Texas Parks & Wildlife on PBS and Cable

2006–2007

October 1–8, 2006

Program 1501 — Repeats April 1–8, 2007

Volunteers help keep state parks humming along. And: how to re-spool your fishing reels; a visit to El Paso’s Magoffin Home; biologists and the science of animals; and sunset at Pedernales Falls State Park.

Details

Friends of Pedernales — Pedernales State Park is no different than any other park — too much stuff to do and not enough people to do it. But thanks to a group of volunteers, the work gets done and park visitors are the ones who benefit. You’ll meet some of these “park helpers”, and find out why they are so incredibly enthusiastic about doing work that can at times be a little mundane.
Outdoor Info: Re-spooling Reels — Changing the line on your fishing gear is mighty important and usually overlooked. Here’s some tips on how and when to re-spool your reels.
Magoffin Home State Historic Site — Visit an adobe structure that has stood in central El Paso since before it was called that, and discover how the Magoffin Home tells the story of the city itself.
The Secret Life Of Animals — For decades biologists have tagged, banded and tracked animals, all to learn more about what animals do when we’re not watching. So what have scientists learned about the secret life of animals? You’d be surprised.
Postcard From Texas — Pedernales Falls State Park is a magical place, especially as the sun goes down and colors change.

October 8–15, 2006

Program 1502 — Repeats April 8–15, 2007

The comeback of the Guadalupe Bass. And: fall foliage at Daingerfield State Park; ideas for living with deer; creating the Barton Warnock Center; wintertime on Alabama Creek.

Details

Guadalupe Bass: Restoring A State 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.
Daingerfield State Park — Daingerfield State Park is known for its towering pine trees. Each fall, oak, sweet gum, and maple trees in the park turn brilliant shades of red and gold. It’s a great place for camping, canoeing, and relaxing all year round.
Wild Things: Living with Deer — Deer have made a remarkable comeback in Texas in the past century. The deer population is booming, and frustrated homeowners are having their landscapes munched while wary motorists are trying to avoid deer on Texas roadways. We’ll offer up a few tips on living with too many deer.
Gateway To The Desert — Witness the creation of the Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center near Terilingua. We’ll follow the process from beginning to end. It takes a lot more work than you’d think.
Postcard From Texas — Enjoy the wintertime starkness of the Alabama Creek Wildlife Management Area.

October 15–22, 2006

Program 1503 — Repeats April 15–22, 2007

Texas game wardens help out in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. And: the economic impact of state parks; 2006 Lone Star Land Steward winner creates a haven for native wildlife; desert beauty in El Paso at Franklin Mountains State Park; and get caught up in a Panhandle windstorm.

Details

In Their Own Words — In September of 2005 Texas Game Wardens answered the call to help as New Orleans flooded in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Less than a month later, they were called on again as Hurricane Rita devastated much of East Texas. Hear the stories of these true heroes as they tell about the experiences in their own words.
Franklin Mountains State Park — The City of El Paso climbs along the Franklin Mountains, in more ways than one. Rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking are all popular activities in this state park right in El Paso’s back yard.
Lone Star Land Steward: 2006 Statewide Winner — The Treadwell Brady Ranch uses all the essential conservation tools: axe, cow, plow, fire, and gun. Prescribed burns, rotational grazing, brush control, and water improvements have made this Edwards Plateau ranch a haven for nature tourists, hunters, birders and a wide range of native wildlife.
Economic Impact of State Parks — Your Texas State Parks are more than just a place to relax and enjoy nature. They’re also an economic boon to their local communities. Take a look at just how much bang for the buck we all get from the state parks.
Postcard From Texas — Get caught up in a real Panhandle windstorm.

October 22–29, 2006

Program 1504 — Repeats April 22–29, 2007

State parks make ideal outdoor classrooms. And: going granite at Inks Lake State Park; preserving the last remaining grassland prairies; energy companies working to restore coastal marshes; and some showy little lizards.

Details

Student Parking — From West Texas to the Gulf Coast, teachers and students are discovering that state parks offer unique ways to bring learning alive. Put on some old clothes and tag along for a hands-on look at science class Parks and Wildlife-style.
Lone Star Land Steward: Reliant Energy-NRG Texas LP — Skyscrapers may seem just about as far removed from the natural environment as you can get, but that’s where two large energy companies hatched a plan to clean up Galveston Bay. Partnering with environmental groups, they’ve restored hundreds acres of inter tidal marshes, creating habitat for birds and marine life including an innovative oyster reef from recycled concrete.
Inks Lake State Park — A panorama of cedar and oak woodlands, white-tailed deer, and pink granite outcroppings in the middle of the Hill Country, where water sports are king.
Keepers Of The Prairie — Grasslands and prairies once dominated much of the Texas landscape. Today, efforts are being made to preserve the last remaining patches of remnant prairies. Meet some of the people that are working to restore this vital habitat.
Postcard From Texas — Green Anoles are speedy little lizards that put on quite a show.

October 29–November 5, 2006

Program 1505 — Repeats April 29–May 6, 2007

New partnerships help build Government Canyon State Natural Area. And: Richard Hart is honored by the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame; Marshall is home to 150 years of Starr family history; reclaiming and restoring family land on the coast; soothing springs at Ft. Hood.

Details

Building The Canyon — Government Canyon State Natural Area has grown out of an unprecedented partnership of groups rallying to preserve a unique resource. Its pristine Hill Country land helps protect the aquifer below it, making it all the more important to nearby San Antonio.
Fishing Hall Of Fame: Richard Hart — This world-class fisherman is an expert at reeling in the prize. In addition to pulling up record-breaking fish, he has helped bring in $2 million for youth fishing education to perpetuate the sport he loves. Find out why neither fish nor man can resist his bait.
Starr Family Home State Historic Site — The Starr home remains remarkably well preserved from its heyday when Sam Houston and James Starr governed the Republic of Texas. Built in a classic New Orleans style, this East Texas historic site remained in the Starr family for 150 years and still retains many of the family’s original furnishings.
Lone Star Land Steward: Sabine Ranch & Cattle Company — In the same family for generations, this Gulf coast ranch was sold in 1969 and eventually overrun by invasive species. Now a native son has reclaimed the family property and is restoring it to its natural habitat. Both alligators and waterfowl thrive on this unique ranch, along with saltwater marine life from the bordering intracoastal canal.
Postcard From Texas — Fort Hood in Killeen is one of the Army’s largest installations, but there’s more here than just a military base. Bear Spring on the grounds of Ft. Hood is a natural wonder.

November 5–12, 2006

Program 1506 — Repeats May 6–13, 2007

Sandhill Cranes travel thousands of miles to winter in Texas. And: Buddy Bradley’s knowledge of fish have made him a Hall of Fame angler; know the rules when hunting Sandhill Cranes; enjoy big boulders and clear water at Pedernales Falls State Park; and get a bird’s eye view of the Rio Grande.

