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PBS TV Show

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PBS Show January 15-21, 2017, #2514


Program 2514. Air dates January 15-21, 2017 & July 16-22, 2017 Bee Searcher, Coastal Winds & Turkey Work The Bee Searcher A North Texas researcher investigates the health of our most productive native pollinators, and how we might simply help them bee. Coastal Conflicts Texas leads in the country in wind energy production, and with this new energy source there are new questions. What will wind farms do to the already fragmented habitat here in Texas, and how will they affect the birds that live and migrate through our state? Head to the coast to see how wind farms use radar technology to spot migrating birds coming their way. Turkey Work On a ranch in South Texas, biologists are tapping the latest technology, and fitting turkey with tiny backpacks, to learn where the turkey lurk. With this data, scientists are gaining a better understanding of the habitat needs and preferences of Rio Grande turkey populations. See how these findings may benefit turkey and all who enjoy them. Wild Things: Texas Rat Snake Check out a snake that often times gets a bad rap as state herpetologist Andy Gluesenkamp introduces you to the Texas Rat Snake. Brazos Bend Bike Trails Mountain bike through breezy cottonwoods and down along scenic wetlands. Brazos Bend State Park has 35 miles of bike trails sure to keep you on your toes. And keep an eye out for those alligators. Postcard From Texas Blue Mountain Peak Ranch in the Hill Country is a haven for wildlife.

PBS Show January 8-14, 2017, #2513


Program 2513. Air dates January 8-14, 2017 & July 9-15, 2017 Moving Bees, Razing Cane & Wildlife Winds Moving Bees Moving day can be tough. Especially if your family numbers in the thousands. Watch a bee specialist relocate a hive of European honey bees, giving them a safe new home where they can keep on buzzing. 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. Big Wind, Big Questions Texas leads in the country in wind energy production, and with this new energy source there are new questions. What will wind farms do to the already fragmented habitat here in Texas, and how will they affect the birds that live and migrate through our state. We look at the Panhandle wind farms and their effects on the threatened lesser prairie chicken. Postcard From Texas Whether under sun or clouds, in detail or at a distance, the views in Davis Mountains State Park are always scenic.

PBS Show January 1-7, 2017, #2512


Program 2512. Air dates January 1-7, 2017 & July 2-8, 2017 Bat Noses, Involved Angler & Wildlife Watchdogs Watching for White Nose A deadly fungal disease killing millions of hibernating bats is spreading through North America, with Texas in its path. Learn what biologists and conservationists are doing to prevent the deadly White Nose Syndrome from affecting Texas bats. Fishing Hall of Fame: Randi Wayland Randi Wayland has spent a lifetime promoting fishing, water safety and involving young people in the outdoors. A past president of the Texas Association of Bass Clubs, she has also served as a board member of Texas Black Bass Unlimited. She is an instructor in Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Becoming an Outdoors Woman program and is an area chief of the department’s boater education program. Watchdogs for Wildlife When there’s an oil spill along the coast or down a small county creek the fish and wildlife that live there are often hit the hardest. When it’s time to investigate meet the team of biologists who are called in to action. Government Canyon Bike Trails When it comes to mountain biking in Texas one of the best spots is Government Canyon State Natural area. Grab your bike and helmet as we hit the park for some single track fun! Postcard From Texas Spring rains bring flowers and flowing water to the Pedernales River.

PBS Show December 25-31, 2016, #2511


Program 2511. Air dates December 25-31, 2016 & June 25-July 1, 2017 Pronghorn Puzzle, Changing Habitats & Blanco Cleanup Lone Star Land Steward: Pecore Farm Bert Pecore wasn’t always a conservationist. He let cattle overgraze the land and overworked the soil. However, he changed his ways 10 years ago, after having already owned his ranchlands for 51 years. By implementing sustainable wildlife and habitat management practices, Pecore and his wife restored their 196-acre ranch in Fayette County to its native grassland glory. Parks & Wildlife People: Ethan Belicek When flood waters hit Blanco State Park in May of 2015, Ethan Belicek and his team took care of the park guests and cleaned up the mess. The Pronghorn Puzzle Something is amiss with pronghorn antelope populations on the Marfa Plateau, but a coalition of landowners, biologists, and concerned citizens is on the case. Find out what is being done to bolster dwindling pronghorn numbers while researchers investigate possible reasons for the sudden decline. Choke Canyon State Park If you like catfish then this is a park you have to visit. The 26,000 acre Choke Canyon Reservoir is a catfishing haven, and is really good for bass fishing as well. Birders love the hiking trails and the large numbers and varieties of birds attracted to the water and upland habitats, including many Mexican species of birds. Wild Things: Black-capped Vireo Nests Get an up close look at the endangered Black-capped Vireo. We travel to Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge during nesting season for these birds. Postcard From Texas Fly through the tall trees of Tyler State Park on a mountain bike.

