benefits of native plants, they7apos;ve discovered a new love for their property and a wealth of natural habitat creation projects.
Surfing the Sands of Monahans
Sun, sand, and surfing are not just found at the beach. Visit Monahans Sandhills State Park near Midland-Odessa and surf, slide, or tumble down the dunes for some family fun.
A Shrinking Sundown
One of the most important rookery islands on the Texas coast is in trouble. Sundown Island in Matagorda Bay is shrinking, with its shoreline eroding at an alarming rate. But efforts are underway to save the island, in honor of its past caretaker, helping the thousands of birds that nest there.
Lone Star Land Steward: Byler Ranch
The Byler Ranch, located near Uvalde, is a stunning ranch at the confluence of the Edwards Plateau and South Texas Brush Country. The ranch has continued to grow from around 10,000 acres when purchased to over 40,000 acres of Hill Country vistas with South Texas vegetation. This ranch is a truly impressive operation focused on native wildlife management and restoration.
Postcard From Texas: Devils River State Natural Area
Scenes from the new Dan A. Hughes Unit of Devils River State Natural Area.

Program 3316 - January 19-25, 2025, and July 20-26, 2025
Mentor Magic, Fortlandia, Desert Sparrows
College students get an education in hunting, fishing, and camping. Join a team of first-time fort builders as they get together to construct a unique, nature-inspired play structure from recycled tires. Follow a survey of grassland birds near Marfa...
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Searching for Desert Sparrows
Grassland birds are declining rapidly across North America. Habitat loss has been especially tough for several species of sparrows. Research is underway from Canada to Mexico to find out how to save the disappearing grasslands and the tiny songbirds that call them home.
Snake, Rattle & Roll
We follow along as a bunch of first-time fort builders get together to fashion a nature-inspired play structure from recycled tires and other materials. The unique construction is put together as part of the annual Fortlandia exhibit at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin.
Parks and Wildlife People: Mentored Hunts
When a grateful landowner made a generous donation to Texas Parks and Wildlife, the team in Wildlife District 3 decided to use the money to help the next generation of biologists and habitat managers. They came up with an innovative way to teach college students, studying wildlife sciences, about the joys of the great outdoors. Many of the young people had little first-hand experience with nature, but now they are taking part in mentored hunts, campouts and fishing trips. The students say these new adventures and relationships with their mentors are life changing.
Postcard From Texas: Lake Meredith
Enjoy the views of the red dirt canyons and calm blue waters at this refreshing oasis in the Texas Panhandle.

Program 3317 - January 26-February 1, 2025, and July 27-August 2, 2025
White Bass Fishing, Crazy Ants Invade, Freshwater's Future
Some invasive ants are driving biologists crazy, but new research into control methods is underway at the lab and in the field. Tag along on a family outing and see how springtime is the ideal season to fish for white bass in Texas rivers and streams....
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Fun on the Run
The annual white bass run in Texas provides an enjoyable day outdoors for both new and seasoned anglers. Visit some Central Texas spots where the whole family is sure to hook some fish when the white bass are running.
Crazy Ants Invade
Some invasive ants are driving biologists crazy, but research into control methods, at the lab and in the field, offer hope for keeping these ants from wreaking havoc on our most sensitive habitats.
Treasuring Texas Rivers and Springs
Water is the lifeblood of the Lone Star State—and the key to healthy people, lands and wildlife. The Nature Conservancy has protected over 200 miles of rivers and streams across Texas. With the help of farmers, ranchers, landowners and other agencies, The Nature Conservancy continues to develop best practices for land protection and water management to preserve our state's treasured freshwater habitats, species and resources.
Postcard From Texas: Palmetto State Park
Dwarf palmettos and other beautiful tropical vegetation make Palmetto State Park a botanical wonderland.