Details

A Migrating Wonder — Texas is the winter home to the largest concentration of Sandhill Cranes in the world. Some spend the winter months in the Panhandle and High Plains while others head for the Texas coast. We’ll take you to some of the best spots to see Sandhill Cranes up close and learn more about these migrating wonders.
Outdoor Info: Hunting Sandhill Cranes — In some states Sandhill Cranes are know as ‘steaks in the sky’. Yes, you can hunt these big birds, but there are some things you need to be aware of before you shoot.
Pedernales Falls State Park — The crystal-clear Pedernales River winds its way through limestone hills wooded with scrub forest of oak and juniper. Pedernales Falls State Park is one of the closest hiking areas to Austin and San Antonio. And you don’t want to miss the beauty of the falls.
Fishing Hall Of Fame: Buddy Bradley — Nobody knows bass better than Buddy Bradley. Since he was 10 years old, he’s been studying the fish to understand how they think and react. Thanks to his scientific observations, Buddy is a master fisherman who has influenced generations of Texans in the science of catching fish.
Postcard From Texas — Get a bird’s eye view of the Big Bend area as you fly along the Rio Grande.

November 12–19, 2006

Program 1507 — Repeats May 13–20, 2007

What’s the significance of the prehistoric artwork of the Lower Pecos? And: go hiking and biking under the towering pines at Tyler State Park; bust some targets in San Antonio with some shooting sports enthusiasts; transforming grazing land to wetland habitat in the Pineywoods; and cross the border by boat at Los Ebanos.

Details

Window To The Past — Elaborate artwork adorns prehistoric cliff shelters in and around Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site, but has the meaning of these mysterious images been lost to the millennia? Join artist and anthropologist Carolyn Boyd as she works to unravel the significance of Lower Pecos Rock Art to Texans past and present.
Lone Star Land Steward: Graff Ranch — This ranch in the northeast piney woods has shifted its focus from cattle to cranes. Stanley Graff transformed 160 acres of traditional grazing ground to wetland habitat that attracts scores of waterfowl and shorebirds. Still a working ranch, it strives to balance a variety of domestic and wild animals including an unwelcome guest, the feral hog.
Tyler State Park — Tyler may be known for its roses, but at Tyler State Park the towering pines are the predominant plant. Just a stones throw from I-20, this park has all kinds of activities; from fishing and boating, to hiking and biking.
Flying Saucers — Shooting sports are growing in popularity all across the country, and San Antonio is a Mecca for the sport. Meet a group of competitive friends who enjoy busting targets together, no matter who wins.
Postcard From Texas — The last human powered ferry in Texas is at the international border crossing at Los Ebanos.

November 19–26, 2006

Program 1508 — Repeats May 20–27, 2007

A big adventure at Big Bend Ranch State Park for some Houston students. And: visit a Midland ranch that has removed salt cedar to become a dove hunting paradise; using dredge material to create marshlands; unusual plants at Palmetto State Park; and energy producing windmills make for some interesting landscapes.

Details

Nicole’s Big Adventure — Travel to Big Bend Ranch State Parks with a group of teens from Houston as they make a spiritual connection with the West Texas landscape. For many of these kids, this is their first real experience with wide open spaces.
Lone Star Land Steward: Dove Acres Recreational Area — Larry Cook is crazy about doves. He has single-handedly turned his Midland ranch into a premier dove hunting spot. He battled salt cedars, cleared trails and even built nesting cones to create the perfect environment for doves and the people who love them.
Palmetto State Park — Central Texas’ Palmetto State Park could have you thinking you’re in the tropics. Just about an hour from San Antonio and Austin, hardwoods and dwarf palmettos grow in a forested swamp. But there’s more here. Catch the flow of the San Marcos River and canoe through the center of the park, board a paddle boat or fish off the pier at a 4-acre lake.
Restoring Galveston Bay — Scientists, engineers and biologists are working to change the face of Galveston Bay. By using dredge material from the ship channel, new marshlands are being created in a project so big, you can see it from space.
Postcard From Texas — Giant windmills are providing clean energy for much of Texas, and making for some interesting views.

November 26–December 3, 2006

Program 1509 — Repeats May 27–June 3, 2007

The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site is undergoing a transformation thanks to newly discovered archeology. And: learn how to coexist with alligators as they thrive in much of Texas; enjoy the tranquility of the state’s first state park, Mother Neff; meet T. Bud Thomas, the fishing rod artist; and watch a full moon rising from behind a West Texas mountain.

Details

Battlefield Of Answers — Thanks to modern technology (and some old fashioned muscle), an important piece of Texas history is being preserved. At the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, archeologists have discovered artifacts from the 1836 Battle for Texas Independence. From bayonets to belt buckles, these new-found treasures will help detail the events of the day, all in an effort to better tell the story of how Texas came to be.
Wild Things: Living with Gators — Once listed as an endangered species, the American Alligator is now thriving in much of the eastern third of Texas. These formidable creatures are to be respected, but alligators and people can coexist, given a few simple guidelines.
Mother Neff State Park — It was the first state park in Texas, and it remains as peaceful a spot today as when it was first set aside. Reunite with the family, take a hike, ride a bike, or pitch a tent and stay awhile.
The Art of Fishing — Meet T. Bud Thomas of Houston, who’s perfected the art of fishing. Fishing rods, that is. T. Bud makes custom rods in a shop behind his house, and weaves unique designs on them for a one-of-a-kind classic.
Postcard From Texas — There’s no better way to end the day than with a full moon rising from behind a West Texas mountain.

December 3–10, 2006

Program 1510 — Repeats June 3–10, 2007

Extreme athletes race through the rain at Tyler State Park. And: take a tour of the Texas Coastal Birding Trails; migrate to a warmer winter at Falcon State Park; millions of snow geese are literally eating themselves out of house and home; and watch a summer storm on North Padre Island.

Details

Adventure Racing — Extreme sports fans are finding Texas state parks to be ideal settings for a new brand of outdoor athletics. And park managers have discovered many reasons to host these triathlons-with-a-twist.
Wild Things: Texas Coastal Birding Trail — There is a network of trails along the Texas coast that offers some of the best birding opportunities in the country. It’s a unique partnership of state and local entities that understands the value of watchable wildlife.
Falcon State Park — Falcon State Park is known for several things; birds, birders, and winter Texans. When things are cold up north, birds and people migrate to the warmer climate at this border park.
Snow Geese: Feast or Famine? The population of six million snow geese is about four million too many. The birds are eating themselves out of house and home, stripping bare the vegetation in their Arctic breeding grounds. With all these hungry mouths, the habitat can’t keep up and biologists fear a catastrophic population crash.
Postcard From Texas — A summer storm rolls in on the coast along the North Padre Island National Seashore.

