Passport to Texas

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="460"]Watershed[/caption] This is Passport to Texas What is a watershed? Dr. Gary Garrett, state director of the watershed conservation program at Parks and Wildlife, says watersheds are interactive ecosystems. 10—Everything within that watershed interacts and affects everything else in that watershed – including us. So, there’s no one part of it that is more important or exclusive to the other parts. That’s one reason why Garrett, a fisheries research biologist, takes a holistic approach to understanding and improving our state’s watersheds. 18—I work with wildlife biologists; I work with riparian ecologists, herpetologists…. Anything and everything that we can understand that brings it all together; then together we can synergistically apply the best guidance, the best restoration and conservation that’s possible. How we care for the land affects the quality and quantity of our water – a concept that may seem abstract. 23 – We’re spending a lot of time with folks explaining that, because it is a large ecosystem approach to this. Grasslands, if they’re cedar thickets, and we take them back to grasslands, you reduce erosion; you reduce overland flow, you increase the ability for the water to soak in rather than run off, which then improves spring flows over time. It gives you a more dependable water source. That’s just restoring grasslands. Restoring watersheds and an iconic Texas species. That's tomorrow. The WSFR program supports our series and funds conservation projects in Texas. For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="460"]TPWD State park Website[/caption] This is Passport to Texas Begin your state park adventure before you set foot out the door. Our State park Guide, Bryan Frazier, tells you how. 60—The state parks website and electronic media can really serve a purpose and help folks out – not just in providing information on the website. You can make your reservation in advance online. You can sign up for e-newsletters that will give you information about that. You can visit individual state park pages online that have all sorts of information from programs to activities to events. And those things are updated frequently; and we’ve put some new content on there recently with better maps, interactive features… And there’s also the social media component. On Facebook you can see the photos, get updates on events. Our Twitter account: you can specialize whatever you want to receive; everything from bass fishing to state parks. Our Instagram account where you can view photos of state parks and also post your own. You can go to YouTube and see the videos that are helpful and informative. It really is something that can save you time in the long run, and you can start your journey even before you take your journey. Thanks, Bryan. That’s our show for today…with funding provided by Chevrolet, supporting outdoor recreation in Texas; because there’s life to be done. For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="460"]Photo courtesy of Meetup.com[/caption] This is Passport to Texas After whetting their appetite for the outdoors during a Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Workshop, many women seek outdoors opportunities closer to home. The Texas Outdoors-Woman Network, or T.O.W.N., provides an outlet for nature loving women to connect. 04—It has increased my knowledge, my confidence and my friends. Susan LaMere, a member of the Fort Worth Chapter of T.O.W.N, says women benefit when they find friends who share interest in the outdoors. 24—I’m a personal trainer, so in my opinion, being active period is a benefit and I think that lot of people don’t want to exercise by themselves. They may not go out and ride their bikes but they may go out with other people. One in particular, she’s 60 years old and she did not know how to ride a bike two years ago. One of the other women in the group taught her how to ride the bike and now, you know, she just loves it. LaMere believes T.O.W.N. allows women to try new things while making close connections. 10—It’s a readymade group of people who are going to accept you for who you are, you know, whatever you want to do. I say over the past few years, some of these people have become very close friends of mine. LaMere adds the group is open to any woman interested in learning. 03—We just want to expose people to the outdoors. Find a Texas Outdoor Women’s Network Chapter near you on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website. That’s our show… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="460"]Bluebird Nest Box[/caption] This is Passport to Texas Not all birds nest in trees. [sfx….bluebird song] In fact, bluebirds are actually a cavity dwelling species in need of holes to build their homes. Habitat loss has diminished their housing opportunities, but bluebird enthusiasts are rolling out the welcome mat with man-made nest boxes. 15— In Texas we make it with a large overhanging roof, to protect from the sun. The dimensions are a little larger, that’s because our birds need more air because it’s so hot. Our birds need to be protected from the heat. Pauline Tom is with the Texas Bluebird Society. The hole of bluebird nest box is about one and a half inches…perfect for a bluebird, not so great for a European Starling. 17—These birds came over from England in the mid 1800’s. It was like bringing fire ants in, a terrible, terrible pest. And so they’ll take the cavities that our native birds need, and they’ll actually destroy the eggs and the nestling. For information on how to build you own nest box, log on to the Texas Parks and Wildlife web site. If you do take on the responsibility of a blue bird nest box… 09—You would clean out the nest box when the birds fledge. The nest box is used over and over. For Texas Parks and Wildlife, I’m Cecilia Nasti.