Help Texas State Parks

[JimJones]

Texas Parks and Wildlife is requesting additional financial assistance to help their state park system. They are asking for assistance through three methods.... a tax-deductible donation, paying an entrance fee by visiting a park, and spreading the word to friends and family. Visit their website (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/parkinfo/help/?utm_campaign=SPFundraising&utm_medium=TPWDWebsite&utm_source=HomePageContent) to read more and watch video from their director.

[lulubelle]

Thanks to Jim for posting this. Texas state parks are struggling and it is my hope that on your next birding trip, some of you will take the time to visit whatever state park(s) are on the way to your destination. Thanks to Susan T., I have been able to visit many state parks - she usually finds the state parks along whatever route we are traveling and we make a point to stop there on the way. You can purchase a state park pass or pay as you go - not expensive either way.

Prior to becoming a birder, I never really gave state parks much thought, although I grew up camping with my grandparents in many New Mexico state parks. However, I have come to find that many of our state parks are very pretty & interesting places. It has become a goal of mine to visit every state park in Texas.

There have been many improvements made at many of them, trying to attract more visitors. At Lake Colorado City State Park, they have some beautiful new cabins that were recently built. Tyler State Park has espoused mountain biking and while that is not an activity I particularly want in a state park, it has served to draw many more visitors. It has not detracted from the beauty or naturalness of the park in any way. There are parks like Enchanted Rock - one of my next state parks to visit - that offer very unique vistas and experiences not only for birding, but for a multitude of other activities.

On the other hand, at some parks, like Mother Neff State Park, you are able to see first hand the deficit they are experiencing. They have a beautiful CCC built building that was once an office/store/bathrooms and it is no longer used and has fallen into complete disrepair. The park itself is small, but very pretty and I think worth a visit to bird. Many other parks have had employees cut and the days the offices are open cut.

Take a moment while you are planning your next trip and see what state parks you will be close to as you travel. Take some time and stop in to bird and get a feel for the park. You might be surprised at what you find and it will help the parks system. If visiting isn't an option, please consider a donation - it all helps. Lets help before they disappear. Over 90% of Texas is in private ownership, state parks are the bit that we all "own" and should work hard to keep open for all of us to enjoy for many years to come.

[JimJones]

Thanks for your added comments, Laura.

My original post was short as I was involved in downloading satellite maps of various state parks and wildlife management areas to update my mapping software program. I was using the TX State Parks and Wildlife website as a resource and their plea for assistance was on every page.

I also have a yearly pass, and use it in much the same way that you referenced. When on a trip, I find what state parks are nearby and stop in to look around. I also have an annual Day-use pass to the WMA's and I carry their booklet of maps for much the same reason. Tyler State Park is my local favorite because of their large colony of Red-headed Woodpeckers. This winter they have a Bald Eagle as well!

I encourage everyone to support this underfunded organization.

[lulubelle]

T.O.S is trying to encourage more visitation to our state parks by encouraging organized bird walks at as many state parks as possible. They are looking for people to volunteer to lead these walks, as well as people to join the walks. Here is a link to the T.O.S website with the list of state parks and the bird walks that have been organized so far. The next one is at Enchanted Rock SP on Feb 4th, I believe.

http://www.texasbirds.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=140:state-park-field-trips&catid=34:field-trips&Itemid=105

[Mary Lee]

Included in this weekend's field trip and in support of the State Parks, FWAS will be birding at Tyler State Park on Friday, 1/27 and possibly stopping at Purtis Creek State Park on Sunday.

[lulubelle]

Saw this on the TPWD site and thought it was worth posting. People and businesses have been listening & responding!!! Great to know!

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20120126c

Mary Lee, I hope you get great birds at both parks! I have never been to Purtis, that is on my short list to visit this year. My son and I are going to join the Enchanted Rock bird walk on Feb 4! Looking forward to it!