Program 3318 - February 2- 8, 2025, and August 3- 9, 2025
Armored Catfish, Caddo Lake, Rio Grande Valley Reef
Dive into the San Marcos River to learn how spearfishing may be our best defense against an introduced aquarium fish. Visit the state park gateway to Caddo Lake and explore its rich history and swampy mystery. An artificial reef in the Gulf improves...
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Fighting an Armored Invasion
Some fish tank friends have become an ecological enemy. See how introduced suckermouth armored catfish are affecting the pristine San Marcos River and meet those working to control this invasion.
Caddo Lake State Park
Straddling the Texas-Louisiana border, swampy Caddo Lake in Northeast Texas has an unusual history and an enduring air of mystery. And Caddo Lake State Park is the ideal gateway to exploring the fascinating lake.
Rio Grande Valley Reef
A group in the Rio Grande Valley helps fish habitat and the local economy by creating and sustaining the largest area of artificial reef on the Texas coast.
Parks and Wildlife People: Erin Freiboth
How many people can say they have been to every state park in Texas? Erin Freiboth is one. She made it her quest to see the splendor of Texas for two reasons. She loves to connect with the natural wonders this state has to offer, and her job is to tell the story of Texas State Parks and get people outside.
Postcard From Texas: Caprock Canyons State Park
Soar like a bird over the colorful canyons and bluffs at this scenic park.

Program 3319 - February 9-15, 2025, and August 10-16, 2025
Crayfish Concerns, Mentored Fishing, Cooking Drum
Texas Parks and Wildlife aquatic biologists track a Texas invader, the Australian redclaw crayfish. Newbie anglers discover the outdoors through a mentored fishing program. Chef Davis Turner of Austin's Huckleberry prepares a special black drum...
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Crayfish Concerns
Texas has a new invader, the Australian redclaw crayfish. Aquatic biologists discovered the invasive crayfish in the Rio Grande Valley and are now worried that it might spread.
Fort Richardson State Park and Historic Site
History is the highlight at Fort Richardson, where buildings of this North Texas frontier fort continue to loom large. But even if today's travelers aren't settling the West, many still come to pitch tents and blaze trails.
Mentored Fishing
Sometimes getting outdoors can be a little intimidating. Novice hunters and anglers often have a lot of questions that aren't easily answered by “googling” it. Finding a mentor can help break down these barriers to entry. The Stewards of the Wild Program offers mentored hunting and fishing trips throughout the year with the goal of introducing a new generation of conservation leaders to Texas' treasured outdoor traditions. Learn more at https://tpwf.org/sotw
Wild Game Cooking: Black Drum on a Half-Shell
While some prefer flounder, red drum, snapper, or some more glamorous fish, many anglers maintain that black drum less than five pounds, cleaned and prepared properly, may be better than many of these so-called “choice” fish. Join Chef Davis Turner of Huckleberry (Austin, Texas) as he cooks up a special dish from his childhood: black drum on a half-shell.
Postcard From Texas: San Marcos River
Take a relaxing trip along this wild stretch of the San Marcos River.

Program 3320 - February 16-22, 2025, and August 17-23, 2025
Lights Out for Birds, Goose Island, Building a Park
Follow volunteers monitoring bird injuries and mortalities in downtown Dallas and learn how keeping our lights out during migration can help our feathered friends. Feel the Gulf breezes and listen to the lapping water at Goose Island State Park north...
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Lights Out for the Birds
During spring and fall migration, billions of birds fly over Texas, with most traveling at night. Artificial lighting from our homes and businesses can disorient migrating birds and collisions with buildings are taking a toll. Follow a group of volunteers with Texas Conservation Alliance monitoring bird injuries and mortalities in downtown Dallas and learn how keeping lights out during bird migration can help save our feathered friends.
Goose Island State Park
Lapping water and Gulf breezes: We must be on the coast! Goose Island offers camping, fishing and birding along St. Charles and Aransas bays, north of Corpus Christi.
Wild Game Cooking: Gulf Coast Barbecue Crab
The blue crab is the most common edible crab along the Texas Gulf Coast. Blue crabmeat is tasty and can be prepared in a number of ways. Join Chef Davis Turner of Huckleberry (Austin, Texas) as he shares a special recipe for cooking up some fresh caught blue crab.
Parks & Wildlife People: Kim Shelton
In the heart of the Texas Hill Country, there is a birth happening. It's a new Texas State Natural Area. The first in almost twenty years. But a park isn't just trees and grasses and streams. Parks need structure. And who better to make that happen than someone who spent most of her life living in a state park.
Postcard From Texas: Snow Birds
Some chilly birds search for food in the ice and snow and brighten up an extra-cold winter day.