PBS Show December 18-24, 2016, #2510


Program 2510. Air dates December 18-24, 2016 & June 18-24, 2017 Pocket Prairies, Catching Carp & Meet the Greeter Urban Pocket Prairies Urbanization has reduced the once 600,000 acre Katy Prairie near Houston, Texas to just 200,000 acres affecting many species of wildlife. Now the Katy Prairie Conservancy has partnered with nearly a dozen schools to create pocket prairies. These small urban prairies are helping wildlife as well as children to become healthier, happier and smarter. The International Pursuit The once-maligned carp is emerging as a sought-after sport fish, and anglers are coming to Texas from around the world just to catch them. Tag along as we hit the Texas carp hotspots, Lady Bird Lake in Austin, and Lake Fork near Dallas. Yes, the same Lake Fork that’s known for monster bass is now famous for its monster carp as well. Lone Star Land Steward: Steve Nelle Can you sustain a healthy native ecosystem on a cattle ranch? How can land recover after a devastating flood? Wildlife Biologist Steve Nelle helps landowners answer these questions, working with them to maximize the health of their land. Parks & Wildlife People: Paul Israel If you visit Texas Parks & Wildlife Headquarters in Austin, Texas, you might be greeted by Paul Israel, who won't let you leave without a smile. Postcard From Texas Enjoy an early morning at Huntsville State Park.

PBS Show December 11-17, 2016, #2509


Ocean Office, Hill Country Haven & a Conservation Career Program 2509. Air dates December 11-17, 2016 & June 11-17, 2017 An Office in the Ocean Exploring the depths of Texas’ artificial reefs, documenting species of fish and coral, and monitoring the health of our reefs – these are all in a day’s work for Dr. Brooke Shipley-Lozano and Chris Ledford of the TPWD Artificial Reef Program. These two are fortunate enough to make the undersea world of the Gulf of Mexico their office. Lone Star Land Steward: Winkler Ranch Meet a man who explores the frontiers of cancer research at his job, and who explores caves and conservation at his Hill Country ranch. Parks & Wildlife People: Brent Ortego Having spent a lifetime with his eyes focused on conservation, Brent Ortego is now working to save our coastal native prairies. Lake Colorado City State Park The slightly rolling plains of west central Texas are covered in scrubs like mesquite and juniper. Lake Colorado City is a cool contrast to the arid environment. Visitors from nearby cities like Abilene and Midland come to Lake Colorado City State Park to enjoy the best water recreation spot for miles around. The Legend of Old RIP What’s the real story behind Old RIP, Texas’ most famous toad? Travel to Eastland, Texas where the memory of Old RIP is kept alive and well, and encased in glass. Postcard From Texas Butterflies invade the Chaparral Wildlife Management Area.