December 10–17, 2006

Program 1511 — Repeats June 10–17, 2007

More pelicans than you can imagine nest on Sundown Island. And: see how to properly sight your rifle; take a step way back in time at Dinosaur Valley State Park; promoting Texas to the rest of the country; and cruise the clear water of Lake Amistad.

Details

Chester’s Island — Thanks to one tireless volunteer, work is underway to save the endangered Brown Pelican. The Audubon Society’s Chester Smith manages Sundown Island in Matagorda Bay. With some hard work and some helping hands, Sundown has become the primary nesting island in Texas for not only Pelicans but for seventeen other bird species. Meet the man who has helped bring the Pelicans back and see the spectacle of a nesting island in the spring.
Outdoor Info: Sighting Your Rifle — Sighting your rifle before you go out in the field can save you a lot of headaches, and help make sure you’re hunting humanely.
Dinosaur Valley State Park — About 105 million years ago dinosaurs roamed the shores of an ancient sea, leaving their footprints in the soft mud. Today you can see those prints in the Paluxy River bottom at Dinosaur Valley State Park. Step back in time by stepping into a dinosaur footprint.
Selling Texas — Each year, tourists contribute around 36 billion dollars to the state economy. Part of our popularity comes from the good public relations generated by the scores of outdoor-television programs. We’ll look at some of those shows that can’t wait to come here and show off our state.
Postcard From Texas — Take a ride up Lake Amistad, from the dam on the Rio Grande to the Pecos River and beyond.

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 — 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 — 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 — 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.

January 14–21, 2007

Program 1516 — Repeats July 15–22, 2007

Father Tom finds beauty and inspiration in some unusual birding spots. And: scale the heights at Davis Mountain State Park; science and nature go hand-in-hand on the state’s Wildlife Management Areas; native wildlife preservation on private land; and view the Panhandle from the air.

Details

A Man In Paradise — The Rio Grande Valley is a haven for birds and birders alike. For Father Tom Pinselli, this area is an earthly paradise. Follow along as Father Tom finds beauty and inspiration in some unusual birding spots.
Davis Mountains State Park — This park sits atop the most extensive mountain range in Texas. At six thousand feet, it’s a one of a kind experience. And when you’re day is done, there’s no need to leave the park, stay at the recently refurbished Indian Lodge.
Lone Star Land Steward: Stockard-Sirainni Ranch — These south Texas landowners believe no one species is more valuable than another and have dedicated their land to native wildlife preservation where even rattlesnakes are welcome to roam.
Living Laboratories — Wildlife Management Areas function as living laboratories, where wildlife, nature, and scientific research come together. Take a tour of some of these interesting ecosystems all across the state of Texas.
Postcard From Texas — View Palo Duro Canyon from above as you fly over the Texas Panhandle.

January 21–28, 2007

Program 1517 — Repeats July 22–29, 2007

In the Texas Panhandle game wardens patrol on horseback for poachers. And: visit Paris and the Sam Bell Maxey House; explore the efforts to restore the Black Bear to Texas; expanding development threatens the last of the Katy Prairie; and see some butterflies up close.

Details

Four Feet and Four Wheels — The opening of deer season in the Panhandle is a big deal. Ride along with the Texas Game Wardens for the only horse patrol in the state as they look for poachers and violators.
Sam Bell Maxey State Historic Site — Paris, Texas is home to the “Second Largest Eiffel Tower in the Second Largest Paris.” It’s also home to the Sam Bell Maxey House. Built in 1867, this ornate home stands today as a memorial to the former Confederate General and U.S. Senator whose name it bears.
Wild Things: Black Bears — Thanks in part to habitat restoration efforts, Black Bears are finding their way back into parts of Texas where they haven’t been seen in a while. How are Texans preparing for the return of the Black Bear?
The Katy Prairie — The Katy area just west of Houston was once a sea of coastal prairie land. We’ll examine the colliding forces of development and wildlife conservation that threaten the remnants of what was once the Katy Prairie.
Postcard From Texas — A chance to see butterflies up close, really close, as you’ve never seen them in Nature.

January 28–February 4, 2007

Program 1518 — Repeats July 29–August 5, 2007

A traveling couple photographs hummingbirds in flight. And: enjoy the wooded campgrounds of Fairfield Lake State Park; improving land for wildlife improves the bottom line; creating wetlands as a natural way to improve water quality; and summer tubing on the Guadalupe River.

Details

The Flying Photographers — Meet a couple from East Texas who have combined their interest in birds and love of travel, along with a mastery of photography, to capture the fleeting flight of the hummingbird.
Fairfield Lake State Park — Convenient to Houston or Dallas, Fairfield Lake State Park has beautiful campsites for that quiet getaway in the country, abundant wildlife, trails galore, and world class fishing. People return again and again to test the waters and relax in the wooded campgrounds of this East Texas park.
Lone Star Land Steward: Begert-Limousin Ranch — Three generations work side-by-side on this north Texas ranch where a working cattle business coexists with native habitat restoration that has helped bring back the threatened Lesser Prairie Chicken. These innovative ranchers have discovered how improving the land for wildlife can also improve the bottom line.
2000 Acre Water Filter — In a new approach to improving water quality, water from the Trinity River is being extracted and sent through a series of wetland cells, then returned to the river system. This cleanses the water of a variety of pollutants and provides wildlife with additional quality habitat.
Postcard From Texas — A busy summer Saturday tubing on the Guadalupe River.

February 4–11, 2007

Program 1519 — Repeats August 5–12, 2007

Meet the kids of the Bass Brigade. They’re learning fishing and communication skills, and having a lot of fun doing it. And; early Texas Tejano influence in downtown San Antonio; giving up the good life for a better life as a rancher; historical re-enactors enliven state parks; and a flash flood on the Pedernales River.

Details

The Brigades — Don’t let the name fool you: the “Bass Brigade” moniker is just a guise to teach these teenagers how to communicate. From creating Power Point presentations to practicing their public speaking, these youngsters are learning the skills to be tomorrow’s leaders.
Casa Navarro State Historic Site — A visit to the restored home of Tejano patriot Jose Antonio Navarro, located in downtown San Antonio.
Lone Star Land Steward: Lantana Ridge Ranch — A surgeon by trade, Jim Fuller is truly a rancher at heart. He traded fancy vacations for a chance to invest in his own piece of south Texas land which he and his wife have worked hard to restore. As hand’s-on landowners, they’ve cleaned up abandoned farm equipment, stopped poachers and helped the land recover from overgrazing.
Our Living Past — Visit with some Texas State Parks employees who are dedicated to making the past come alive, as historical re-enactors.
Postcard From Texas — The dangers of flash floods are documented as the Pedernales River goes from dusty creek to raging river in a matter of minutes.

