Texas Parks & Wildlife on PBS and Cable
Airing Now and Coming Soon
May 20–27, 2012
Program 2005-R — Originally Aired November 20–26, 2011
Featured Segments
Climate of Change
How will climate change affect the Texas Gulf Coast? Hear predictions on how the coast will be impacted over the next century. In part five of a six part series on the state of the gulf, scientists and biologists discuss how the documented rise in sea level is ongoing and what it will mean in the future for coastal communities in Texas. We will also look at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s long documentation of warming water temperature and how some species like flounder have declined, while other species like the gray snapper have increased. We will also look at the spread of black mangroves and the newly detected red mangrove, as another indication of a warming climate.
Lone Star Land Steward: A Country Life Ranch
On the coastal prairie west of Houston, landowner Cary Dietzmann set out to
produce a postage stamp model of what a healthy, diverse ecosystem looks like. Working with neighbors, the Cat Spring Agricultural Society and Texas Parks and Wildlife, Cary now has a showcase where other landowners come to learn.
Purtis Creek State Park
With great bass fishing, Purtis Creek State Park is known as a ‘little Lake Fork.’ But that’s not all there is. Secluded campsites, a pleasant swimming beach, and guided canoe trips make this east Texas park the perfect place to bring the family.
Shooting for State
When the Texas Legislature gave schools the green light to sponsor off-campus shooting sports, lots of kids took the opportunity to learn firearm safety, hunter ethics, and how to bust a flying target. Meet some of those students at the Texas state tournament.
Epitaph
Geraldine Watson grew up in the forests of East Texas. As a plant ecologist and Ranger for the National Park Service, she played a major role in the creation of Big Thicket National Preserve. Now retired, she spends her energy restoring a remnant of the beautiful virgin forests of her childhood.
Postcard From Texas
Even in one of the state’s most popular parks, you can find plenty of time and space to escape the rat race. Discover the quieter side of Garner State Park.
May 27–June 3, 2012
Program 2006-R — Feeds May 27, 2012 — Originally Aired November 27–December 3, 2011
Featured Segments
Action for the Oceans
In the final part of a six part series on the state of the gulf, we look at a variety of ongoing programs to clean up waters and enhance habitats on the coast and encourage viewers to actively join and participate in these efforts. We’ll look at how the proliferation of litter poses a threat to a variety of fish and wildlife. We’ll show how people can become involved through organized beach cleanups, from those run by the General Land Office, to those organized by individuals, like Billy Sandifer’s Big Shell Clean Up on Padre Island. We will also look at artificial reefs and how abandoned oil platforms and sunken ships provide habitat for a variety of creatures and recreation for anglers and divers.
Lone Star Land Steward: Clear Creek Ranch
Restoring a long leaf pine forest is a long term proposition. Mike Howard is committed to bringing these trees back to his East Texas ranch even though it will take more than his lifetime to complete.
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.
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.
Postcard From Texas
As the sun goes down over San Diego Creek, roosting Rio Grande turkey take to the trees and jockey for position.
June 3–10, 2012
Program 2007-R — Feeds June 3, 2012 — Originally Aired December 4–10, 2011
Featured Segments
In Land We Trust
Each year America loses more than a million acres of open space to urban development. Sprawling growth surrounding cities and towns in Texas threatens both farms and ranchlands. And it fractures wildlife habitat. But the growing land trust movement offers new hope for families interested in preserving their land.
Following the Fires
In September 2011, wildfires burned much of the state. Just east of Austin, Bastrop State Park sustained extensive damage to the habitat. But just 13 miles away Buescher State Park got away unscathed. So if you’re looking to do some hiking or camping or fishing in the Lost Pines area, Buescher is open for business.
Big Bend Plants
The west Texas desert may look harsh but its unique plants are like nature’s grocery store for the wildlife and humans who call the desert home. At first glance scrubby, thorny and spindly, Big Bend plants take on new beauty when you learn how to read them.
TFFC Hall of Fame: David Campbell
Profile of David Campbell, who began raising and stocking fish before man set foot on the moon. He is a forty-five year TPWD veteran who has raised and stocked millions of fish into Texas waters. For much of that time, David has led the “Share-Lunker” program, a groundbreaking effort that promotes the conservation and enhancement of trophy bass fishing.
Lone Star Land Steward: Trinity Bluff Wildlife Ranch
Dallas resident Brian Smith has taken his 730 acre ranch in Navarro County and converted it into a wildlife haven. Among their restoration projects is a 20 acre wetland in the Trinity River bottom that attracts a diversity of waterfowl, wading birds and shorebirds.
Wild Things: Owls at Home
The Great Horned Owl has one of the largest breeding ranges in this hemisphere from the tundra of Canada and Alaska to the southern tip of South America. But one pair of these birds has taken up residence in a brand new subdivision near Houston and they’re quickly becoming the talk of the town.
Postcard From Texas
Enjoy the pristine waterfalls of the upper Guadalupe River. Considering the recent drought in Texas, this may be something you haven’t seen in awhile.
June 10–17, 2012
Program 2008-R — Feeds June 10, 2012 — Originally Aired December 11–17, 2011
Featured Segments
Urban Outdoors
Urban parklands provide a much-needed natural refuge for city dwellers. See how two parks in Houston are reaching out to local kids and thriving as natural classrooms within an urban landscape.
Lone Star Land Steward: Hailey Ranch
With a deep knowledge of native plants, Abilene rancher Rob Hailey has poured blood, sweat and tears into his land to restore the native habitat. And wildfires won’t set him back.
Lake Tawakoni State Park
Lake Tawakoni was built to supply water to the city of Dallas. Occupying almost 400 adjacent acres and with 5 miles of shoreline, Lake Tawakoni State Park offers visitors access to fishing, boating and swimming. And if you are there during the spring, you might get to see giant spider webs constructed by tiny spiders.
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.
Postcard From Texas
The Texas coast is charged with sea oats, the ubiquitous sentinel of the dunes.