PBS Show December 4-10, 2016, #2508


Saving Bison, Hunting Access & Corralling CWD Program 2508. Air dates December 4-10, 2016 & June 4-10, 2017 Saving the Last of the Southern Plains Bison Caprock Canyons State Park holds the last remnants of pure Southern Plains Bison that exists in North America. Once numbering around 60 million, now there are only 80; the history of how they came to live at the state park, on their native historic land is a long one. Because of the hard work of a few individuals, these Bison live on. A Place for All Most hunting blinds are not designed for people with disabilities. Inks Lake State Park northwest of Austin has tackled that problem by building special hunting blinds that are accessible for people with physical limitations Lone Star Land Steward: T Star Ranch When Bruce Thomas acquired the T Star Ranch in 2004 from a local rancher, mesquite had invaded the majority of the property, decreasing the native grasses and limiting the food supply for wildlife on the property. For the past 12 years, his family has worked to restore the once-overgrazed pastures back to native grassland on this 231 acre property. Parks & Wildlife People: Chronic Wasting Disease Response Team When Chronic Wasting Disease made its way to Texas White-tailed Deer, the Texas Parks and Wildlife CWD Response TWIMS Reprogramming Team took action to save our natural resources. Lake Bob Sandlin State Park About two hours east of Dallas, you’ll find a quiet state park that has everything from hiking to fishing. Lake Bob Sandlin is a perfect hidden getaway for folks of all ages. Wild Things: Why Did the Turtle Cross the Road? Many folks find turtles crossing busy roads and wonder “What’s the right thing to do?” State Herpetologist Andy Gluesenkamp helps answer that question. Postcard From Texas Early morning dew blankets the Blue Mountain Peak Ranch.

PBS Show November 27-December 3, 2016, #2507


Hunting Laurens, Diving Wardens & an Outdoor Writer Program 2507. Airdates November 27-December 3, 2016 & May 28-June 3, 2017 A Tale of Two Laurens We head to Bay City, Texas for a weekend goose hunt with the ladies. For some it’s a first time experience, and for others it’s a weekend break from the family. No matter the reason, if you get a group of ladies together with some guns and geese… it’s going to be a blast. Fishing Hall of Fame: Ray Sasser Ray Sasser has been an outdoor writer for more than 40 years and is currently the outdoor editor for the Dallas Morning News. Largemouth bass fishing is his favorite outdoor activity, but he has written about everything from invasive species to the environment, penning hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles and a dozen books. Parks & Wildlife People: Underwater Search and Recovery Dive Team Highly trained, dedicated and compassionate, the Texas Game Warden Underwater Search and Recovery Dive Team finds evidence to solve cases and perform the necessary duty of recovering drowning victims. Chihuahuan Desert Bike Fest This West Texas mountain bike festival draws folks from around the world to the trails around Lajitas and Big Bend Ranch State Park. The annual event is a great time for anyone who would like to go fixin’ or freewheelin’ around the old frontier. Postcard From Texas Paddling Port O’Connor on a slightly windy day.

PBS Show November 20-26, 2016, #2506


Program 2506. Air dates November 20-26, 2016 & May 22-27, 2017 Travelling Turkeys, Wild Teachers & Saving Sharks Gobblers Go East Decades of restocking the Eastern Wild Turkey has proven successful for some East Texas counties, but many areas still aren’t seeing birds. A new research study will focus on some recently transplanted birds outfitted with GPS transmitters to find out what turkeys think is a good home. Educating the Educators Children growing up in increasingly urban areas need to understand to role that wildlife plays in our world, but not all teachers know enough to teach it.  ProjectWILD is empowering teachers with the lessons and activities they need to educate the next generation of wildlife stewards. Save Our Sharks Sharks are disappearing from the world's oceans at an alarming rate and biologists are worried. From shark finning to unregulated fishing these apex predators are in trouble. We take a look at what’s being done along the Texas coast to help save these wolves of the ocean. Bonham State Park Bonham State Park is small by Texas standards, but that’s what people like about it. It’s a great place to swim, hike, fish, and meet the neighbors. Postcard From Texas There are a lot of different birds to see at Estero Llano Grande State Park.