February 11–18, 2007

Program 1520 — Repeats August 12–19, 2007

Photographers get creative, and competitive, for conservation. And: take an Alpine adventure on the Wyler Aerial Tramway; nature’s clean up crew; dig into history with Texas Parks & Wildlife archeologists; and relax at a Hill Country grotto.

Details

Images for Conservation — Seventeen world-class nature photographers were matched with 17 habitat conscious Texas Hill Country land owners for one month. Why? To win up to $65,000 for the best nature images and to promote conservation of the land. Intimately follow two of the photographers and their land owners on this competitive and creative voyage.
Wyler Aerial Tramway — Looking for an Alpine adventure but closer to home? Take a ride on a Swiss-made gondola and take in the view from atop Ranger Peak. The Wyler Aerial Tramway takes West Texas sightseeing to new heights.
Wild Things: Nature’s Clean Up Crew — It’s the ultimate recycling project. Vultures, coyotes and even beetles are hard at work keeping the Texas landscape clean.
Underground History — Almost every state park and historic site in Texas has some important history buried in the ground. Meet the archeologists of Texas Parks & Wildlife. Their job is to dig into that history, and figure out what it means.
Postcard From Texas — Beautiful ferns and the relaxing sounds of running water are always present in this Hill Country grotto.

February 18–25, 2007

Program 1521 — Repeats August 19–26, 2007

Unearthing the history of the Battle of Palo Duro Canyon. And: a guiding hand at TFFC; the two sides of Galveston Island State Park; see how El Paso is meeting its water needs; and view Falcon State Park through a photographer’s lens.

Details

A Spirit Rises — Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a park of immense beauty, but it also was the site of a historic battle. While the general facts about the 1874 Battle of Palo Duro Canyon are known, specific details are not. That is until now. Archeologists working hand in hand with Indian tribe elders are putting the pieces together. See what it takes to unearth artifacts from a battle that took place over a hundred years ago, and learn more about Palo Duro Canyon State Park and the historic battle that took place there.
Tenacious A — As the director of the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens, Allen Forshage has spearheaded a decade’s worth of growth. His tenacity for building fundraising partnerships has helped develop the center into a fun place to discover and learn about the outdoors.
Galveston Island State Park — With over a mile of Gulf shore, this barrier island is a popular destination for beachgoers. But there’s more than one side to Galveston Island State Park.
Water for West Texas — The Rio Grande is a river in peril. The problems begin well before the river reaches El Paso, and continue to the river’s end. How is this desert city meeting its water needs, and what are the effects downstream?
Postcard From Texas — Photographs of Falcon State Park by park employee Mark Keithly.

February 25–March 4, 2007

Program 1522 — Repeats August 26–September 2, 2007

Fishing with peers on coastal fishing piers. And: bringing an Edwards Plateau ranch back from the brink; an abundance of birds at the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park; the brewing battle over Caddo Lake water; and the rolling clouds of a Hill Country thunderstorm.

Details

Fishing With Your Piers — Meet some fishing peers while fishing off of one. With piers up and down the Texas coast, you don't need to own a fancy boat or to even get your feet wet to enjoy saltwater fishing.
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park — One of the newer additions to the Texas State Park System is the World Birding Center at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park. This park is among the premiere birding destinations in South Texas, where visitors get the chance to see some of the 500 different bird species found throughout the Lower Rio Grande Valley. From the guided tram tour, to remote bird blinds, to the new hawk tower, this park offers excitement for the first time birder all the way to the skilled pro.
Lone Star Land Steward: Little Paint Creek Ranch — This consummate Edwards Plateau ranch boasts stunning vistas, bubbling springs and rugged limestone cliffs. But just a few years ago it was on the brink of chaos, suffering from overgrazing and out-of-control brush. Through careful land management, the owners have restored it to its natural Texas splendor.
Fighting For Caddo — East Texas is water rich, at least when compared with much of the state. Despite the abundance of water, there’s a fight brewing over water rights, with scenic Caddo Lake as the focal point.
Postcard From Texas — Developing summer thunderstorms in the Texas Hill Country produce beautiful rolling cloud formations.

March 4–11, 2007

Program 1523 — Repeats September 2–9, 2007

Protecting the fragile sea grass beds. And: canoe through the forest at Martin Dies, Jr. State Park; the grasslands of the JA Ranch; sharing Rio Grande water in The Valley; and starting a campfire the old fashioned way.

Details

A Scar On The Flats — As more anglers discover the shallow waters of the Texas Gulf Coast, there is growing concern about what this increased traffic is doing to the fragile sea grasses. Learn how to get to where the fish are without damaging this vital habitat.
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park — This park nestled in the pristine bottomland hardwood forests of East Texas offers up one of the best canoe trips in the state. Follow along on this guided canoe adventure through a true east Texas bayou. Keep your eyes peeled — who knows what’s around the next bend?
Lone Star Land Steward: JA Ranch — Situated at the junction of east Texas timber and tall grass prairie, the JA Ranch has been passed down through four generations, which has preserved its unique virgin grassland. Though he raises cattle, this rancher considers himself in the grass business and manages the land to protect this valuable commodity.
Down In The Valley — As the once mighty Rio Grande makes its way to the sea, its flow is constantly being reduced by forces both natural and man-made. Farmers and cities in the Valley are struggling to save the river, and their way of life.
Postcard From Texas — Some teens struggle to start a campfire, without access to the usual tools of modern society.

March 11–18, 2007

Program 1524 — Repeats September 9–16, 2007

Explore the economic benefits of bats. And: fishing and camping at Goose Island State Park; how to clean and store fish; the battle for water rights in the Panhandle; nature through the eyes of a young Austin photographer.

Details

Billion Dollar Bats — Bats are reviled by some, and treasured by others. The more we learn about bats the more we appreciate them. Follow some scientists as they study the economic impact of bats through the use of radio telemetry and thermal imaging.
Goose Island State Park — Goose Island State Park has just about everything, except a beach. It’s a great place for fishing, kayaking, camping, picnicking, wildlife observation and bird watching. And Goose Island is home to the “Big Tree”, the thousand year old State Champion Coastal Live Oak.
Outdoor Info: How to Clean and Store Fish — Proper care of the fish you just caught can help keep them fresh and tasty. Here’s what to do after you’ve reeled in that stringer of keepers.
Panhandle Water Woes — Selling ground water and then transporting it across the state is a reality in the Panhandle. But landowners who don’t want to sell their water rights are pitted against those that do. All the while the aquifer level continues to drop.
Postcard From Texas — Katie Floyd of Austin is a budding nature photographer. See some of this 14-year-old’s close up views of nature.

March 18–25, 2007

Program 1525 — Repeats September 16–23, 2007

The natural connection of ocean life in Mexico and Texas. And: enjoy family fun at Lake Texana State Park; Lavaca County landowners protecting habitat; the problems facing the Colorado and Trinity Rivers; and the desert oasis at Big Bend Ranch State Park.