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360"]Nature Photography in Texas © Texas Parks and Wildlife Department[/caption] This is Passport to Texas Grab your camera or your camera phone and get to a state park. Texas State Parks Outdoor Activity of the month for March is photography and nature viewing. 03 – Go to the closest state park and take lots of photos Chase Fountain is a professional photographer working for Texas Parks and Wildlife. Now through April 30, when you upload your Texas State Park photos to our Flickr photo sharing account, you’re entered into a contest. 24–[For first place] the nice folks at Whole Earth provision Company provided us with a Go Pro camera, which does high definition video; it’s also an 11 mega pixel camera. It has a lot of different attachments where you can put it on your helmet, on your bike on your canoe; it’s completely waterproof up to 197 feet. Second prize is going to be a weekend camping excursion at a state park of your choice; and third place is the Texas Outdoor Family workshop for six. Chase is one of the contest judges. 20 –The winner is going to be based on composition creativity and overall impression. I want real good family oriented type shots – the more the better. You don’t have to be a professional photographer to come up with great shots. Some of the better shots are from a mom and her kids out in the park, and they just take a great shot. I’m always amazed. And I’m the first one to say: that’s a great shot. Go to www.texasstateparks.org/photography for complete details. For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="460"]Nature Viewing and Photography © Texas Parks and Wildlife Department[/caption] This is Passport to Texas It’s not unusual to see people snapping photos in state parks. The beautiful scenery makes it nearly impossible to take a bad photograph. 04 – It’s just waiting for the right time of the day to take the right shot; a lot of its just luck. Chase Fountain is a professional photographer working for Texas Parks and Wildlife. Every month the agency highlights state park outdoor activity of the month. 07 –And for March it’s photography and nature viewing. Grab your kids, grab your camera – go to the closest state park –and take lots of photos. Through April 30th, enter your state park pictures in the Texas State Parks photo contest. Anything goes. 21 – Just everyday activities that you experience at a park; if it’s your kid and they catch a fish for the very first time and their eyes are wide open and they’re very excited get that shot. Share that moment. If you’re taking a nice walk, and you get lucky enough to come up on some wildlife, take that picture. If it’s a beautiful sunset? Absolutely -- take that picture. You don’t have to have expensive cameras; your phone is just fine. They take wonderful pictures these days. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place. Go to www.texasstateparks.org/photography for complete details. We’ll have more on the contest tomorrow. For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="460"]Photographing wildlife in state parks[/caption] This is Passport to Texas Make your wildlife viewing trip to a state park “picture perfect’ when you bring along a camera. Our State Park Guide, Bryan Frazier, offers tips on taking great shots. 60—If you’re a beginner, in particular, get a versatile lens – something that has some zoom capabilities, but also has some wide angle capabilities. If you’ve got one or two lenses that have some versatility it will save you on fatigue, and also keep you in the game where you can make some adjustments on the fly. Another one I like to tell people is to use a tripod or a monopod. And a lot of times these will double as a hiking stick. So using something as a stabilizer, like a monopod, will make a difference. The other thing – don’t ignore landscape shots. Sometimes the wildlife just doesn’t cooperate. So when you’re out in nature, look for the unique scenery. Look for the wildflowers; look for the colorful skies that can sometimes save a trip from a photography standpoint even if the wildlife doesn’t cooperate. Get kids involved in it – cameras these days are easy to use. You’ll want to take some extra batteries and extra memory cards. But, it’s a great way to engage the whole family in a memorable outdoor experience. Thanks, Bryan. That’s our show for today…with funding provided by Chevrolet, supporting outdoor recreation in Texas; because there’s life to be done. For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="460"]Texas Mixed Border Homeowner Inspiration Garden; Image from www.wildflower.org[/caption] This is Passport to Texas Texas roadsides will be awash in colorful wildflowers soon. Dr. Damon Waitt, senior botanist at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, says these and other native plants have a place in the built landscape as well as nature’s landscape. 