Photos shot for the July issue
As Texas Parks & Wildlfe magazine turns 80, we're making a few changes. To broaden our capacity to share our incredible stories we welcome new editor, Russell Roe, and publication designer, Martha Gazella-Taylor. For our readers this means fresh voices telling stories you can't put down and fresh faces inviting you to explore Texas' wild places. The advenure continues!
Summer Drifiting
No matter what inspires you, we've got a paddling trail to take you there.
To see how far Texas' paddling trails have come, I decided to go to where they all began, Luling's Zedler Mill Paddling Trail on the San Marcos River.
In 2006, Luling's became the first inland paddling trail. Today, Texas has 80 paddling trails across the state.
I'm joined by Melissa Parker and John Botros of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's rivers team. Melissa helped get the paddling trail program started.
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Sargasso Swimmers: Eels
Scientists work to discover the mysterious story of American eels in Texas.
The strange and convoluted life story of American eels begins in the deep-blue Saragasso Sea, a vast area in the North Atlantic Ocean, oddly bounded not by land but by four clockwise-moving currents (including the Gulf Stream). They mystery of this ancient seas, chronicled by Christopher Columbus, has inspired literature and pop culture; the Sargasso's crystal waters and steady food supply provide a nursery for eels, including the ones seen in Texas.
The sea is named for its ever-present sargassum, brown seaweed clumped together in huge mats on the surface. This floating ecosystem plays a critical role in the life cycle of many species, including billfish, tuna, sea turtles, migratory birds and whales.
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Fishing School Turns 30
After three decades, Angler Education keeps Texans wetting their hooks...properly.
Do you remember catching your first fish? Whether you were a young child or a grownup, catching your first fish at any age is memorable and exciting.
Everyone who fishes has a story. The story of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Angler Education Program started 30 years ago. Before we tell that story, though, we should look back at another.
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Keep Texas Wild
It's not just for kids. If you like nature-related topics in an easy-to-read format, you can find three years of our popular Keep Texas Wild issues and the teacher resources to go along with them.