Details

Caribbean Connection — It may not seem obvious, but there is a connection between the fish and coral life off the coast of Cancun, Mexico, and the coastal life along the shoreline of Texas. Follow scientists investigating the similarities between the ocean life of Texas and our neighbor to the south.
Lake Texana State Park — Lake Texana State Park prides itself on being a family oriented park. With ongoing interpretive programs, ample fishing opportunities and abundant wildlife to enjoy, this shady park welcomes visitors from all across the state.
Lone Star Land Steward: Lavaca County WMA — A group of landowners in Lavaca County discovered there is strength in numbers. Concerned with over hunting, they combined resources to create a wildlife management association to protect habitat for deer, quail and other native species.
Different Rivers, Different Issues — The Colorado and Trinity are very different rivers; one rural, the other urban. Both are vital to their regions of the state, and both face a different set of problems. One thing they do have in common is their impact on the bays and estuaries at rivers end.
Postcard From Texas — Big Bend Ranch State Park is an oasis in the Chihuahuan Desert.

March 25–April 1, 2007

Program 1526 — Repeats September 23–30, 2007

A visit to Houston’s butterfly palace. Also: enjoy the water at Lake Whitney State Park; one couple’s 60 year relationship with the land; end of the line for the Rio Grande; and hummingbirds at the feeder.

Details

The Butterfly Palace — There’s a place in Houston that recreates a tropical rain forest, not for people, but for butterflies. At the Cockrell Butterfly Center, watch as crawling caterpillars turn into beautiful butterflies.
Lake Whitney State Park — This park is an ideal place for water enthusiasts and campers alike. With a huge 16,000 acre lake, park visitors never run out of things to do: swimming, scuba diving, fishing, water skiing, bird watching, with biking, hiking and mini-bike trails.
Lone Star Land Steward: Adolph Hill Trust — Located up in the “high lonesome” north Texas plains, this ranch has been lovingly nurtured for 60 years by a couple whose relationship with each other is as strong as their bond to the land.
End of the Line? The Rio Grande is emblematic of water issues facing Texas today. Problems on both sides of the border have reduced this once mighty river to a trickle, stopping the Rio Grande short of the Gulf of Mexico.
Postcard From Texas — Hear the hummingbirds hum as they feast at the feeder.

April 1–8, 2007

Program 1501-R — Originally Aired October 1–8, 2006

Details

Friends of Pedernales — Pedernales State Park is no different than any other park — too much stuff to do and not enough people to do it. But thanks to a group of volunteers, the work gets done and park visitors are the ones who benefit. You’ll meet some of these “park helpers”, and find out why they are so incredibly enthusiastic about doing work that can at times be a little mundane.
Outdoor Info: Re-spooling Reels — Changing the line on your fishing gear is mighty important and usually overlooked. Here’s some tips on how and when to re-spool your reels.
Magoffin Home State Historic Site — Visit an adobe structure that has stood in central El Paso since before it was called that, and discover how the Magoffin Home tells the story of the city itself.
The Secret Life Of Animals — For decades biologists have tagged, banded and tracked animals, all to learn more about what animals do when we’re not watching. So what have scientists learned about the secret life of animals? You’d be surprised.
Postcard From Texas — Pedernales Falls State Park is a magical place, especially as the sun goes down and colors change.

April 8–15, 2007

Program 1502-R — Originally Aired October 8–15, 2006

The comeback of the Guadalupe Bass. And: fall foliage at Daingerfield State Park; ideas for living with deer; creating the Barton Warnock Center; wintertime on Alabama Creek.

Details

Guadalupe Bass: Restoring A State 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.
Daingerfield State Park — Daingerfield State Park is known for its towering pine trees. Each fall, oak, sweet gum, and maple trees in the park turn brilliant shades of red and gold. It’s a great place for camping, canoeing, and relaxing all year round.
Wild Things: Living with Deer — Deer have made a remarkable comeback in Texas in the past century. The deer population is booming, and frustrated homeowners are having their landscapes munched while wary motorists are trying to avoid deer on Texas roadways. We’ll offer up a few tips on living with too many deer.
Gateway To The Desert — Witness the creation of the Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center near Terilingua. We’ll follow the process from beginning to end. It takes a lot more work than you’d think.
Postcard From Texas — Enjoy the wintertime starkness of the Alabama Creek Wildlife Management Area.

April 15–22, 2007

Program 1503-R — Originally Aired October 15–22, 2006

Details

In Their Own Words — In September of 2005 Texas Game Wardens answered the call to help as New Orleans flooded in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Less than a month later, they were called on again as Hurricane Rita devastated much of East Texas. Hear the stories of these true heroes as they tell about the experiences in their own words.
Franklin Mountains State Park — The City of El Paso climbs along the Franklin Mountains, in more ways than one. Rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking are all popular activities in this state park right in El Paso’s back yard.
Lone Star Land Steward: 2006 Statewide Winner — The Treadwell Brady Ranch uses all the essential conservation tools: axe, cow, plow, fire, and gun. Prescribed burns, rotational grazing, brush control, and water improvements have made this Edwards Plateau ranch a haven for nature tourists, hunters, birders and a wide range of native wildlife.
Economic Impact of State Parks — Your Texas State Parks are more than just a place to relax and enjoy nature. They’re also an economic boon to their local communities. Take a look at just how much bang for the buck we all get from the state parks.
Postcard From Texas — Get caught up in a real Panhandle windstorm.

April 22–29, 2007

Program 1504-R — Originally Aired October 22–29, 2006

Details

Student Parking — From West Texas to the Gulf Coast, teachers and students are discovering that state parks offer unique ways to bring learning alive. Put on some old clothes and tag along for a hands-on look at science class Parks and Wildlife-style.
Lone Star Land Steward: Reliant Energy-NRG Texas LP — Skyscrapers may seem just about as far removed from the natural environment as you can get, but that’s where two large energy companies hatched a plan to clean up Galveston Bay. Partnering with environmental groups, they’ve restored hundreds acres of inter tidal marshes, creating habitat for birds and marine life including an innovative oyster reef from recycled concrete.
Inks Lake State Park — A panorama of cedar and oak woodlands, white-tailed deer, and pink granite outcroppings in the middle of the Hill Country, where water sports are king.
Keepers Of The Prairie — Grasslands and prairies once dominated much of the Texas landscape. Today, efforts are being made to preserve the last remaining patches of remnant prairies. Meet some of the people that are working to restore this vital habitat.
Postcard From Texas — Green Anoles are speedy little lizards that put on quite a show.

