TPW Television 2025-2026 Season

Program 3401 - October 5-11, 2025, and April 19-25, 2026
Fishing Olympics, Bison Bones, Pocket Prairies
Sea Center Texas hosts the annual Special Olympics fishing contest, where athletes compete to catch the greatest weight of fish. In Caprock Canyons State Park, archeologists uncover ancient bison bones at a rare site where Indigenous peoples once...
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Special Olympics
Sea Center Texas hosts the annual Special Olympics fishing contest, where athletes compete to catch the greatest weight of fish. It's open to all ages and levels of experience, with some novice anglers reeling in huge fish for the very first time.
Digging for Clues
Deep within the rugged cliffs of Caprock Canyons State Park, a team of archeologists uncover ancient bison bones at a rare prehistoric hunting site. Known as a bison jump, the site reveals how Indigenous peoples once used the land's natural features to survive. As the team excavates, they connect with Texas' distant past—preserving history before it erodes away.
Planting Pocket Prairies
Native bees, butterflies, moths and other pollinators do the important work of pollinating most species of flowering plants, helping food crops and our native habitats grow. But many critical species are facing decline as the prairie habitat they need to survive is lost to monoculture, development and other land uses. From planting pocket prairies to using native plants in landscaping, there's something all of us can do to help pollinators and prairies thrive.
Becoming an Outdoor Woman
30 years ago, the Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshop brought women in Texas together for a weekend of outdoor activities. Follow Christina Johnson through a weekend of classes that give her the skills to gain confidence in archery and shotgun shooting. For more information on what the workshop offers and when, go to: https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/bow
Postcard From Texas: A Night at Davis Mountains Preserve
Catch a glimpse of some nocturnal wildlife at the Davis Mountains Preserve in West Texas.

Program 3402 - October 12-18, 2025, and April 26-May 2, 2026
McKinney Falls, RUTA 806, Homeward Bears
McKinney Falls State Park is an urban oasis near the state capital. Motorheads from across the nation pull up to one of Potter County's greatest attractions, RUTA 806--an annual ATV off-roading event near the Canadian River. An orphaned black bear...
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McKinney Falls State Park
McKinney Falls offers outdoor recreation opportunities include camping hiking, biking, swimming, birding, and wildlife viewing. The park's natural features include two waterfalls, an ancient rock shelter and fishing in Onion Creek.
RUTA 806
The sun hangs high in the sky and dust rises on the horizon. Motorheads from across the nation pull up to one of Potter County's greatest attractions, their annual RUTA 806 event off the bank of the Canadian River.
Boggy Slough Conservation Area
If you were a pine tree, you'd want to live in the Boggy Slough Conservation Area. The property actively works to keep the forest as natural as possible; no clear-cutting happens here. The landscape showcases a rich diversity of wetlands, bottomland forests, and the Neches River flowing through. Spanning 19,000 acres, it stands as a true East Texas treasure.
Waco Paddling Trails
Located right in the heart of downtown Waco, the Bosque Bluffs and Brazos Bridges paddling trails provide a unique view of the outdoors. The trails offer easy access to paddling trips for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. For more information on these paddling trails, go to: http://tpwd.texas.gov/paddling
Two Bears Go Home
A mother black bear is killed in Del Rio, making an orphan of her cub, while a second bear is rescued from other perils. Both bears are rehabilitated at a wildlife rescue facility in New Mexico and returned to Texas in a much safer spot to roam—Devils River State Natural Area.
Postcard From Texas: Boggy Slough
Soar through the piney uplands and soggy bottoms of the Boggy Slough Conservation Area in deep East Texas.

Program 3403 - October 19-25, 2025, and May 3- 9, 2026
Exploring Padre, Mission Tejas, Bat Cave
A family explores South Padre Island beaches looking for fun above and below the water. Mission Tejas State Park is a natural escape into deep-rooted Texas history, located at the north end of the Davy Crockett National Forest. Once reviled, bats have...
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Exploring Padre
Join a family as they relax on the beach and explore the wild side of South Padre Island. From the seashell beach, down to the sea grass flats of the bay, kids of all ages will enjoy coming face-to-face with fish and lounging by the lapping waves of the Gulf.
Mission Tejas State Park
Near the northern end of the Davy Crockett National Forest, quiet Mission Tejas once sat at a crossroads of early Texas history. Visit two of the park's historic features: Mission San Francisco de los Tejas and the Rice Family Log Home.
Bracken Bat Cave
Once reviled, bats have enjoyed a remarkable image do-over thanks to Bat Conservation International (BCI). Bracken Cave in Central Texas is home to the largest colony of bats in the word, and BCI and The Nature Conservancy have worked together to protect this awe-inspiring natural treasure.
The Business of Burning
Prescribed fires by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are carefully planned events conducted by a specially trained and skilled crew. From the burn boss to the grunt and the engine to the drip torch, see what and who it takes to safely put on a prescribed fire.
Postcard From Texas: Vultures
Hang out with a “committee” of vultures on a cloudy day at Lake Somerville State Park.

Program 3404 - October 26-November 1, 2025, and May 10-16, 2026
Opening Day of Deer Season
Residents of many small Texas towns look forward to deer hunting season, for the time it brings with friends and family, as well as for the economic boost hunting brings to local businesses. See how one community comes alive when hunters arrive.
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Opening Day, Goldrush in Goldthwaite
Hunting is not only a tradition in small towns across Texas, but also an important part of the local economy. The people of Goldthwaite, Texas look forward to deer season as quality time with friends and family, and as a time when hunters spend vital dollars in the town's stores, gas stations and restaurants. Travel to Goldthwaite for the opening weekend of deer season to see how this quiet community comes alive when the hunters arrive.
Postcard From Texas: Lake Mineral Wells State Park
The leaves are falling and the white-tailed deer are munching at Lake Mineral Wells State Park.

