Oak Tree Thought to be Extinct Found in Big Bend National Park
Until recently, the oak species Quercus tardifolia was commonly known among botanical researchers to be extinct. ... Read More »
What Lurks in the Dark at Texas Parks?
I’m following Trevor Francke down a twisty trail at Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area an hour after dusk, sweeping a ... Read More »
Big Bend is Ground Zero for a Thriving Black Market for Native Plants
Retired Big Bend National Park biologist Raymond Skiles spent a lot of time hiking the desert and mountains in the ... Read More »
More Parks Receive Grants for Improvement Projects from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Since 1996, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has awarded both small and urban communities with matching grants for park projects. Read More »
Photo: Monahans Sandhills State Park
West Texas winds transform an ever-changing landscape of sand dunes at the 3,840-acre Monahans Sandhills State Park. The field of dunes begins south of Monahans and stretches north into New Mexico. Opened in 1957, the state park harbors a peaceful Chihuahuan Desert playground where people can explore the rolling landscape, slide down the hills, picnic, camp, and take in extraordinary sunrises and sunsets. Read More »
Texas A&M Forest Service Branches Out by Hosting “Forest Bathing” Events
Based on a Japanese practice, the Texas Forest Service sets out to prove communing with nature can lead to increased happiness. Read More »
Big Bend Fossils Reveal New Dinosaur Species
Recent research reveals that fossils found in Big Bend National Park 35 years ago belong to an entirely new species of duck-billed dinosaur. Read More »
Summer for Procrastinators: Lost Maples State Natural Area
Lost Maples is most often touted as a destination for viewing fall foliage, but the shade from the trees make the park a cooler and more comfortable hiking destination in the summer. Read More »
Last-Minute Weekend Plans: Milton Reimers Ranch Park
Hill Country summer favorite Hamilton Pool has been reservations-only since 2016 due to the swimming hole’s popularity. But if you’re still looking for a scenic place to cool your heels, there’s a more secluded spot five minutes away. Read More »
A Road Trip to Utopia, Complete with Wildflowers and the Rugged Wonders of the Hill Country
Garner State Park, Lost Maples State Natural Area, and the surrounding Hill Country take you away from it all in the May edition of "A Piece of Texas" video series. Read More »
National Forests in Piney Woods Closing Some Trails, Campsites
Planning a wilderness escape to the Piney Woods? Consider double-checking the availability of your preferred camping areas and hiking trails—particularly in East Texas’ national forests, which are closing some campsites and trails to ease the financial strain. Read More »
Four New Trailheads Lead Hikers to El Paso’s Wild Outdoors
Four new urban trailheads opened this March in El Paso, providing stunning views and helpful amenities for hikers and mountain bikers trekking from the city’s streets into Franklin Mountains State Park, the largest urban park in the country. Read More »
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