April 29–May 6, 2007

Program 1505-R — Originally Aired October 29–November 5, 2006

Details

Building The Canyon — Government Canyon State Natural Area has grown out of an unprecedented partnership of groups rallying to preserve a unique resource. Its pristine Hill Country land helps protect the aquifer below it, making it all the more important to nearby San Antonio.
Fishing Hall Of Fame: Richard Hart — This world-class fisherman is an expert at reeling in the prize. In addition to pulling up record-breaking fish, he has helped bring in $2 million for youth fishing education to perpetuate the sport he loves. Find out why neither fish nor man can resist his bait.
Starr Family Home State Historic Site — The Starr home remains remarkably well preserved from its heyday when Sam Houston and James Starr governed the Republic of Texas. Built in a classic New Orleans style, this East Texas historic site remained in the Starr family for 150 years and still retains many of the family’s original furnishings.
Lone Star Land Steward: Sabine Ranch & Cattle Company — In the same family for generations, this Gulf coast ranch was sold in 1969 and eventually overrun by invasive species. Now a native son has reclaimed the family property and is restoring it to its natural habitat. Both alligators and waterfowl thrive on this unique ranch, along with saltwater marine life from the bordering intracoastal canal.
Postcard From Texas — Fort Hood in Killeen is one of the Army’s largest installations, but there’s more here than just a military base. Bear Spring on the grounds of Ft. Hood is a natural wonder.

May 6–13, 2007

Program 1506-R — Originally Aired November 5–12, 2006

Details

A Migrating Wonder — Texas is the winter home to the largest concentration of Sandhill Cranes in the world. Some spend the winter months in the Panhandle and High Plains while others head for the Texas coast. We’ll take you to some of the best spots to see Sandhill Cranes up close and learn more about these migrating wonders.
Outdoor Info: Hunting Sandhill Cranes — In some states Sandhill Cranes are know as ‘steaks in the sky’. Yes, you can hunt these big birds, but there are some things you need to be aware of before you shoot.
Pedernales Falls State Park — The crystal-clear Pedernales River winds its way through limestone hills wooded with scrub forest of oak and juniper. Pedernales Falls State Park is one of the closest hiking areas to Austin and San Antonio. And you don’t want to miss the beauty of the falls.
Fishing Hall Of Fame: Buddy Bradley — Nobody knows bass better than Buddy Bradley. Since he was 10 years old, he’s been studying the fish to understand how they think and react. Thanks to his scientific observations, Buddy is a master fisherman who has influenced generations of Texans in the science of catching fish.
Postcard From Texas — Get a bird’s eye view of the Big Bend area as you fly along the Rio Grande.

May 13–20, 2007

Program 1507-R — Originally Aired November 12–19, 2006

Details

Window To The Past — Elaborate artwork adorns prehistoric cliff shelters in and around Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site, but has the meaning of these mysterious images been lost to the millennia? Join artist and anthropologist Carolyn Boyd as she works to unravel the significance of Lower Pecos Rock Art to Texans past and present.
Lone Star Land Steward: Graff Ranch — This ranch in the northeast piney woods has shifted its focus from cattle to cranes. Stanley Graff transformed 160 acres of traditional grazing ground to wetland habitat that attracts scores of waterfowl and shorebirds. Still a working ranch, it strives to balance a variety of domestic and wild animals including an unwelcome guest, the feral hog.
Tyler State Park — Tyler may be known for its roses, but at Tyler State Park the towering pines are the predominant plant. Just a stones throw from I-20, this park has all kinds of activities; from fishing and boating, to hiking and biking.
Flying Saucers — Shooting sports are growing in popularity all across the country, and San Antonio is a Mecca for the sport. Meet a group of competitive friends who enjoy busting targets together, no matter who wins.
Postcard From Texas — The last human powered ferry in Texas is at the international border crossing at Los Ebanos.

May 20–27, 2007

Program 1508-R — Originally Aired November 19–26, 2006

Details

Nicole’s Big Adventure — Travel to Big Bend Ranch State Parks with a group of teens from Houston as they make a spiritual connection with the West Texas landscape. For many of these kids, this is their first real experience with wide open spaces.
Lone Star Land Steward: Dove Acres Recreational Area — Larry Cook is crazy about doves. He has single-handedly turned his Midland ranch into a premier dove hunting spot. He battled salt cedars, cleared trails and even built nesting cones to create the perfect environment for doves and the people who love them.
Palmetto State Park — Central Texas’ Palmetto State Park could have you thinking you’re in the tropics. Just about an hour from San Antonio and Austin, hardwoods and dwarf palmettos grow in a forested swamp. But there’s more here. Catch the flow of the San Marcos River and canoe through the center of the park, board a paddle boat or fish off the pier at a 4-acre lake.
Restoring Galveston Bay — Scientists, engineers and biologists are working to change the face of Galveston Bay. By using dredge material from the ship channel, new marshlands are being created in a project so big, you can see it from space.
Postcard From Texas — Giant windmills are providing clean energy for much of Texas, and making for some interesting views.

May 27–June 3, 2007

Program 1509-R — Originally Aired November 26–December 3, 2006

Details

Battlefield Of Answers — Thanks to modern technology (and some old fashioned muscle), an important piece of Texas history is being preserved. At the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, archeologists have discovered artifacts from the 1836 Battle for Texas Independence. From bayonets to belt buckles, these new-found treasures will help detail the events of the day, all in an effort to better tell the story of how Texas came to be.
Wild Things: Living with Gators — Once listed as an endangered species, the American Alligator is now thriving in much of the eastern third of Texas. These formidable creatures are to be respected, but alligators and people can coexist, given a few simple guidelines.
Mother Neff State Park — It was the first state park in Texas, and it remains as peaceful a spot today as when it was first set aside. Reunite with the family, take a hike, ride a bike, or pitch a tent and stay awhile.
The Art of Fishing — Meet T. Bud Thomas of Houston, who’s perfected the art of fishing. Fishing rods, that is. T. Bud makes custom rods in a shop behind his house, and weaves unique designs on them for a one-of-a-kind classic.
Postcard From Texas — There’s no better way to end the day than with a full moon rising from behind a West Texas mountain.

June 3–10, 2007

Program 1510-R — Originally Aired December 3–10, 2006

Details

Adventure Racing — Extreme sports fans are finding Texas state parks to be ideal settings for a new brand of outdoor athletics. And park managers have discovered many reasons to host these triathlons-with-a-twist.
Wild Things: Texas Coastal Birding Trail — There is a network of trails along the Texas coast that offers some of the best birding opportunities in the country. It’s a unique partnership of state and local entities that understands the value of watchable wildlife.
Falcon State Park — Falcon State Park is known for several things; birds, birders, and winter Texans. When things are cold up north, birds and people migrate to the warmer climate at this border park.
Snow Geese: Feast or Famine? The population of six million snow geese is about four million too many. The birds are eating themselves out of house and home, stripping bare the vegetation in their Arctic breeding grounds. With all these hungry mouths, the habitat can’t keep up and biologists fear a catastrophic population crash.
Postcard From Texas — A summer storm rolls in on the coast along the North Padre Island National Seashore.