PBS Show November 13-19, 2016, #2505


Program 2505. Air dates November 13-19, 2016 & May 14-20, 2017 Coastal Birds, Horned Lizards & Desert Plants Coastal Birds and Birders The sounds of the waves, a breeze in your face, and the peeps of a scurrying shorebird, you are birding at the beach and you didn’t even know it. We visit a couple prime birding hot spots along the coast and we’ll let you know where they are. Lizards on the Move For generations, Texans grew up seeing Texas Horned Lizards throughout much of the state.  Today the threatened lizards are common only in certain spots, but research at the Muse Wildlife Management Area is investigating how lizards fare and where they go when they are relocated to restored habitat. The Plants of Big Bend The west Texas desert may look harsh but its unique plants are like nature’s grocery store for the wildlife and humans who call the desert home. At first glance scrubby, thorny and spindly, Big Bend plants take on new beauty when you learn how to read them. Restoring a Texas Treasure The Guadalupe Bass lives in the cool running waters of the Texas Hill Country. But over the last few decades, competition from the popular small-mouth bass population has reduced the Guadalupe Bass to near extinction. Discover what fisheries biologists at the Heart of the Hills Fisheries Science Center are doing to bring back the official state fish of Texas. Postcard From Texas Sees some of the plants and animals that thrive on the Harkins Ranch in West Texas.

PBS Show November 6-12, 2016, #2504


Program 2504. Air dates November 6-12, 2016 & May 7-13, 2017 Flying the Franklins, Hunting for Food & A Frog Pond Flying the Franklins Take to the skies and fly with the birds at Franklin Mountains State Park. With the right wind and a perfect place to launch this state park is prime territory when it comes to Paragliding. My Frog Pond When you spend most of your working day staring at computer screens, it’s nice to enjoy nature when you get off work. Show producer Don Cash has created a haven for frogs & other wildlife at his home in Austin. Lone Star Land Steward: Blue Mountain Peak Ranch When Richard Taylor and his late wife, Sally, moved to Texas in 2001 and bought land in the heart of Mason County, they knew their work was cut out. The land was in desperate need of restoration. Fifteen years later, the Taylors’ dedication to habitat and wildlife conservation has earned their Blue Mountain Peak Ranch recognition as the 2016 Leopold Conservation Award recipient for Texas. Will Hunt for Food Marshall Wright is an Austin blogger, a gourmet cook, and now a… hunter? Urbanites interested in healthy, tasty, locally-sourced foods are trying hunting for the first time. Follow Marshall as he learns about hunting from this new perspective. Postcard From Texas Discover some of the wildlife at Yoakum Dunes Wildlife Management Area.

PBS Show October 30-November 5, 2016, #2503


Program 2503. Airs October 30-November 5, 2016 & April 30-May 6, 2017 Biking Tyler, Desert Skies & Charlie’s Cannon Trailriding Tyler Grab your bike and enjoy some of the best mountain biking East Texas has to offer. We hit the hills and tackle the miles of single track trails at Tyler State Park. Desert Skies Texas Parks and Wildlife photographer Earl Nottingham uses black and white imagery to document the majestic skies associated with the late summer rains that travel across the broad expanses of the Big Bend region of Texas. School of Fish The whistle blows, and the championship battle is underway. We’re not talking about Texas high school football, it’s the finals for high school fishing. The hottest sport to hit the south these days isn’t on the field, it’s in the water. Check out a profile on high school fishing. Charlie and His Cannon What do a fireman, a computer analyst, and a semi-retired private land owner all have in common? The battle for Texas’ independence at San Jacinto, of course. One of the most significant historical events in the westward expansion of the United States took place in an unlikely marsh in south east Texas, now known as the Battle of San Jacinto. Each year hundreds of re-enactors gather to relive this pivotal battle that changed the path of Texas and all of North America. Postcard From Texas The fishing pier at Goose Island State Park is an active place.

PBS Show October 23-29, 2016, #2502


Program 2502. Airs October 23-29, 2016 & April 23-29, 2017 Conservation Art, Seeing Selah & Hermit Crabs The Art of Conservation Through the vanishing art of lithography, a Fort Worth artist captures a conserved habitat and its wildlife in living color, while proceeds from his prints help save wild places, like pristine Powderhorn Ranch. Selah, Water From Stone Nearly Fifty Years ago David Bamberger went public with Church's Chicken and used the capital to purchase 5,500 acres of overgrazed land that was considered some of the poorest acreage in the Texas Hill Country. His example of land stewardship has been replicated across the region and he's considered a visionary in land management and water conservation. Good Guzzlers Once upon a time, in a Wildlife Management Area far, far away, a group of dedicated conservationists put their skills to work, building special rainwater catchment systems, aka “guzzlers.” These magical guzzlers were designed to provide water for bighorn sheep, and any other animal looking for a drink in the desert. Postcard From Texas It’s time to trade up and get a bigger shell for Hermit Crabs along a shoreline in Matagorda Bay.