Program 3405 - November 2- 8, 2025, and May 17-23, 2026
Trail Runners, Seminole Canyon, Wild Hog Cook-Off
Trail runners explore the wilds of Texas and discover a sense of empowerment, community, and adventure. Ancient rock art and outdoor recreation will draw you to Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site. See how some South Texans have come up with a...
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Trail Runners
Trail runners explore the wilds of Texas and discover a sense of empowerment, community, and adventure. From urban greenspaces to vast open parklands, these runners find an abundance of opportunities to lace up and explore the wilderness around them. Some run to escape it all and others run for the company and camaraderie of speeding down a trail together in the pre-dawn darkness of a forested trail.
Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site
Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site is along the Rio Grande near Del Rio. Rock artists from 7,000 years ago still have their mark with more than 200 pictograph sites. Come and explore the state parks biggest attraction, recreate on almost 10 miles of trails, and enjoy Chihuahuan Desert wildlife.
Going Hog Wild
The people of Cotulla, in South Texas, have found a tasty way to tackle an agricultural menace. Feral pigs cause lots of costly damage, but hunters are happy to harvest them and cook them up at the La Salle County Wild Hog cook-off.
Lone Star Land Steward: Hershey Ranch
The Hershey Ranch, operated by Andy and Nona Sansom, comprises restored Hill Country oak savannahs on limestone soils rich with native grasses. Springs and riparian corridors have been protected and excluded from grazing to maintain the integrity of the stream side banks. This included using natural materials such as rocks and trimmed brush to stabilize the soil and stream banks. Numerous groups are allowed access to the property for recreation, intro to hunting activities, women's mentored hunts, birding groups, iNaturalist projects and AgriLife Extension outreach events. Andy and Nona try to seek a balance between doing what is right for the land and generating enough income to operate the ranch in perpetuity.
Postcard From Texas: East Texas Woods
The fall colors are showing in the woods of East Texas.

Program 3406 - November 9-15, 2025, and May 24-30, 2026
Water Bugs, Rolling Plains Wildlife, Turkey Hunter
Meet a biologist that studies some of the two thousand different types of aquatic invertebrates in our rivers and streams. Brad and Melissa Ribelin transformed 1,940 acres of grassland into a thriving wildlife habitat through dedicated land management...
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Grubh's Bugs
Meet a biologist that studies aquatic invertebrates. He's Dr. Archis Grubh, and he loves bugs. Check out some of the two-thousand different types of aquatic invertebrates living in the rivers, streams, and creeks of Texas.
Lone Star Land Steward: Ribelin Ranch
Brad and Melissa Ribelin have spent over a decade restoring and managing 1,940 acres of Rolling Plains grassland through brush control, prescribed fire, and collaborative conservation efforts, turning their ranch into a model habitat for wildlife and a valuable resource for research and training.
Game of Gobblers
Conservationist and hunter Terrance Jackson will be the first to tell you, “If Wild Turkeys could smell, they'd be nearly impossible to hunt.” Follow Terrance as he travels across East Texas working to restore and harvest the Eastern Wild Turkey.
Postcard From Texas: Martin Dies, Jr. State Park
Sights and sounds from the edge of the Big Thicket.

Program 3407 - November 16-22, 2025, and May 31-June 6, 2026
Fireflies, RC Planes, West Texas Stewards
Fireflies still inhabit Texas and there are ways to create habitat for them in your own backyard. RC plane pilots at Lake Whitney State Park share the joy and freedom they find in taking to the skies. In a region that is sparsely populated, Tim and Lou...
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Backyard Fireflies
Fireflies still inhabit Texas and there are ways to create habitat for them in your own backyard. If you want to promote fireflies there are simple things you can do like planting native plants, keeping leaf litter, reducing light pollution and limited use of pesticides. To find out more about fireflies go to: https://www.firefly.org
Pilot's Row
At Lake Whitney State Park, RC aircraft pilots come together to enjoy the thrill of flying. Their planes race, dive, and glide through the air. It's a hobby built on fun, friendship, and the simple joy of watching a plane take flight.
Lone Star Land Steward: Cowden Ranch
Lou and Tim Edwards' Cowden Ranch rises to the heights of Gomez Peak in the Davis Mountains and stretches into the lowlands of the Delaware Basin. This gracious couple opens their ranch to an annual hunt for youth to come experience West Texas and mule deer hunting that few get the opportunity to experience. The Edwards' are welcoming hosts and excellent land stewards on a property that has been operated for almost 100 years by Lou's family.
The Giants of Caddo Lake
Biologists continue their battle against giant salvinia, an invasive aquatic plant that threatens Texas lakes and fisheries. To protect Caddo Lake from devastation, they are enlisting the help of local conservation groups and a horde of tiny insects.
Postcard From Texas: Rio Grande Turkeys
See the wild Rio Grande Turkeys show off their feathers in the Texas Hill Country.