Program 3321 - February 23-March 1, 2025, and August 24-30, 2025
Weekend at Ray Roberts Lake State Park
Spend a weekend at Ray Roberts Lake State Park and explore why camping families, biking clubs, horse riders, dog walkers and anglers choose to spend their leisure time at this multi-faceted park north of Denton. While the large lake and oak-covered...
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Weekend Getaway
In this special episode of Texas Parks and Wildlife, we visit Ray Roberts Lake State Park for the weekend, meeting a camping family, equestrian trail-riders, mountain bikers and anglers, all enjoying this North Texas park in their own way. Find out why all of these folks choose to spend their leisure time at this multi-faceted park north of Dallas and Fort Worth.
Postcard From Texas: Passing Time at Ray Roberts Lake State Park
Sail along the shore, and watch the sun arc across the sky. Time flies at Ray Roberts Lake State Park.

Program 3322 - March 2- 8, 2025, and August 31-September 6, 2025
Alligator Tracking, Goliad Illumination, Habitat Barge
Join a team of scientists as they study the elusive American alligator in the wetlands along the upper Texas coast. Witness “The Illumination,” a special annual event that highlights the architectural mysteries of Mission Espiritu Santo at...
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Tracking Texas Gators
Join a team of scientists as they study the elusive American alligator in the wetlands along the upper Texas coast. Using satellite transmitters, they track these ancient predators to study their movements and uncover their secrets.
Goliad Illumination
Once a year, visitors to Goliad State Park & Historic Site can witness what is known as “The Illumination.” The Franciscan missionaries designed Mission Espiritu Santo so that on April 16th, the setting sun would shine through a window on the west end of the building and illuminate the crucifix in the east end of the chapel.
Habitat Barge
Texas Inland Fisheries celebrates the inaugural voyage of their new “habitat barge” creating artificial aquatic habitats at the bottom of Lake Fork, benefitting both fish and anglers alike. These new rocky reefs provide cover for many smaller species that larger fish feed on, making Lake Fork an even better spot for anglers. Now they're ready to do the same for lakes across Texas.
Postcard From Texas: McKinney Falls State Park
Listen to Onion Creek flowing over limestone ledges and splashing into pools at McKinney Falls State Park.

Program 3323 - March 9-15, 2025, and September 7-13, 2025
Austin Food Forest, Birding Oasis, Conservation Leader
Volunteers maintain a lush urban greenspace in the middle of downtown Austin. In the driest region of Texas, some ingenious landowners have created their own desert birding oases. Conservation biologist Angela England works to stop a 20-foot-tall grass...
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Austin Food Forest
Festival Beach Food Forest is a community garden in downtown Austin growing edible landscapes on public park land. Every second Saturday of the month, volunteers practice permaculture principles that keep this place beautiful and bountiful for everyone. It's open to the public and folks are encouraged to harvest responsibly.
Bastrop State Park
For more than 70 years, folks have visited Bastrop State Park to enjoy its history and marvel at the Lost Pines. Forest fires and floods have ravaged the park in recent years. Now comes rebirth: new trees, new plants and new life. Come experience the park's recovery from nature's fury.
West Texas Wetlands
In the driest region of Texas, meet some ingenious landowners who created their own desert oasis'. From Presidio to Balmorhea, new man-made wetlands are attracting not only birds but some excited birders. And if you head to one particular oasis, you'll see one of the rarest hummingbirds found in the United States.
Parks & Wildlife People: Angela England
At times it seems like everyone is moving to Texas. And it's not just people. There are some unwelcome invasive species that have found the Lone Star State very inviting. Conservation biologist, Angela England has rolled up the welcome mat and is now on a mission to drive one invader back to where it came from.
Postcard From Texas: Cycling Park Road 1
Take a two-wheeled trip between Bastrop and Buescher State Parks.

