MG
Contributors

Melissa Gaskill

Articles

oil spill clean up
December 2010 Issue

Gulf Wildlife May Feel BP Oil Spill's Effects for Years

No significant oil reached Texas, but fallout is still felt.

Story by Melissa Gaskill
Rio Grande beaver swimming along forested bank of the Rio Grande River
July 2025 Issue

A Smaller Subspecies of American Beaver Makes its Home Along the Rio Grande

The Rio Grande beaver was identified as a subspecies of the American beaver in 1913.

Story by Melissa Gaskill
Western screech Owl perched in tree at night
May 2016 Issue

Rio Grande Valley Parks: Birds, Birds and More Birds

Rio Grande Valley parks offer the ultimate birder's paradise.

Story by Melissa Gaskill
Scalloped hammerhead shark swimming in the gulf with a school of fish above.
December 2025 Issue

Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks Gain Advantage From Their Head Shape

These remarkable ocean predators help maintain the health of the Gulf and its seafood.

Story by Melissa Gaskill
A view of a jackrabbit from behind.
January/February 2026 Issue

Black-Tailed Jackrabbits Use Their Speed to Escape

Long ears and long legs give jackrabbits their distinctive look.

Story by Melissa Gaskill
two people with backpacks on sitting in the davis mountains blind taking a picture
April 2020 Issue

Bird Blinds of the State Parks

These structures bring birds up close for visitors of all abilities.

Story by Melissa Gaskill
Leticia and Leon McNeil sitting in rocking chairs.
November 2022 Issue

Nonprofit City Kids Adventures Takes Students Outside

Founders Leticia and Leon McNeil see the outdoors as a classroom — and a source of hope.

Story by Melissa Gaskill
Poison Ivey growing on the ground.
May 2026 Issue

Poison Ivy: Here’s What You Need to Know

If it has leaves of three, let it be!

Story by Melissa Gaskill
Female and Male Comanche Springs Pupfish
August/September 2026 Issue

The Comanche Springs Pupfish Survives in Limited Habitat Around Balmorhea’s Pool

Visitors to the state park swim alongside the endanged species.

Story by Melissa Gaskill