Program 3408 - November 23-29, 2025, and June 7-13, 2026
Dutch Oven Club, Century Ranch, Youth Bowhunt
Members of the Lone Star Dutch Oven Society whip up some tasty dishes at Cleburne State Park. For 100 years, the 5,600-acre Running V Ranch has been passed down from generation to generation. It's more than just land - it's family. The Texas...
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Dutch Oven Devotees
Members of the Lone Star Dutch Oven Society whip up some tasty dishes at Cleburne State Park. Find the Lone Star Dutch Oven Society on Facebook or at: http://lsdos.com/
Chasing Dragonflies
Meet Caleb Helsel, an avid birder turned dragonfly enthusiast from Austin, Texas. As Scientists use new Environmental DNA (eDNA) technology to help track dragonfly species all over the world, enthusiasts like Caleb still play a crucial role in their conservation and protection.
Lone Star Land Steward: Running V Ranch
For 100 years, the 5,600-acre Running V Ranch has been passed down from generation to generation. It's more than just land - It's family. Find out more about the Lone Star Land Steward Program.
Bonding By Bow
Jonah and Levi Lanz recently moved to Texas from Iowa. While looking for hunting opportunities in Texas, they came across the Texas Youth Hunting Program. TYHP has provided thousands of Texans with safe, educational, outdoor experiences while instilling an appreciation for the valuable role private landowners and hunters play in wildlife conservation. Join Jonah and Levi on their archery hunt with TYHP in the Texas Hill Country. Find more information on the Texas Youth Hunting Program.
Postcard From Texas: Gorman Falls
Enjoy the view of this iconic 70-foot spring-fed waterfall located at Colorado Bend State Park.

Program 3409 - November 30-December 6, 2025, and June 14-20, 2026
Lone Star Hiking Trail and South Llano River State Park
Follow along as a young adventurer tackles her first long-distance hike on the longest trail in Texas and feel her triumphs as well as her aching feet. Visit a Hill Country state park that offers tubing and fishing on the South Llano, and hiking and...
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The Hundred-Mile Hike
Follow a young hiker on her first long-distance hike on the longest trail in Texas: The Lone Star Hiking Trail. Share in her triumphs, as well as her fatigue and blisters.
South Llano River
This Texas Hill Country park, near the town of Junction, has the cure for what ails you. Tubing for the summer sizzle, biking for the weekend warrior, birding for the quiet escape, and some serious fly-fishing for those that crave a tug on the line.
Postcard From Texas: Breakfast at Mason Mountain
Visit one of the new prairie dog towns at Mason Mountain Wildlife Management Area in Central Texas. Prairie dogs are key players in healthy ecosystems—they enrich the soil and create habitat for many other species.

Program 3410 - December 7-13, 2025, and June 21-27, 2026
Coastal Boardwalk, Pineywoods Park, Butterflies
Enjoy the sights and sounds of one of the best birding boardwalks on the coast. A Pineywoods haven invites paddling, hiking, and stargazing under dark Texas skies. Some fragile flying insects bring beauty and business to Texas each year. Meet the folks...
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Betting on Butterflies
Some fragile flying insects bring beauty and business to Texas each year. Are we being good hosts? Meet some folks looking out for butterflies, both for fun and for the future.
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park
In Deep East Texas, where the Neches and Angelina rivers meet, Martin Dies, Jr. State Park invites paddling, camping, birding, and stargazing. Just a short drive from Houston, this Pineywoods haven offers natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and space for families to connect with nature.
A Hill Country Haven
The Nature Conservancy in Texas has worked for decades with private landowners, Texas Parks and Wildlife and other partners to conserve one of the most pristine streams in Texas. This project safeguards water for people and wildlife and will provide outdoor recreational opportunities for generations to come.
Back to the Boardwalk
Hurricane Harvey wiped out one of the best birding boardwalks on the coast. It's now back in business. Come enjoy the sights and sounds of this birding hot spot.
Postcard From Texas: West Texas Birds
Colorful birds find shelter in the high-elevation ponderosa pine forests of the Davis Mountains.

Program 3411 - December 14-20, 2025, and June 28-July 4, 2026
Talking to Owls, Biking Caprock Canyons, Birding South Padre
Join a team of researchers as they traverse the Davis Mountains in search of owls. Ride along over natural bridges and through tunnels on the mountain biking trails at Caprock Canyons State Park. See an amazing mix of birds at South Padre Island--a...
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Talking to Owls
Deep in the Davis Mountains of West Texas, a rare sky island forest comes alive after dusk with a chorus of owls. Biologists and graduate students move through the night, following calls and fleeting silhouettes to uncover surprising adaptations, curious behaviors, and the vital roles these birds play in the mountain's food web. Their discoveries highlight the resilience of wildlife while underscoring the quiet urgency of protecting this fragile habitat.
Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway: Biking Trails
From biking over natural bridges to underneath train tunnels, Caprock Canyons State Park offers a variety of mountain biking trails for all skill levels. The most popular biking trails are Eagle Point, the Trailway at Monks Crossing, and Canyon Rim. Each trail offers amazing views of the canyons as well as the possibility to see the unique wildlife species that reside at Caprock Canyons State Park.
Birding South Padre
During the fall bird migration, the Laguna Madre provides a critical stopover for many migratory songbirds and a sanctuary for resident and overwintering species of shorebirds and waterfowl. The South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is a great place to get a look at some of these majestic bird species. Tag along with a group of birders as they discover what birds are arriving on this windy fall day.
Lone Star Land Steward: Little Las Vegas Ranch
The 2,200-acre Little Las Vegas Ranch, owned by John S. Roley, sits on the eastern edge of the Yellow House Draw, an area described by Francisco de Coronado in 1542 as the “Casa de Amarillos” due to the low yellow hills. The property is home to numerous quail, Texas horned lizards, mule deer and white-tailed deer. Little Las Vegas was the recipient of the High Plains Ecoregion Lone Star Land Steward Award in 2025.
Postcard From Texas: Blustery Beauty of Brazos Bend
Abundant wildlife including birds, reptiles, and insects put on a show during a blustery morning at Brazos Bend State Park.