PBS Show October 16-22, 2016, #2501


Program 2501, Airs October 16-22, 2016 & April 16-22, 2017 Catching Copperheads, City Camping & Delicious Dove Copperhead Country A slithery copperhead sliding around your backyard is just about the last thing you would want to run into. Well imagine hundreds of them coming out, as you have a copperhead honey hole of sorts. That’s exactly what’s happening to one Texas landowner. He used to eliminate them, now he saves the snakes for science. Weekday Camping Armed with a smartphone and a savvy for social media, one Austin urbanite’s outdoor experience might be a little different than his grandfather’s, but getting outside can still fit with a modern, urban lifestyle. The Dove Hunter You don’t have to grow up in a family of hunters to enjoy hunting. Meet an Austin man who took up hunting and fishing as an adult, and is determined to pass along these traditions to his sons. Wild Game Cooking: Buffalo Dove Breasts It’s time for some wild game cooking with Chef Jeff Martinez. Jeff introduces us to a new twist on an old favorite, a dove recipe buffalo style. Ray Roberts Lake Bike Trails Just north of Dallas and Fort Worth, the trail system at Ray Roberts Lake State Park offers hours of riding for mountain bikers, from a smooth riverside greenbelt to hilly routes along the lake. Postcard From Texas It’s windy out on the water near Port O’Connor.

PBS Show April 10-16, 2016 I #2426


Preparing Powderhorn, Preaching Taxidermy & Caterpillars The Powderhorn Legacy Through the efforts of many agencies and organizations, the largest remaining undisturbed track of land on the Texas coast has been acquired for conservation and restoration of native habitats and wildlife. Powderhorn Ranch is a unique and significant biological and recreational asset that will be an important asset for wildlife and outdoor recreation for future generations. Preaching Taxidermy Meet a man in Utopia who helps save souls, when he isn’t helping save lasting mementos of hunting and fishing trips. Pedernales Falls Bike Trails Pedernales Falls State Park is known for its falls of course. Lesser known are the 20 or so miles of hike and bike trails. Take a tour of the trails on two wheels. Made in Texas, 30 Years of TV Outdoors The Texas Parks & Wildlife television show has been broadcast on the Texas PBS stations since 1985. Learn a little bit about the history of the show, and meet some of the people that have put the program together for the past thirty years. Postcard From Texas Hang out with some true tree huggers along the Neches River in the Pineywoods.

Made in Texas #1 (1985)


Made in Texas #1 (1985) The very first Made in Texas television show aired in 1985. The program now known as Texas Parks & Wildlife has been airing on the Texas PBS stations for thirty years. The first show included these segments: Texas State Railroad Bowhunting Seminole Canyon Rock Art The John Wilson Marine Fish Hatchery Find out where to watch at http://www.tpwd.texas.gov/tv

Texas Parks & Wildlife #53 (1991)


Texas Parks & Wildlife PBS Show #53 (1991) In 1991 the Made in Texas television series changed names to more closely align itself with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. 2015 marks the show's thirtieth year broadcasting on the Texas PBS Stations.

PBS Show November 15-21, 2015 | #2405


CATCHING UP ON QUAIL, BALMORHEA COOL & RVs The State of Quail Texas has long been known for its robust quail populations, but habitat loss has impacted all four quail species in the state. Though their homes range from desert floodplain and brush land to prairie grasslands, these quail species need native habitat to thrive. Find out how researchers, non-profits, and landowners and managers are working together to keep quail numbers healthy statewide. Balmorhea Fun At Balmorhea State Park the pool is cool. Get a look at some of the fun you can have from way above, and below the surface. Home on the Road, RV Camping In 1988 Made in Texas television joined recreational vehicle aficionados on an RV camping tour of Texas. For these ‘winter Texans’ time in the Rio Grande Valley means bird-watching, campfires, making new friends, and just plain having fun. Postcard From Texas The Yturria Ranches in south Texas have long been a haven for native wildlife. Find out where to watch at http://www.tpwd.texas.gov/tv

