Airing Now and Coming Soon

December 17–24, 2006

Program 1512 — Repeats June 17–24, 2007

Experience some furious flying in the bat caves of Texas. And: how to get cooking with a Dutch Oven; Big Bend Ranch State Park is a true desert oasis; get hooked on sport fishing along the Texas coast, and the end of the day in the Trans-Pecos.

Details

Bat Caves of Texas — We all know bats are good for the environment and they’re fascinating to watch. But where can you go in Texas to see these wonderful creatures? Take a tour of the Texas bat caves and see.
Outdoor Info: Dutch Oven Cooking — The Cast Iron Dutch Oven is that official cooking implement of Texas. It’s also a great way to cook great meals outdoors. In the first of three segments, Tim Spice introduces us to the tasty world of Dutch Oven cooking.
Big Bend Ranch State Park — The largest state park in Texas is a true Chihuahuan Desert Oasis. Not to be confused with the national park, this state park is just as impressive. Encompassing 3000 acres, covering 450 square miles, Big Bend State Park has something for everyone. And with over 100 natural springs to explore there are plenty of places to cool off.
Hooked On The Coast — The Texas coast is home to some of the finest sport fishing in the country. Follow along and see why anglers from all over are hooked on the coast.
Postcard From Texas — When the day draws to a close in the Trans-Pecos, the desert comes to life.

December 24–31, 2006

Program 1513 — Feeds December 24, 2006 — Repeats June 24–July 1, 2007

Check on the rebuilding at several of the state parks impacted by Hurricane Rita. And: cooking one pot meals in a Dutch Oven; honoring heroes and hops at Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites; most all drowning accidents are preventable with a little common sense; and view Sandhill Cranes on their Texas stop.

Details

Recovering From Rita — In October of 2005, Hurricane Rita hit the Texas coast and continued its path of destruction hundreds of miles northward. Several state parks suffered extensive damage putting them out of commission for months. See how dedicated state park employees and volunteers have been working tirelessly to clean up and reopen these popular destinations.
Outdoor Info: Dutch Oven Basics — In part two of our three part Dutch Oven series, learn the basic steps to cooking one pot meals.
Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites — On a bluff overlooking the Colorado River near LaGrange sits a monument to the fallen heroes of the Republic of Texas, and the remains of one of the first commercial breweries in the state. A short nature trail connects these two historic sites that explore equally interesting aspects of Texas history and culture.
Playing Safe — Contrary to what’s portrayed in the movies, drowning victims do not scream and splash when in distress. They just go under. Quickly, quietly — and deadly. We’ll show you how a little education can prevent many of the deaths that happen each year.
Postcard From Texas — Get up close to one of the largest birds in the world; the Sandhill Crane.

December 31, 2006–January 7, 2007

Program 1514 — Feeds December 31, 2006 — Repeats July 1–8, 2007

See how Texas Game Wardens use technology to help them in time of crisis. And: experience camping in a Yurt at Abilene State Park; cooking a full meal with a Dutch Oven; the birding Brothertons are crazy about birds; and fall colors at Daingerfield State Park.

Details

A Plan for the Worst — Geographic Information Systems or GIS technology at its simplest can help keep hikers from getting lost in the woods. But this same technology is also helping first-responders prepare for the most complex disasters.
Abilene State Park — Abilene State Park has a reputation as a “gathering place.” It’s where families and friends get together for reunions, holidays, and companionship. We’ll meet some of these people and find out why they come back here, season after season, year after year.
Outdoor Info: Dutch Oven Meals — Our series on the Dutch Oven finishes with tips that will help you produce a meal even a gourmet will appreciate.
Crazy About Birds — Meet the birding Brothertons of Daingerfield, Texas. Birding is more than just a hobby for this family, it’s a passion. Follow along as they look, listen, and laugh together at the Great Texas Birding Classic
Postcard From Texas — Fall colors in East Texas at Daingerfield State Park.

January 7–14, 2007

Program 1515 — Feeds January 7, 2007 — Repeats July 8–15, 2007

Trapping, tagging and tracking pintail ducks. And: peace and quite in Austin at McKinney Falls State Park; venomous snakes of Texas; experienced volunteers lend a hand; and a misty sunrise in the Hill Country.

Details

Calling All Pintails — The population of Pintail ducks has been declining over the past decade, and wildlife biologists are trying to figure out why. Watch as captured hens are fitted with transmitters, and tracked as they winter on the coast and migrate north.
McKinney Falls State Park — Come to McKinney Falls State Park right on the edge of Austin for an escape from the city — or a quiet place to rest while visiting it.
Wild Things: Venomous Snakes — What’s that hissing sound from behind that tree? If it’s a snake, chances are it’s a harmless one. But there are venomous ones are out there, and that means you’d better be careful. We’ll show you how to identify four species of venomous snakes found here in Texas.
The Spirit Is Willing — Meet Walter Aucoin and Bessie Cornelius, two people who truly make a difference. They’re among the thousands of Texans who have found the secret to staying young — volunteer work in the outdoors.
Postcard From Texas — Morning mist rolling and swirling over a small hill country lake makes for a beautiful sunrise.