Program 3412 - December 21-27, 2025, and July 5-11, 2026
Dove Hunt, Galveston Island State Park, Cooking Shrimp
There are over a million acres of public hunting lands in Texas. Take a look at one of the state's newest wildlife management areas, where licensed hunters can access land for a dove hunting experience. From the surf and dunes of the Gulf to the...
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Acres of Access
There are now over a million acres of public hunting lands in Texas. Take a look at one of the state's newest wildlife management areas, where licensed hunters can access land for a dove hunting experience.
Galveston Island State Park
Stretching from the Gulf Coast to the Bay, Galveston Island State Park preserves five native ecosystems and offers visitors wildlife encounters, fishing, hiking, camping, beach access and sun-streaked horizons.
Wild Game Cooking: Gulf Coast Fried Shrimp
Off the coast of Matagorda Bay, swims some of the best seafood delicacies in the state of Texas. Don't skip this mouthwatering step-by step walkthrough. Under the careful direction and attention of Huckleberry's very own Davis Turner, learn how to prepare these top tier meals yourself! On this segment, Davis shows you how to make Gulf Coast Fried Shrimp the Huckleberry way!
The Legend of Hells Gate
Hells Gate, popular boating destination on Possum Kingdom Lake, has a lot more to offer than just parking your boat for a relaxing afternoon. The 90-feet tall limestone cliffs are a fantastic fishing destination by boat or kayak. There's also some interesting history behind how this landmark got its name.
A Sense of Exploration
Blindness Outdoor Learning & Development weekend at Palmetto State Park fosters outdoor skills and life confidence for the young participants. Mentors pair with visually impaired students to teach practical and experiential-based exploration of the outdoors.
Postcard From Texas: Quiet Day at Balmorhea
Balmorhea State Park is known for days full of swimming and splashing, but taking the time to slow down and look closely reveals a quiet beauty in this iconic park.

Program 3413 - December 28, 2025-January 3, 2026, and July 12-18, 2026
Snapping Turtles, Cooper Lake, Future Fishing Holes
Protected alligator snapping turtles are returned to their natural habitats, after the trafficked animals are saved from interstate poachers. Cooper Lake State Park in northeastern Texas offers shady campsites and cabins, a large lake, and plenty of...
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Operation Snap
Alligator snapping turtles, protected in Texas, are saved from out-of-state poachers. After being rehabilitated and prepared for scientific study, these trafficked turtles are returned to their natural habitats in Texas waters.
Cooper Lake State Park
Since first opening in the 1990s, Cooper Lake State Park has become an outdoor recreation hotspot in Northeast Texas. Fishing, hiking, swimming and camping are just a few things to do in and around the 20,000-acre lake.
Parks & Wildlife People: The Lake Maker
Two new reservoirs in North Texas will supply thousands of gallons of water to the Dallas-Fort Worth region, but that's not all that lies beneath the surface. A partnership between Texas Parks and Wildlife and the controlling water authorities is turning these new lakes into future trophy bass fishing destinations. Follow along as District Fisheries Biologist Dan Bennett shows off the first new reservoir in the state in 30 years and gives a preview of what's to come at the second.
The Nature Conservancy: Nature-Based Solutions
Nature-based solutions harness the power of our lands and waters to tackle challenges like air and water quality, flooding, extreme heat, nature loss and much more. Across the Lone Star State, The Nature Conservancy and its partners are restoring prairies, wetlands and urban green spaces to build healthier communities and shape a more sustainable future for Texas. By mimicking natural systems, we can deliver lasting benefits for both people and the environment.
Postcard From Texas: Barton Springs Pool
This three-acre pool in Austin, Texas, is fed by underground springs and provides a year-round hangout for swimmers.

Program 3414 - January 4-10, 2026, and July 19-25, 2026
Baffin Bay, Palmetto State Park, Living with Bears
The salty waters of Baffin Bay have long been a fishing hotspot for anglers on the Texas coast, and folks are working hard to keep it that way. With its lush forest floor and swampy marshes, Palmetto State Park is an unusual slice of the tropics in...
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The Science of Saving Baffin Bay
The salty waters of Baffin Bay, part of the upper Laguna Madre, have long been a fishing hotspot for anglers on the Texas coast. Over the last few decades however, scientists have become concerned with the water quality and other threats to these important fish populations. The Harte Research Institute and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department have been working to monitor the conditions of the bay and ensure a healthy future for the Laguna Madre.
Palmetto State Park
Palmetto State Park is a hidden gem in central Texas with some famous flora unlike anything you'd normally see in the region. It offers easy, accessible trails that make the park's jungle-like beauty available to anybody looking for a casual stroll in nature. The San Marcos River also provides kayaking and fishing opportunities for folks looking for riverside relaxation.
Living with Black Bears
Once common across Texas, black bears were extirpated from the state by the 1950's. Today, sightings are on the rise, signaling that the deserts of West Texas may once again be bear country.
Hunters Feeding the Hungry
Texas deer hunters who fill up their freezer during deer season but still have a few tags and are looking for a way to share their harvest might consider making a trip to southwest San Antonio. The San Antonio Food Bank is working with Hunters for the Hungry to help get protein-rich venison to Texans in need.
Postcard From Texas: Southeast Texas Birds
Songbirds and waterfowl congregate around a wetland rookery near Houston.

