Life's Better Outside - April 2016

Cabin and shelter reservations now online | Volunteer opportunities | 4 ways to enjoy the water | Solving nature deficit disorder | More...

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Cool Water Awaits – 4 Ways to Enjoy It

Keep cool on the Paddling Trails Summer is creeping up on its sweaty little feet and we all know it will be HOT. The best prescription for heat relief? Water sports! Start planning now to get your splash on:

PADDLING: There are 71 Texas Paddling Trails where you can canoe, kayak, paddle board and fish. The newest trail, Chandler Upper Neches Paddling Trail, just opened outside of Tyler. Never tried paddle sports? Check out this video for a paddler’s-eye-view.

SWIMMING: Texas has lakes, spring-fed pools, rivers, creeks, and the Gulf coast, all waiting to cool you off. Get your swimming started with a list of the top 10 state park swimming areas – try to visit them all! And stay safe with these tips.

BOATING: If you’re looking for a new spot to take out the boat, try one of these. Also visit the Texas Public Boater Access site, a catalog of public areas you can use to access Texas waterways. Don’t forget the life jackets – safety first!

FISHING: Finding public access to rivers can be a challenge. Here are some places to look - we just added 2 new spots for white bass anglers. Have you tried wade fishing? Check out this video tour of some prime spots along the coast.

Join TPWF

Public river access projects are just some of the projects made possible by supporters of Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, our Nonprofit Partner.


Clean, Drain and Dry – Stop Aquatic Invaders

Clean, Drain and Dry Video

Invasive species are serious business. So serious, the Texas Legislature recently dedicated $6.6 million to stop aquatic invasive species. You can spread some of these species, like zebra mussels and giant salvinia, without even knowing it. They are so harmful we all need to do everything we can stop them from spreading.  

It’s illegal to transport invasive species, and a statewide law requires draining water from boats and on-board receptacles before leaving or approaching fresh water bodies.

As you head out on the water this spring and summer, make it a routine to clean, drain and dry your boat, trailer and gear every time you leave the lake - this short video will show you how. We also have this information in Spanish. Protect your Texas lakes. Remember to ALWAYS clean, drain and dry every time you leave the water. 


Toyota Texas Bass Classic 2016

Welcome Back, Free-Tailed Bats

Bat viewing

Mexican free-tailed bats typically go south in winter and return here each April. Their return is beneficial to us all, especially farmers, because their superpower is eating huge amounts of insect pests every night. 

If you want to encourage bats to dine on the insects in your area, buy or build a bat house

To see large groups of these elegant little insect-eaters in flight, visit a bat-watching site. You’ll find them at Caprock Canyon State Park, Old Tunnel Wildlife Management Area, Kickapoo Cavern State Park,and Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area. The bats take flight at twilight, creating a spectacle you won't soon forget. 


New! Make Your State Park Reservations ONLINE

Palo Duro Canyon cabin

Planning a stay at a state park cabin or shelter? You can now check availability and make reservations ONLINE 24 hours a day, seven days a week and up to 333 days in advance for cabins, shelters and some lodges.

Pay only the first night’s charge when you reserve the site, other fees will be due at check-in. Make your reservations today with your computer or mobile device and spend some quality time at a Texas state park. 


It’s the Season to Love State Parks!

Field of wildflowers at sunset

Spring is a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors, especially Texas state parks. Whether your rite of spring is a weekend camping trip or a hike on a wildflower-lined trail, our state parks provide beautiful places to enjoy the season.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF) supports enhancing park experiences for Texans all year long. From the acquisition of spectacular Powderhorn Ranch on the coast, to providing equipment that introduces families to camping, TPWF treasures the state parks of Texas. As our nonprofit funding partner of Texas Parks and Wildlife, TPWF leverages public funds with private philanthropy to provide quality parks for all. 

You can support TPWF’s efforts by becoming a member today. As a member, you’ll receive exclusive benefits like insider information and other members-only perks. And you’ll be supporting Texas State Parks, now and in the future. If you join by May 1, you’ll automatically be entered in a TPWF drawing to win a YETI cooler!* Support Texas State Parks - join TPWF today.

*The price of membership pays for TPWF membership only and not for the chance to win a YETI cooler. Members who join by May 1 are automatically entered in the drawing.


Get the new state parks mobile app!

Solving Nature Deficit Disorder

Family birdwatching

Life’s Better Outside is not just the name of this newsletter, it’s also a health fact. Studies show that kids who play and learn outside are healthier, happier and smarter. But for many kids today, most of their activity involves sitting indoors, typically in front of a screen. This disconnect from nature is called “nature deficit disorder” and pediatricians have begun recommending that children spend more time in nature.

To discover ways to lure your kids outside, visit NatureRocksTexas.org. There you'll find family-friendly outdoor adventures, parks and nature centers across Texas. And check out Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine's list of 35 Ways to Get Out and Play for outdoor activity ideas like: flashlight freeze tag, a scavenger hunt, backyard camping, building a fort and geocaching.

Do your kids a favor and help them learn how to play, explore and connect with nature. They’ll be healthier, smarter and build happy memories that will last a lifetime.


The Wide World of Volunteering

Bastrop tree planting volunteers

Earth Day is April 22, and it's a perfect day to commit to giving back to Texas. And by volunteering with the TPWD community, you’ll be supporting our natural resources. Explore the wide variety of opportunities in your area with our easy online volunteer search. There are interesting jobs both indoors and out, for all skill and fitness levels, all over Texas. Here’s a sampling of unique positions we currently have available, no experience necessary: 

State Parks always have volunteer opportunities. These include community outreach, assisting visitors and helping with park maintenance or special events. Many parks will even trade RV hookups in exchange for a certain amount of volunteer service. Earth Day reminds us that if everyone makes a small effort to support our natural resources, big things can happen. Join our community – volunteer!


Thanks to the following sponsors and partners:

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