PBS Show November 22-28, 2015 | #2406


WILD FIREFIGHTERS, CUP CRUSADERS & RABBITS The Firefighters Now more than ever Texans realize the importance of skilled firefighters, as 2011 was one of the worst wildfire years on record. See what it takes to be on the frontlines as part of Parks and Wildlife’s Wildland Fire Team. The Cup Crusaders A father and son, armed with a video camera, fight city litter, and raise awareness about the impacts of urban trash on water, fish, and wildlife. Stewards of the Future Originally known as Made in Texas, the Texas Parks & Wildlife television show has been on the air for 30 years. In 1899 we explored a unique riparian ecosystem on the registry of Natural Landmarks, the Engeling Wildlife Management Area in East Texas. Get a close-up look at wood ducks, beavers and other inhabitants of the rich and diverse bottom land hardwood community. Postcard From Texas On a coastal prairie, a contented cottontail enjoys the bounty of nature’s salad bar. Find out where to watch at http://www.tpwd.texas.gov/tv

PBS Show November 29-December 5, 2015 | #2407


REFUGE FROM THE STORM, FLYING FALCONS & PINEY WOODS Refuge For Robin Bradberry the outdoors is what she calls her “happy place.” That’s no surprise, lots of folks rush to nature for the release. But for Robin, it’s more than that, it’s a chance for her to escape the challenges of living with Autism. Lone Star Land Steward: Lavaca Rio Ranch Located along the Lavaca River, the Lavaca Rio Ranch is home to a diverse patchwork of coastal prairie, post oak savannah, bottomland hardwood forest, sloughs, and prairie pothole ponds containing rare plants and animals. The white-tailed deer and bobwhite quail populations have been responding positively to the active prescribed fire and grazing regime, which has also enabled the ranch to conserve and expand the important habitat types found on the ranch. Modern Falconry We’re looking back at Texas Parks & Wildlife television’s thirty years on the air. In 1990, Made in Texas looked at the ancient art of falconry and the modern day falconers and their connection with these birds of prey. Postcard From Texas The beauty, serenity and wildlife of the East Texas piney woods is evident at the Winston 8 Ranch. Find out where and when to watch at http://www.tpwd.texas.gov.tv

PBS Show December 13-19, 2015 | #2409


SKY HIGH EYE, WYMAN'S CAMERA & BIG BEND ABOVE Eye in the Sky Technology just keeps getting better, and as a result so does our knowledge of wildlife. With the use of satellite transmitters placed on wildlife we are learning more and new things about the lives and habits of Texas’ wildlife. See how biologists gather information about the lives of desert bighorn sheep as they move through the mountains of west Texas and Mexico, and the endangered Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle as they travel the Gulf of Mexico. Lone Star Land Steward: Gore Family Farm A former rice farm is now for the birds. See how Frank Gore and family are restoring a patch of coastal prairie and managing wetlands to benefit waterfowl and other wildlife. Producer’s Favorites: From Another Time Richard Roberts was the Executive Producer for the Texas Parks & Wildlife television show for twenty three years. One of his first stories for the show is also one of his favorites. In 1993 Richard followed along with well-known nature photographer Wyman Meinzer to see how this expert outdoorsman gets those up close shots of wildlife. Postcard From Texas See how the early morning light makes the Big Bend glow. Find out where to watch at http://www.tpwd.texas.gov

PBS Show December 6-12, 2015 | #2408


WARDENS ON A BOAT, SWIMMING HOLES & FLYING AT FRANKLIN The Gulf Wardens For the folks tasked with enforcing fish and game laws along 350 miles of coastline, going to the office can mean heading out to sea. Climb aboard with the Texas Game Wardens who patrol offshore to protect the state’s precious Gulf resources. Lone Star Land Steward: Rancho Zunzun Through an assortment of native habitat restoration practices, Rancho Zunzun in Bastrop County is providing wildlife viewing and bird watching opportunities and enhanced Houston toad protection. Prescribed fire, planting of loblolly pine seedlings and native grass restoration are just a few of the habitat management activities at Rancho Zunzun designed specifically for the benefit of the federally-endangered Houston toad. Rancho Zunzun shows that an expansive property is not necessary to make a big difference. Swimming Holes Central Texas is home to some of the state’s finest swimming holes. While these popular places have been around for generations, there’s no guarantee that they’ll be here for future generations. In 1991 the Texas Parks & Wildlife television show visited some of these spots and looked the efforts being made to protect them. Postcard From Texas Take to the sky and soar, it’s paragliding at Franklin Mountains State Park. Find out where and when to watch at http://www.tpwd.texas.gov.tv