Program 3415 - January 11-17, 2026, and July 26-August 1, 2026
Bighorn Lambs, Fledgling Birders, Durable Design
Biologists trek into the backcountry searching for bighorn lambs in the Franklin Mountains. A team of young birders, the Happy Hawks, partake in the Great Texas Birding Classic as they search for birds from Houston to Galveston. Coastal state parks...
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Lambs in the Mountains
After decades away, desert bighorn sheep are reintroduced to the Franklin Mountains of El Paso. Biologists navigate the rugged backcountry, carefully monitoring pregnant females and newborn lambs to support the restoration of this iconic species to its historic home.
The Great Texas Birding Classic: Roughwings Big Day
The Happy Hawks, a team of birders ages 7 to 13, compete in the Great Texas Birding Classic along the Texas coast. From Houston's urban parks to the coastal habitats of Galveston, they set out to spot as many bird species as possible. Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and love for wildlife make for a fun and inspiring birding adventure.
The Gulf Coast DesignLab Goes to Galveston
Coastal state parks need durable, versatile structures, and design students need projects. See what the Gulf Coast DesignLab at the University of Texas at Austin is building in parks along the coast.
Postcard From Texas: Deer at Dusk
Mule deer gather as the sun sets on the Chihuahuan Desert.

Program 3416 - January 18-24, 2026, and August 2- 8, 2026
Bee Seeker, Urban Nests, Wade Fishing
A North Texas researcher investigates the health of our most productive native pollinators, and how we might simply help them bee. Hidden high in branches above the Colorado River in downtown Austin sit a group of nests belonging to a colony of Great...
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Urban Nests
You can find pockets of nature just about anywhere, including the heart of a city. Get look at a hidden natural gem near downtown Austin, Texas - a Great Blue Heron rookery nestled in the branches high above the Colorado River. A local photographer shares images of the fledglings as they grow and get ready to take flight and a Texas Parks and Wildlife ornithologist explains how to stay on the look-out for nature in your own backyard.
The Lure of the Laguna Madre
Join the Islander Anglers, a saltwater and freshwater fishing club at Texas A&M Corpus Christi, as they go after black drum in the shallow waters of the upper Laguna Madre.
The Bee Searcher
A North Texas researcher investigates the health of our most productive native pollinators, and how we might simply help them bee.
Franklin Mountains State Park
Franklin Mountains State Park is the largest urban park in the nation. It covers about 40 square miles, all within the city limits of El Paso. The park's rugged terrain offers great hiking, biking and rock climbing. Visit for the day or camp overnight. Look for wildlife or bring a picnic.
Postcard From Texas: Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site
Bees buzzing, birds singing - the birthplace of former President Lyndon B. Johnson sits along the Pedernales River and is the perfect spot to sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of springtime.

Program 3417 - January 25-31, 2026, and August 9-15, 2026
Ranger Laney, Greener Gulfton, Preaching Taxidermist
A park interpreter goes out of her way to make sure all Dinosaur Valley State Park visitors can find a way to connect with nature. In a Houston neighborhood, community members are using nature as a solution to combat blazing temperatures and improve...
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A Greener Gulfton
Houston's Gulfton neighborhood is a climate-vulnerable community a recent heat mapping project found that parts of Gulfton were 17 degrees warmer than the coolest part of Harris County. To create a healthier, greener Gulfton, community members are using nature as a solution to combat its blazing temperatures and improve the physical, mental and cultural health of the neighborhood.
Parks & Wildlife People: Ranger Laney
Texas State Park Interpreters lead a variety of programs to help visitors connect with nature, but not every activity is suitable for every visitor. Laney Kahout is one interpreter who is going out of her way to make sure all Dinosaur Valley State Park visitors can find a way to connect with nature.
Preaching Taxidermy
Meet a man in Utopia who helps save souls, when he isn't helping save lasting mementos of hunting and fishing trips.
Postcard From Texas: Morning on Oso Bay
Join some kayaking anglers for a peaceful morning on the water.

Program 3418 - February 1- 7, 2026, and August 16-22, 2026
Government Canyon Champions, Paddling Trails, Scrappin Valley
Government Canyon State Natural Area provides a crucial source of drinking water for San Antonio residents. Experience the slow-moving water and natural beauty of Martin Dies, Jr. State Park. Thanks to good stewardship and a lot of birdhouses, the...
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Government Canyon Champions
Government Canyon State Natural Area would not exist without Tim and Karen Hixon. Thanks to their vision and stewardship, thousands of acres of land over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone are protected providing trails, campsites, a refuge for wildlife, and a crucial source of drinking water for San Antonio residents. Here's the story about how Government Canyon became a vast urban refuge.
Paddling Trails of Martin Dies, Jr. State Park
The Walnut Slough Paddling Trail, Sandy Creek Paddling Trail and Neches Paddling Trail are three trails through and around Martin Dies, Jr. State Park that offer a variety of experiences on the park's backwater sloughs along Spring Creek, the wide-open B.A. Steinhagen Reservoir, and the fast-moving Neches River, all filled with amazing wildlife watching opportunities. Enjoy 3 to 16 miles of trails, depending on the route you choose!
Lone Star Land Steward: Scrappin Valley
Thanks to good stewardship and a lot of birdhouses, these once-endangered Red-cockaded woodpeckers are doing so well that they're being exported to other forests that need them.
Watching for Wildlife
Monitoring wildlife is important to maintaining the health of an ecosystem. At Ray Roberts Lake State Park, Daniel Rios uses trail cameras to keep an eye on the park and the animals that live there. These cameras offer an amazing view of the wildlife and their habitats, as long as rangers can keep the raccoons from stealing them.
Postcard From Texas: Government Canyon State Natural Area
Government Canyon State Natural Area lies on the edge of the Balcones Escarpment. The northern area features deep canyons on the eastern boundary of the Edwards Plateau. The southern section flattens into a broad plain. A forested strip separates these two areas.