61—Natives provide really important ecosystem services for local wildlife, pollinators. They filter storm water and rainwater, so they provide all these services to the ecosystem, and they can provide similar services in the built landscape, and reduce things like water use, pesticide use and fertilizer use. In addition, they have the aesthetic qualities that we want people to learn to appreciate, so they’re not looking for that next exotic ornamental—that they ‘re more interested in finding that next native plant that looks great and functions perfectly in their environment. There are a lot of people who might look at wildflowers and native plants and say, gosh, how do those fit into my idea of a formal landscape? That’s something we’re really trying to fight—that concept that if you’re a native plant enthusiast, then your yard must look wild and unkempt. At the wildflower center, we model different design styles using native plants, and you can use native plants in very high designs and very formal designs if that’s the look you’re going for. Find plants that are right for you at wildflower.org. That’s our show…for Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="460"]Sport Fish Restoration Monies[/caption] This is Passport to Texas The Federal Sport Fish Restoration program—funded by your purchase of fishing equipment and motor boat fuel—funds a variety of conservation projects in Texas. Last year Texas Parks and Wildlife received $17.4-million from the program. 11—That funding went to support sport fisheries management, sport fish stocking in Texas waters, fish habitat conservation, enhancement and restoration efforts, and aquatic education. Timothy Birdsong coordinates the Sport Fish program for Parks and Wildlife. 08 – Fifteen percent of that program is used to perform improvement to boat ramps and other boating access facilities around the state. Birdsong says this is a successful conservation model—a user pay, user benefit program. 24 – The taxes that you contribute as anglers, and as boaters, to this pot of money, is used to improve the resource for you…to provide additional opportunities…provide additional access to these waters. So, it is vital that we continue to have the support of the anglers and the boating community to be able to maintain the program at the level that it is currently. See how Parks and Wildlife spends these funds when you visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website. That's our show… with support from the Sport Fish restoration Program…funded by your purchase of fishing equipment and motor boat fuel. For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I'm Cecilia Nasti.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="460"]Image by Earl Nottingham, © Texas Parks and Wildlife Department[/caption] This is Passport to Texas We regularly mention the Sport Fish Restoration Program as a Passport sponsor, but you may not know what it is. 12 – The Sport Fish Restoration Program is a partnership between anglers, boaters, the fishing and boating industry, Texas Parks and Wildlife, other state fish and game agencies across the country and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Timothy Birdsong coordinates the program for Parks and Wildlife. This federal program collects taxes on fishing equipment and motor boat fuel. 30—This funding is distributed across the country to states based on a formula that includes land and water area and number of resident licensed anglers in that state. We had over one million recreational anglers fish Texas waters. You take that number along with our total land and water area and we position Texas to receive the maximum available apportionment under this program, which is five percent of the total amount of money that is available which is about four hundred million nationwide. In 2012, Texas Parks and Wildlife received approximately 17.4 million dollars from this fund; tomorrow we learn how the money was spent. 05 –It went to support sport fisheries management and sport fish stocking in Texas waters. That's our show… with support from the Sport Fish restoration Program…funded by your purchase of fishing equipment and motor boat fuel. For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I'm Cecilia Nasti.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="200"]TPW Magazine March 2013[/caption] This is Passport to Texas We’re hooked on fishing here at Texas Parks and Wildlife; and if you are, too, then the March issue of our magazine might reel you in. Editor, Louie Bond. 63— Well, you know, it’s spring, so we’re knee deep in water and we are fishing. We fished in February and had our special digital out there, which is still very relevant. People can go to our website and take a look at that and get lots of good fishing information. But in the March print issue, we’ll have some great fishing stories as well. We’re going to take a look at power plant lakes, which early in the spring when the water’s still cold, it’s a great place to fish, because they generate warm water – so there’s nice, warm steamy water – the fish love it and they’re biting like crazy. Then we’re going to talk about cat fishing as well. You know, we’ve spent a lot of time looking at how to grow bigger bass, and now TPW is looking at growing bigger catfish. Catfishing is an incredibly popular sport in Texas; very abundant. So, it can only get better from here. And our last feature is kind of wild and whacky. They describe it as a combination of fishing and hunting – plus a little ‘wow’ I think. It’s when you’re going out for alligator. Can you imagine hauling in an alligator into your boat? It’s a very exciting story. It’s lots of fun. So, lots of fishing and fund and adventure in our March issue. Thanks, Louie For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="460"]Biking at Big Bend Ranch State Park, photo by Bryan Frazier, © Texas Parks and Wildlife Department[/caption] This is Passport to Texas Lots of people choose state parks as their spring break destinations. Our SP Guide, Bryan Frazier tells us, parks fill fast, so spring breakers need to act fast. 56— Even this time of year, we really encourage people: make your reservations as