June 10–17, 2007

Program 1511-R — Originally Aired December 10–17, 2006

Details

Chester’s Island — Thanks to one tireless volunteer, work is underway to save the endangered Brown Pelican. The Audubon Society’s Chester Smith manages Sundown Island in Matagorda Bay. With some hard work and some helping hands, Sundown has become the primary nesting island in Texas for not only Pelicans but for seventeen other bird species. Meet the man who has helped bring the Pelicans back and see the spectacle of a nesting island in the spring.
Outdoor Info: Sighting Your Rifle — Sighting your rifle before you go out in the field can save you a lot of headaches, and help make sure you’re hunting humanely.
Dinosaur Valley State Park — About 105 million years ago dinosaurs roamed the shores of an ancient sea, leaving their footprints in the soft mud. Today you can see those prints in the Paluxy River bottom at Dinosaur Valley State Park. Step back in time by stepping into a dinosaur footprint.
Selling Texas — Each year, tourists contribute around 36 billion dollars to the state economy. Part of our popularity comes from the good public relations generated by the scores of outdoor-television programs. We’ll look at some of those shows that can’t wait to come here and show off our state.
Postcard From Texas — Take a ride up Lake Amistad, from the dam on the Rio Grande to the Pecos River and beyond.

June 17–24, 2007

Program 1512-R — Originally Aired December 17–24, 2006

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.

June 24–July 1, 2007

Program 1513-R — Originally Aired December 24–31, 2006

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.

July 1–8, 2007

Program 1514-R — Originally Aired December 31, 2006–January 7, 2007

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.

July 8–15, 2007

Program 1515-R — Originally Aired January 7–14, 2007

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.

July 15–22, 2007

Program 1516-R — Originally Aired January 14–21, 2007

Details

A Man In Paradise — The Rio Grande Valley is a haven for birds and birders alike. For Father Tom Pinselli, this area is an earthly paradise. Follow along as Father Tom finds beauty and inspiration in some unusual birding spots.
Davis Mountains State Park — This park sits atop the most extensive mountain range in Texas. At six thousand feet, it’s a one of a kind experience. And when you’re day is done, there’s no need to leave the park, stay at the recently refurbished Indian Lodge.
Lone Star Land Steward: Stockard-Sirainni Ranch — These south Texas landowners believe no one species is more valuable than another and have dedicated their land to native wildlife preservation where even rattlesnakes are welcome to roam.
Living Laboratories — Wildlife Management Areas function as living laboratories, where wildlife, nature, and scientific research come together. Take a tour of some of these interesting ecosystems all across the state of Texas.
Postcard From Texas — View Palo Duro Canyon from above as you fly over the Texas Panhandle.

July 22–29, 2007

Program 1517-R — Originally Aired January 21–28, 2007

Details

Four Feet and Four Wheels — The opening of deer season in the Panhandle is a big deal. Ride along with the Texas Game Wardens for the only horse patrol in the state as they look for poachers and violators.
Sam Bell Maxey State Historic Site — Paris, Texas is home to the “Second Largest Eiffel Tower in the Second Largest Paris.” It’s also home to the Sam Bell Maxey House. Built in 1867, this ornate home stands today as a memorial to the former Confederate General and U.S. Senator whose name it bears.
Wild Things: Black Bears — Thanks in part to habitat restoration efforts, Black Bears are finding their way back into parts of Texas where they haven’t been seen in a while. How are Texans preparing for the return of the Black Bear?
The Katy Prairie — The Katy area just west of Houston was once a sea of coastal prairie land. We’ll examine the colliding forces of development and wildlife conservation that threaten the remnants of what was once the Katy Prairie.
Postcard From Texas — A chance to see butterflies up close, really close, as you’ve never seen them in Nature.

July 29–August 5, 2007

Program 1518-R — Originally Aired January 28–February 4, 2007

Details

The Flying Photographers — Meet a couple from East Texas who have combined their interest in birds and love of travel, along with a mastery of photography, to capture the fleeting flight of the hummingbird.
Fairfield Lake State Park — Convenient to Houston or Dallas, Fairfield Lake State Park has beautiful campsites for that quiet getaway in the country, abundant wildlife, trails galore, and world class fishing. People return again and again to test the waters and relax in the wooded campgrounds of this East Texas park.
Lone Star Land Steward: Begert-Limousin Ranch — Three generations work side-by-side on this north Texas ranch where a working cattle business coexists with native habitat restoration that has helped bring back the threatened Lesser Prairie Chicken. These innovative ranchers have discovered how improving the land for wildlife can also improve the bottom line.
2000 Acre Water Filter — In a new approach to improving water quality, water from the Trinity River is being extracted and sent through a series of wetland cells, then returned to the river system. This cleanses the water of a variety of pollutants and provides wildlife with additional quality habitat.
Postcard From Texas — A busy summer Saturday tubing on the Guadalupe River.

August 5–12, 2007

Program 1519-R — Originally Aired February 4–11, 2007

Details

The Brigades — Don’t let the name fool you: the “Bass Brigade” moniker is just a guise to teach these teenagers how to communicate. From creating Power Point presentations to practicing their public speaking, these youngsters are learning the skills to be tomorrow’s leaders.
Casa Navarro State Historic Site — A visit to the restored home of Tejano patriot Jose Antonio Navarro, located in downtown San Antonio.
Lone Star Land Steward: Lantana Ridge Ranch — A surgeon by trade, Jim Fuller is truly a rancher at heart. He traded fancy vacations for a chance to invest in his own piece of south Texas land which he and his wife have worked hard to restore. As hand’s-on landowners, they’ve cleaned up abandoned farm equipment, stopped poachers and helped the land recover from overgrazing.
Our Living Past — Visit with some Texas State Parks employees who are dedicated to making the past come alive, as historical re-enactors.
Postcard From Texas — The dangers of flash floods are documented as the Pedernales River goes from dusty creek to raging river in a matter of minutes.

August 12–19, 2007

Program 1520-R — Originally Aired February 11–18, 2007

Details

Images for Conservation — Seventeen world-class nature photographers were matched with 17 habitat conscious Texas Hill Country land owners for one month. Why? To win up to $65,000 for the best nature images and to promote conservation of the land. Intimately follow two of the photographers and their land owners on this competitive and creative voyage.
Wyler Aerial Tramway — Looking for an Alpine adventure but closer to home? Take a ride on a Swiss-made gondola and take in the view from atop Ranger Peak. The Wyler Aerial Tramway takes West Texas sightseeing to new heights.
Wild Things: Nature’s Clean Up Crew — It’s the ultimate recycling project. Vultures, coyotes and even beetles are hard at work keeping the Texas landscape clean.
Underground History — Almost every state park and historic site in Texas has some important history buried in the ground. Meet the archeologists of Texas Parks & Wildlife. Their job is to dig into that history, and figure out what it means.
Postcard From Texas — Beautiful ferns and the relaxing sounds of running water are always present in this Hill Country grotto.