Program 3419 - February 8-14, 2026, and August 23-29, 2026
Chimney Swifts, Master iNaturalist, Centennial Parks Team
Meet a husband-and-wife team that's spent half of their lives working to save the Chimney Swift. Anybody can use the iNaturalist app to identify plants and animals while also contributing to science. Hear from the team leading the charge to create...
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Swift Saviors
From raising chicks to building nest boxes, meet a husband-and-wife team, that's spent half their lives working to save the Chimney Swift.
Making a Park
If you add up all state park land in Texas, it comes out to about the same acreage as Travis County and most of that land is in the Western part of the state. In 2023, Texas voters created a $1 billion Centennial Parks Conservation Fund to purchase and develop new park land. It bears the question, what goes into making a brand-new state park? Hear from the team leading the charge to create new parks in Texas and get a sneak peek at the newest land to be developed by Centennial dollars.
Master iNaturalist
Urban Wildlife Biologist Sam Kieschnick uses the iNaturalist app every day to take pictures of nature. He's a top user who's contributed over 100,000 observations of flora and fauna to this growing online community. But anybody can use this app to identify plants and animals wherever they find them, and those observations also contribute to real scientific databases that help people like Sam preserve nature.
Texas Point Break
Grab your surfboard and hang ten in Corpus Christi. We go surfing at a popular spot that locals call Texas Point Break.
Postcard From Texas: Palo Pinto Mountains
Get a sneak peek at Texas' next state park--Palo Pinto Mountains. More than four thousand acres of rolling hills just seventy-five miles west of Fort Worth.

Program 3420 - February 15-21, 2026, and August 30-September 5, 2026
The Big Sit, Lake Casa Blanca, Fishing Tradition
Birding is a great outdoor hobby that's easy to get into, especially during the Big Sit, where birders of all skill-levels come together to spot migrating birds. Visit Lake Casa Blanca International State Park, a natural oasis in the city of...
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The Great Texas Birding Classic: The Big Sit
Birding is a great outdoor hobby that's easy for anybody to get into, especially during events like the Big Sit, where birders of all skill-levels come together to spot birds during the spring migration. It's a great entry point for novice birders, and a chance to make friends with fellow bird nerds.
Lake Casa Blanca International State Park
Lake Casa Blanca International State Park is located near the Texas border town of Laredo. The park's 1,650-acre lake is a great spot for fishing, boating, and birdwatching. The park is a popular gathering spot for locals seeking a getaway from urban life and for winter Texans (or “snowbirds”) who enjoy the area's mild winter climate. The park offers facilities for picnicking, camping, and group gatherings.
Fishing Tradition
Fishing for dinner and sport in Trinity Bay is what she loves. Cindy is a committed angler from Houston who finds connection to her family and cultural heritage through the sport of fishing and cooking what she catches with friends.
From the Fire: A Legacy of Longleaf
The Nature Conservancy in Texas and the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas are working together to restore and manage the imperiled longleaf pine tree using prescribed fire. Beyond its ecological value, the longleaf has historically played a critical role for the tribe, with its needles being used for woven basketry and medicinal purposes. Together, TNC and the Alabama-Coushatta are partnering to put more beneficial fire on the ground and once again help this natural community—and the species it supports—flourish in East Texas.
Postcard From Texas: Congress Avenue Bats
The Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, located in the heart of downtown Austin, hosts the largest urban bat colony in the world, estimated at 1.5 million bats. It is a maternity colony, and female Mexican free-tailed bats raise an estimated 750,000 pups each year at the bridge. For more information: Bat-Watching Sites of Texas

Program 3421 - February 22-28, 2026, and September 6-12, 2026
Tracking CWD, Fishing for Records, Coastal Paddling Trail
Researchers are studying deer and elk movements in the Texas Panhandle to help stop the spread of fatal Chronic Wasting Disease. Since 1971 the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has recognized fishing records of all kinds. Meet a man who holds a...
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Tracking CWD
Chronic Wasting Disease is a neurological illness affecting deer populations across Texas. In this story, researchers share how they monitor, test, and study the disease in the field. Their work helps improve understanding of CWD and supports efforts to maintain healthy wild herds.
Ron R. Smith Memorial Paddling Trail
The Ron R. Smith Memorial Paddling Trail, the 82nd official Texas paddling trail, is named in memory of TPWD biologist Ron Smith. He was a founding member of the Texas Paddling Trails team and an alumnus of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. The trail offers an abundance of bird-watching opportunities for paddlers. If fishing is the objective, this paddling trail is a prime location to reel in a big catch. To learn more, visit the Texas Paddling Trails website.
Fishing for Records
Since 1971 the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has recognized fishing records of all kinds. Meet a man who holds a record number of records. Retired police officer Chuck Dewey has 238 (and counting) state freshwater fishing records. It's really just another excuse for Chuck to go fishing.
Possum Kingdom State Park
Possum Kingdom State Park offers fun on the water and on land. Grab your family, fishing pole and swimsuit and head for the clear blue water and striking scenery at Possum Kingdom State Park. It's located just an hour west of the DFW metroplex.
Postcard From Texas: State Park Sunsets
A collection of beautiful still photography showcasing sunsets from across Texas at these state parks: Davis Mountains, Meridian, Cooper Lake, Fort Parker, Colorado Bend, Eisenhower, Seminole Canyon, Inks Lake, and Big Bend Ranch.

