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Archived editions of this eNewsletter can be found here.
In This Issue:
 There are many hurdles that prevent
audiences from exploring the opportunities for fun in Texas’ State Parks. The Texas
Parks and Wildlife program, the Texas
Outdoor Family, works to remove those barriers by providing the access,
gear, and confidence a user needs to establish a new hobby.
Texas Outdoor Family (TOF) hosts “discover
camping” themed workshops. These overnight programs are centered in parks
within a short drive of Texas’ metro areas making access easier for a majority
of Texans. The TOF program provides participants
with essential camping equipment (tent, stove, cots and more!), fun activities,
and park ranger’s comforting presence, and instruction on gear use in each weekend
workshop. TOF attempts to bring back to
parks the hopeful user who says, “I have never slept in a tent and I don’t know
where to start”.
On a
recent event a TOF ranger was asked by a passerby, “Can you help with time? I’m
so busy…” The ranger was able to emphatically answer “Yes! We handle the
planning for you. Make a reservation that works for your family or friends. Arrive
with food, your group, and the personal items we suggest you bring. We take
care of the rest!”
The TOF
program has recently expanded efforts beyond families and is partnering with
community organizations, youth groups, and schools. By establishing a partner coordinator,
offering outdoor leadership training, and making gear available in parks for
each organization to host their own “discover camping” workshops.
100% of
surveyed families say they enjoyed the experience and are likely to go camping
again after the conclusion of a TOF workshop. Interested in sharing the fun?
Email us at tofsp@tpwd.texas.gov to
be connected to a TOF ranger in your area. Out 2017 calendar of workshops is
soon to be released!
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 Spanish Translation
Texas Aquatic Science now has Spanish subtitles available for each chapter video. Learners can turn the subtitles on or off and toggle between English and Spanish. Also, we now have a side-by-side Spanish and English glossary to help learners with the more difficult science terminology they may experience in the curriculum.
Video Contest
Here’s another great
opportunity for you and your students this school year! In the Texas Aquatic
Science Video Contest, students will plan the concept of their project, develop
a script/storyboard, and create their video in a logical format which
communicates their point.
Educators can use this comprehensive rubric to run the project, select winner(s) and provide great examples of other student created science videos. It even includes a
tutorial on outdoor video production from our TPWD Media Production team.
Challenge
your students to work together to create a video that explains a specific
concept or topic in the Texas Aquatic
Science curriculum.
RSVP to Johnnie.smith@tpwd.texas.gov
if you would like to participate.
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Project WILD Workshops
The WILDest weekend this fall! November 19 boasts 4
Project WILD workshops!
Check the TPWD
Calendar Project WILD postings for details.
- Austin – Asian American Resource Center – Project
WILD/Growing Up WILD Combo
- College Station - Biodiversity Research and
Teaching Collections, TAMU – Growing Up WILD
- Denison – Eisenhower State Park – Project WILD
- San Antonio – Medina River Natural Area – Project WILD
Texas Outdoor Family Events
Join us for a fun-filled weekend designed to help your family discover the joys of camping and Texas State Parks. All camping gear and equipment required for an overnight stay at the park is included with each reservation! Click for a list of activities offered and specific information for this workshop. Check the Calendar regularly for offerings near you!
Nov 4 - Dinosaur Valley State Park | Two Night Event! | Texas Outdoor Family | Dutch Oven Cooking Event | Fort Worth Area | (Full - Waitlist Forming)
Nov 5 - Stephen F. Austin State Park | Texas Outdoor Family | Houston Area | (Full - Waitlist Forming)
Nov 19 - McKinney Falls State Park | Texas Outdoor Family | Austin Area | (Full-Waitlist Forming)
To learn more about other fun events and recreational activities, we invite you to sign up to receive our free email updates. Preview archived copies of these and other e-newsletters here:
- Life’s Better Outside e-newsletter, featuring stories and news on hunting, fishing, state parks, and conservation efforts
- State Parks Getaways e-newsletter and State Parks Promotions and Offers, highlighting ideas for your next park visit, news of park events, and fun seasonal activities
- The Award winning Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine
- Specialty Newsletters, such as Eye on Nature and Texas Hummer, including topics on wildlife diversity, conservation and statewide volunteer opportunities
You can change your subscription preferences or unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the “Manage Subscriptions” link at the bottom of any email you receive from us.
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Angler Education | Boater Education | Buffalo Soldiers | Coastal EXPO
Hunter Education | Recreation Grants | Save Water for Wildlife | Teacher Toolkit
Texas Archery in the Schools | Texas Children in Nature | Nature Rocks Texas
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center | Texas Master Naturalist
Texas Nature Trackers | Texas Project WILD | Texas State Parks
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