soon as you know your travel dates. Lots of people have cabin fever and are ready to get out and so every year we encourage people to make their reservations [early] – but especially this year. And if you’re going to go to places like Indian Lodge in Far West Texas, or Inks lake in the Texas Hill Country, or Brazos bend State Park near Houston, places like that are going to fill up – so make your reservations. We’ve got cabins, campsites, screen shelters, miles of trails, great mountain biking and hiking opportunities, fishing for all kinds of species. So, there’s lots and lots to do inside state parks. People like to go south toward the beaches and boardwalks we have at state parks. So, make your reservations; you can do it online at texasstateparks.org, or by calling the reservation center at 512.389.8900. Thanks, Bryan. That’s our show for today…with funding provided by Chevrolet, supporting outdoor recreation in Texas; because there’s life to be done. For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="460"]The Great Texas Birding Classic 2013 Poster[/caption] This is Passport to Texas Texas provides important habitat for species migrating throughout the US and North America. The annual Great Texas Birding Classic – April 15th through May 15th –raises money to conserve that habitat. 09—By paying entry fees, by getting a sponsor for your team, you are donating money to grants that we’re going to award for habitat projects here in our state. Shelly Plant nature tourism manager for Texas Parks and Wildlife, says the tournament is statewide this year, with an expanded date range, creating new opportunities for birders. 30—We have made this so easy for anyone, anywhere in the state to participate by going statewide. You can now go in your backyard; you can go down the street to your favorite park. You could travel wherever you wanted and you can do this anywhere. In addition, by having it opened up from April 15 to May 15, and your pick whatever day you want to participate, it makes it very easy to blend with whatever your schedule is. So, hopefully, we’ll have more teams than ever before, which means more registration fees, which means larger grants than we’ve ever given, which is better for the birds. There are tournaments for all ages, interests, and abilities…and registration fees are lower than they’ve ever been. 06—So, hopefully, by taking these steps, we’ve made this as easy as possible for anyone who likes biding or birds to get out here and participate in the birding classic. The Great Texas Birding Classic is April 15 through May 15, and registration deadline is April 1st. Find details at www.birdingclassic.org. For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="450"]Birdwatching in Texas[/caption] This is Passport to Texas What started 17 years ago as a way for Texas Parks and Wildlife to promote its Coastal Birding Trails and fund conservation projects, the Great Texas Birding Classic has since become one of the country’s premier birding tournaments. 08—The birding classic allows you to test your skills and see how you rank against other birders here, in one of the best birding locations in the world. Shelly Plante oversees nature tourism for the agency. Once held exclusively along the Texas coast, this year the tournament is statewide. 07—You can now go in your backyard; you can go down the street to your favorite park; you can travel wherever you wanted, and you can do this anywhere. The Birding classic has also expanded the date range. 29—For the first time ever, we’re having a very long range of dates for the tournament: from April 15th through May 15th. You get to pick what day you participate. You can pick that based on the weather, on your team’s schedules –whatever works for you. In the past we designated specific days for a tournament, and everybody had to compete on those specific days regardless of weather. Well, now, you can watch weather patterns. And if there’s affront that going to ground some birds and make it a great day for birding, you can go out on that day. More in the Birding Classic tomorrow. That’s our show for today…with support from the Wildlife and Sport fish Restoration Program…providing funding for a variety of conservation projects throughout Texas. For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

This is Passport to Texas Help Texas Parks and Wildlife celebrate 50 years of making life better outside by sharing your favorite Texas outdoor stories, as well as your outdoor photos and videos – from long ago or yesterday. Everything is better when you share it; upload photos that show how Texas Parks and Wildlife has touched your life. It could be a special moment at a Texas State Park, your child’s first fish, or that 30-year-old snapshot of hunting with your granddad. Tell us your story, from the past or present, and you could be featured on the Passport to Texas radio series, the PBS Television Show, and our YouTube channel. We’ll select the most compelling stories and send out a producer to capture them. We’ll curate our favorite photos and share them on our website and social media outlets. We hope to end up with the biggest scrapbook of outdoor memories in Texas! We have directions online describing how to label your photos, videos and stories when you send them to us. All photographs must be your own work and you must own the right to distribute the image. You must have the consent of those whose faces are visible in the image, too. Log onto tpwd.state.tx.us/50years… tpwd.state.tx.us… forward slash…the number fifty … years…and start sharing your memories of the Great Texas outdoors today. For Texas Parks and Wildlife…Cecilia Nasti