Program 3422 - March 1- 7, 2026, and September 13-19, 2026
Camino Real, Ecosystem Engineers, Paddle Point Creek
Travel across Texas on the Camino Real de los Tejas and meet a man on a mission to highlight the history, places, and culture of this centuries-old pathway. Prairie dogs play an important role on the short-grass prairies of Texas. Learn about how these...
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El Camino Real de los Tejas: Tracing a Timeless Trail
New awareness is being brought to a centuries-old pathway, the Camino Real de los Tejas. Meet a man on a mission to highlight its history, and the places and cultures it connects, as we trace a National Historic Trail through Texas.
Ecosystem Engineers
Prairie dogs are a keystone species that impact over 150 different species of animals. They create habitats that various animals use, and they are prey for several others. Watch and learn more about these very special ecosystem engineers.
Paddle Point Creek Paddling Trail
Paddle Point Creek paddling trail is an excellent place for beginning paddlers to dip their oars into the sport of kayaking! Join us as we explore highlights from the wildlife and scenery along the banks of the 6-mile trail and explore a submerged bridge in the middle of the lake.
Postcard From Texas: Stars Over Texas
Enjoy a mesmerizing look at the starry skies over Texas.

Program 3423 - March 8-14, 2026, and September 20-26, 2026
Texas Birding Classic, Path Planner, Hill Country Rain
A birding team explores the Texas coast in a race to spot the most species during the Great Texas Birding Classic. Accessibility is taking center stage at new camping sites under construction at the Albert & Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area....
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The Art of Birding
A wildlife artist's love of birds is deepened by participating in the Great Texas Birding Classic competition. Follow the team during a “big day” along the Texas Coast. For more information on The Great Texas Birding Classic.
Parks & Wildlife People: Path Planner
As new parks are being developed in Texas, how to make them accessible to more people is front of mind. Accessibility Manager and Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator Jessica Burke shows how accessibility is taking center stage at new camping sites under construction at the Albert and Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area and shares why making parks accessible is important for all visitors.
From the Archives: Hill Country Rain
In the early 1990s, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department partnered with the University of Texas and the Texas Department of Commerce to produce a one-of-a-kind music video at Guadalupe River State Park. Enjoy “Hill Country Rain” by Jerry Jeff Walker.
Weekday Camping
Armed with a smartphone and a savvy for social media, one city-dweller's outdoor experience might be a little different than his grandfather's, but getting outside can still fit with a modern, urban lifestyle.
Postcard From Texas: Gorman Springs
Enjoy the sights and sounds of clear flowing water from the springs that feed Gorman Creek at Colorado Bend State Park.

Program 3424 - March 15-21, 2026, and September 27-October 3, 2026
Living with Alligators, Lake Whitney, Aspiring Archaeologists
Alligators are native wildlife in Texas, and it is not unusual to see one. Find out what to do if you encounter an alligator. Take a short road trip from DFW to the shores of Lake Whitney. You'll find clear water, plenty of campsites, and a great...
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Kids Dig History
Kids learn hands-on history lessons by uncovering thousands of years of Native American artifacts at the Texas Archeological Society Field School. These future archeologists of all ages are getting their hands dirty while learning professional techniques for preserving history. They're doing real archeology with real artifacts and they're having real fun while they do it.
Alligator, Native Texan
Alligators are native wildlife in Texas, and it is not unusual to see one. They are fascinating reptiles, but conflicts can occur when alligators are fed by people. Never feed an alligator, either intentionally or unintentionally. Watch and learn more about these native Texans.
Lake Whitney State Park
Take a short road trip from DFW or Waco to the shores of Lake Whitney. You'll find clear water, plenty of campsites, and a great place to relax with the family.
Wardens on the Water
Texas Game Wardens ensure the safety of park guests through vigilant patrols and education. They conduct regular checks on park visitors to ensure compliance with safety regulations, such as life jacket usage on waterways and adherence to park rules. With so many guests visiting parks for the first time, making sure they are properly prepared in case of an emergency is their top priority.
From the Archives: Texas 150
In April of 1986, on the anniversary of the Texas battle for independence at San Jacinto, thousands of Texans gathered on the site for a festival that featured Willie Nelson and many other performers from all around the state, in celebration of the history and future of Texas.
Postcard From Texas: Goose Island Blooms
Springtime wildflowers at Goose Island State Park.