August 19–26, 2007

Program 1521-R — Originally Aired February 18–25, 2007

Details

A Spirit Rises — Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a park of immense beauty, but it also was the site of a historic battle. While the general facts about the 1874 Battle of Palo Duro Canyon are known, specific details are not. That is until now. Archeologists working hand in hand with Indian tribe elders are putting the pieces together. See what it takes to unearth artifacts from a battle that took place over a hundred years ago, and learn more about Palo Duro Canyon State Park and the historic battle that took place there.
Tenacious A — As the director of the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens, Allen Forshage has spearheaded a decade’s worth of growth. His tenacity for building fundraising partnerships has helped develop the center into a fun place to discover and learn about the outdoors.
Galveston Island State Park — With over a mile of Gulf shore, this barrier island is a popular destination for beachgoers. But there’s more than one side to Galveston Island State Park.
Water for West Texas — The Rio Grande is a river in peril. The problems begin well before the river reaches El Paso, and continue to the river’s end. How is this desert city meeting its water needs, and what are the effects downstream?
Postcard From Texas — Photographs of Falcon State Park by park employee Mark Keithly.

August 26–September 2, 2007

Program 1522-R — Originally Aired February 25–March 4, 2007

Details

Fishing With Your Piers — Meet some fishing peers while fishing off of one. With piers up and down the Texas coast, you don't need to own a fancy boat or to even get your feet wet to enjoy saltwater fishing.
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park — One of the newer additions to the Texas State Park System is the World Birding Center at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park. This park is among the premiere birding destinations in South Texas, where visitors get the chance to see some of the 500 different bird species found throughout the Lower Rio Grande Valley. From the guided tram tour, to remote bird blinds, to the new hawk tower, this park offers excitement for the first time birder all the way to the skilled pro.
Lone Star Land Steward: Little Paint Creek Ranch — This consummate Edwards Plateau ranch boasts stunning vistas, bubbling springs and rugged limestone cliffs. But just a few years ago it was on the brink of chaos, suffering from overgrazing and out-of-control brush. Through careful land management, the owners have restored it to its natural Texas splendor.
Fighting For Caddo — East Texas is water rich, at least when compared with much of the state. Despite the abundance of water, there’s a fight brewing over water rights, with scenic Caddo Lake as the focal point.
Postcard From Texas — Developing summer thunderstorms in the Texas Hill Country produce beautiful rolling cloud formations.

September 2–9, 2007

Program 1523-R — Originally Aired March 4–11, 2007

Details

A Scar On The Flats — As more anglers discover the shallow waters of the Texas Gulf Coast, there is growing concern about what this increased traffic is doing to the fragile sea grasses. Learn how to get to where the fish are without damaging this vital habitat.
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park — This park nestled in the pristine bottomland hardwood forests of East Texas offers up one of the best canoe trips in the state. Follow along on this guided canoe adventure through a true east Texas bayou. Keep your eyes peeled — who knows what’s around the next bend?
Lone Star Land Steward: JA Ranch — Situated at the junction of east Texas timber and tall grass prairie, the JA Ranch has been passed down through four generations, which has preserved its unique virgin grassland. Though he raises cattle, this rancher considers himself in the grass business and manages the land to protect this valuable commodity.
Down In The Valley — As the once mighty Rio Grande makes its way to the sea, its flow is constantly being reduced by forces both natural and man-made. Farmers and cities in the Valley are struggling to save the river, and their way of life.
Postcard From Texas — Some teens struggle to start a campfire, without access to the usual tools of modern society.

September 9–16, 2007

Program 1524-R — Originally Aired March 11–18, 2007

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Billion Dollar Bats — Bats are reviled by some, and treasured by others. The more we learn about bats the more we appreciate them. Follow some scientists as they study the economic impact of bats through the use of radio telemetry and thermal imaging.
Goose Island State Park — Goose Island State Park has just about everything, except a beach. It’s a great place for fishing, kayaking, camping, picnicking, wildlife observation and bird watching. And Goose Island is home to the “Big Tree”, the thousand year old State Champion Coastal Live Oak.
Outdoor Info: How to Clean and Store Fish — Proper care of the fish you just caught can help keep them fresh and tasty. Here’s what to do after you’ve reeled in that stringer of keepers.
Panhandle Water Woes — Selling ground water and then transporting it across the state is a reality in the Panhandle. But landowners who don’t want to sell their water rights are pitted against those that do. All the while the aquifer level continues to drop.
Postcard From Texas — Katie Floyd of Austin is a budding nature photographer. See some of this 14-year-old’s close up views of nature.

September 16–23, 2007

Program 1525-R — Originally Aired March 18–25, 2007

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Caribbean Connection — It may not seem obvious, but there is a connection between the fish and coral life off the coast of Cancun, Mexico, and the coastal life along the shoreline of Texas. Follow scientists investigating the similarities between the ocean life of Texas and our neighbor to the south.
Lake Texana State Park — Lake Texana State Park prides itself on being a family oriented park. With ongoing interpretive programs, ample fishing opportunities and abundant wildlife to enjoy, this shady park welcomes visitors from all across the state.
Lone Star Land Steward: Lavaca County WMA — A group of landowners in Lavaca County discovered there is strength in numbers. Concerned with over hunting, they combined resources to create a wildlife management association to protect habitat for deer, quail and other native species.
Different Rivers, Different Issues — The Colorado and Trinity are very different rivers; one rural, the other urban. Both are vital to their regions of the state, and both face a different set of problems. One thing they do have in common is their impact on the bays and estuaries at rivers end.
Postcard From Texas — Big Bend Ranch State Park is an oasis in the Chihuahuan Desert.

September 23–30, 2007

Program 1526-R — Originally Aired March 25–April 1, 2007

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The Butterfly Palace — There’s a place in Houston that recreates a tropical rain forest, not for people, but for butterflies. At the Cockrell Butterfly Center, watch as crawling caterpillars turn into beautiful butterflies.
Lake Whitney State Park — This park is an ideal place for water enthusiasts and campers alike. With a huge 16,000 acre lake, park visitors never run out of things to do: swimming, scuba diving, fishing, water skiing, bird watching, with biking, hiking and mini-bike trails.
Lone Star Land Steward: Adolph Hill Trust — Located up in the “high lonesome” north Texas plains, this ranch has been lovingly nurtured for 60 years by a couple whose relationship with each other is as strong as their bond to the land.
End of the Line? The Rio Grande is emblematic of water issues facing Texas today. Problems on both sides of the border have reduced this once mighty river to a trickle, stopping the Rio Grande short of the Gulf of Mexico.
Postcard From Texas — Hear the hummingbirds hum as they feast at the feeder.