Program 3324 - March 16-22, 2025, and September 14-20, 2025
Flounder Science, Wildlife Selfies, Green Turtle Team
At Sea Center Texas, a saltwater hatchery is producing southern flounder fingerlings to boost populations of this popular fish in the Gulf. With the aid of game cameras, see the variety of animals that benefit from man-made water guzzlers. As green sea...
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Devils River Opening
Along the crystal-clear waters of its namesake river, the new Dan A. Hughes Unit of Devils River State Natural Area is unlike any other place in Texas.
Stocking Flounder
Texas Parks and Wildlife raises southern flounder at their coastal hatcheries and release these hatchery-reared fish into the wild to supplement existing populations. Due to long-term declines in the wild flounder population, these stock enhancement efforts are important to maintain a sustainable flounder fishery in our public waters.
Water for Wildlife, and the Pictures to Prove It
In the middle of a desert, along the Rio Grande River, in the middle of nowhere, is Black Gap Wildlife Management Area. It's here that you can find a surprising wealth of wildlife such as deer, bear, quail, mountain lion and desert bighorn sheep. But without water, none of these animals could exist in this area. So biologists build and maintain water catchment devices called guzzlers to help the wildlife. With the aid of game cameras, it's amazing to see the variety of animals that benefit from the guzzlers.
Green Turtle Rescuers
When green sea turtles show up on South Texas beaches in larger numbers than ever, Dr. Donna Shaver and a network of staff and volunteers get busy rescuing stuck or stranded turtles that need a little help getting to safety.
Postcard From Texas: Roadside Wildflowers
Bright blooms carpet Texas roadsides with color and liven up long drives.

Program 3325 - March 23-29, 2025, and September 21-27, 2025
Fishing for Walleye, Dive Team, Javelina Research
The Panhandle's Lake Meredith is known nationwide as one of the South's best walleye fisheries. Candidates try out for a spot on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Dive and Underwater Recovery Team. Wildlife biologists and...
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Fishing for Walleye
Lake Meredith, a 16,000-acre, canyon-type reservoir located northeast of Amarillo, was created when the Canadian River was impounded in 1965. This Panhandle lake is known nationwide as one of the South's best walleye fisheries. Whether you're looking for a trophy-sized female or a limit of smaller walleye for the fryer, spring is the right time to try this West Texas reservoir.
Javelina Homeland
A new research project in South Texas is taking a closer look at the javelina, also known as the collared peccary. These short stocky animals are often mistaken for feral hogs, but they actually belong to a totally separate family of mammals. Follow along as a group of researchers attempts to capture a “squadron” of javelinas for their study.
Making the Team
The Texas Game Warden Dive Team responds to urgent situations across the state. A group of applicants compete for a coveted spot on the elite team by proving their physical strength and ability to be a good teammate.
Postcard From Texas: Enchanted Rock Expansion
The Texas Hill Country is about to get more “enchanting” thanks to the recent purchase of property adjacent to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area in Llano County. Check out the new views!

Program 3326 - March 30-April 5, 2025, and September 28-October 4, 2025
Bat Rescuers, Birdability, Bighorn Sheep
The Austin Bat Refuge is giving orphaned and injured bats a second chance by rehabilitating them in a safe environment until they're ready to be released back into the wild. Meet Virginia Rose, a birder who started a national movement to introduce...
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Austin Bat Refuge
Austin Texas is home to the largest urban bat colony in the world with one and a half million Mexican free-tailed bats living under the South Congress Avenue bridge. It's also home to the Austin Bat Refuge where orphaned and injured bats are rehabilitated in a safe environment until they're ready to be released back into the wild.
Birdability
In cooperation with Travis Audubon, we bring you this special video presentation. Virginia Rose, a passionate advocate for birding accessibility and inclusivity, is the driving force behind Birdability, an initiative dedicated to introducing people with access challenges to birding, making birding sites and festivals more accessible, and ensuring that birding communities are welcoming and inclusive for everybody. For more information: birdability.com and travisaudubon.org
Restoring Texas Bighorn
A daring mission unfolds to restore Desert Bighorn Sheep to West Texas. From helicopter captures to their release in the Franklin Mountains, wildlife experts race to save a species battling habitat loss, disease, and invasive threats.
Postcard From Texas: Sandcastles
Watch a master sandcastle crafter at work on the beaches of Galveston Island State Park.