Program 3425 - March 22-28, 2026, and October 4-10, 2026
Wildlife Dioramas, Operation Game Thief, Helping Pronghorn
At Fair Park in Dallas is a museum that celebrates Texas' rich natural heritage through detailed dioramas. Operation Game Thief is a 24/7 hotline that lets concerned citizens report hunting, fishing and boating violations to their local game...
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Texas Time Capsule
At Fair Park in Dallas is a museum that celebrates Texas' rich natural heritage. Built to encourage conservation and to honor the state's Centennial, the Dallas Museum of Natural History captures Texas' diverse landscapes in detailed dioramas. Retired Exhibits Director, Walt Davis, shares stories about the artistry of these windows on Texas wildlife, past and present, and the lasting lessons they hold.
Help for Pronghorn
Pronghorns are the fastest land mammals in North America - they're native to Texas and other parts of the southwestern United States. But the encroachment of creosote bushes into non-native areas is limiting food supplies for these large herbivores in parts of the state. Texas Parks and Wildlife Senior Biologist Jose Etchart shows what's being done to stop the spread of these plants and rebuild pronghorn habitat in thousands of acres of West Texas.
Operation Game Thief
On November 14 at Port Isabel, Texas Game Wardens received an anonymous call concerning anglers illegally catching undersized trout. The wardens issued twenty-two citations with over $2,000 dollars in criminal penalties.
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. To send an anonymous tip via text message to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, text the keyword TXOGT and your tip to 847411 or download the Texas Operation Game Thief Mobile App available for android and iOS.
If you prefer to call in a tip anonymously, you can still reach us at 800-792-4263 (GAME).
For more information go to https://tpwd.texas.gov/warden/connect/ogt.
Postcard From Texas: Somerville Wildflowers
Blankets of wildflowers adorn the open spaces along the Sandhill Trail at Lake Somerville State Park and Trailway.

Program 3426 - March 29-April 4, 2026, and October 11-17, 2026
Hueco Tanks Pictographs, Cedar Hill, Crested Caracara
Archaeologists trek into the desert to uncover and preserve ancient pictographs at Hueco Tanks, revealing stories etched in rock long ago. Explore the diverse outdoor experiences at Cedar Hill State Park, from prairie hikes to mountain biking,...
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Hueco Tanks Pictographs
Journey into the rugged beauty of Hueco Tanks State Park, where archaeologists uncover pictographs etched into desert stone—revealing ancient stories and the cutting-edge techniques used to preserve them for future generations.
Cedar Hill State Park
Just outside the DFW Metroplex, Cedar Hill State Park offers an unexpected escape into wide-open prairies, winding trails, and quiet lakeshores. From fast-paced rides on DORBA mountain bike trails to inclusive hikes designed for all abilities, there is a lot to explore.
Wild Things: Crested Caracara
Across the skies of Texas, roams an unusual bird that is often subject to mistaken identity. The Crested Carcara is a raptor that looks like a hawk, acts like a vulture, but is actually a falcon! If we take a closer look, we can examine the behaviors of this bird and observe some of its magnificent personality.
Port of Entry
The Lincoln-Juarez International Bridge at the Laredo Port of Entry teems with a steady influx of passenger vehicles, buses, and freight. It's one of the busiest international crossings along the United States-Mexico border, and Texas Game Wardens are helping check for illegally transported game and fish resources.
Bring Back a Coastal Prairie
Ten acres remained of a 500-acre coastal prairie restoration at Sheldon Lake State Park in North Houston. The park needed funds to complete it. A new agreement between the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Department of Transportation provided the funds. Find out how this collaboration helped bring back a coastal prairie and the value it has to plants, animals and people.
Postcard From Texas: Coastal Prairie
Enjoy a day at this pristine coastal prairie, cared for by the University of Houston Coastal Center.

Program 3427 - April 5-11, 2026, and October 18-24, 2026
On the Brazos
On this special episode of Texas Parks & Wildlife, we take a trip down the Brazos River. Join two friends as they enjoy a fishing trip on the John Graves Scenic Riverway. Along the way, meet the folks working to protect the Brazos headwaters from an...
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Brazos River Stories
On this special episode of Texas Parks and Wildlife, take a trip down the Brazos River. First, meet the folks working to protecting the Brazos headwaters from an invasive plant that sucks up water and crowds out wildlife. Then, see how Striped Bass are produced at the Possum Kingdom Fish Hatchery. Finally, join a pair of paddlers as they enjoy a fishing trip on the John Graves Scenic Riverway.

Program 3428 - April 12-18, 2026, and October 25-31, 2026
Catching Eels, Hunting Tradition, Oyster Farmers
Researchers are getting creative in their methods to study and protect one of the most mysterious fish in Texas waters--the American Eel. Three generations of dove hunters get together at Mason Mountain Wildlife Management Area to share good times,...
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Ancient Eel-iens: Studying the American Eel in Texas
The American Eel is an elusive creature that starts and ends its' life in the Sargasso Sea near the Bermuda Triangle. But in-between, its lifecycle is a never-ending series of twists and turns, bringing some of these creatures all the way to Texas waterways. Now Texas researchers are trying to learn more about the time the eels spend in the state and how to best help them along their journey.
A Family Dove Hunt
Three generations of dove hunters get together at Mason Mountain Wildlife Management Area to share good times and bag some birds. Public land like WMAs offer the perfect opportunity to introduce a new generation of hunters to the great outdoors. It's accessible, inexpensive and the kids love it.
Oyster Farming
Farm-raised oysters from the Texas Gulf Coast are making a splash in the state's culinary scene. Oyster mariculture is on the rise, as the farms provide a sustainable source of seafood with environmental benefits for Texas Bays.
Postcard From Texas: El Potrero Nature Photography Ranch
As the light fades in South Texas, the local wildlife emerges at El Potrero Nature Photography Ranch.