PBS Show December 20-26, 2015 | #2410


SURFING SANDS, VOLUNTEER FAMILY & BORDER LIFE 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. The Volunteer Family With two teens and a toddler, the Gibson family has a hectic schedule. But every year they squeeze in time to volunteer at the Texas Coastal Expo. Mom, dad and the kids all pitch in to help other families learn about the natural world. In return, the Gibsons say they’ve learned a lot about themselves. Fishing Hall of Fame 2015: Mark Stevenson Lake Fork fishing guide Mark Stevenson is arguably the most famous angler in Texas. He’s the guy that caught Ethel, a 17.67-pound largemouth bass that broke the previous state record and became the first entry into the ShareLunker program. Over the years Mark has donated trips to many worthy causes benefiting youth, veterans and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department projects such as construction of the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center. Producer’s Favorites: Forgotten Borderland In 1993 the Texas-Mexico border was pretty much wide open. This openness and the people living on either side of the Rio Grande inspired video producer Curtis Craven to travel the borderland in search of a story. At the end of the first day, Curtis and crew were welcomed, fed and given beds by the members of a small sheep herding community. This is the story of that place in time, where you might not find a road, but you could certainly find new friends. Postcard From Texas Early morning anglers at Purtis Creek Lake State Park. Find out where and when to watch at http://www.tpwd.texas.gov.tv

PBS Show December 27, 2015-January 2, 2016 | #2411


WILD ARTIST, RIO GRANDE RAFTING & BALMORHEA BIRDS The Inspired Artist From a migrant worker as a youth to an artist that discovers he has an amazing talent. Meet Clemente Guzman who is an inspiration for all of us. Fishing Hall of Fame 2015: Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited is the largest Trout Unlimited chapter in the world. The group has worked to develop a year-around trophy trout fishery in the Guadalupe River below Canyon Dam. In addition to its annual purchase of large rainbow trout for stocking into the river, GTRU also leases access points from private landowners to enable the public to access the best fishing spots. The members hold a Trout Camp on the river each summer to introduce youth to fly-fishing and conservation. Producer’s Favorites: Rio Bravo, Rio Grande Kathryn Palmer worked as a video producer at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department from 1989 to 1992. In that time she covered stories on the 100 year old Pitchfork Ranch, the Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup, and birding on the Texas coast. In Kathryn travelled to west Texas to shoot a story about Big Bend from the perspective of the Rio Grande. Postcard From Texas Some surprise guests greet you at a Balmorhea motel. Find out where and when to watch at http://www.tpwd.texas.gov.tv

PBS Show January 3-9, 2016 | #2412


BIRDS OF SMELL, HELICOPTER TRAINING & REMEMBERING D-DAY Natural Wasteland Birding hotspots are not always where you might expect them to be. See the sights, hear the sounds, and smell the smells of a “marginal” nature haven. Training for the Worst The Helicopter Underwater Egress Training or HUET is part of NASA’s training for astronauts as well as the Coast Guard and other personnel involved in work over water. Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens recently purchased a new helicopter and have a Search and Rescue team which can benefit from the training. Manchaca Monarchs Monarch butterflies roost each year among the trees in Manchaca, Texas, just south of Austin. Producer’s Favorites: D-Day +50 Producer Randall Maxwell worked on the Texas Parks & Wildlife television show from 1991-1996. With many of his family members having served in WWII, Randall set out to document the historic anniversary of D-Day at the Battleship Texas. Postcard From Texas Go with the flow on a beautiful day at Guadalupe River State Park. Find out where and when to watch at http://www.tpwd.texas.gov.tv