MG
Contributors

Melissa Gaskill

Articles (23)

Green American Eel swimming through the water with a light brown seabed at the bottom.
July 2022 Issue

Unraveling the Mysteries of American Eels

Scientists work to discover the little-known life cycle of eels in Texas.

Story by Melissa Gaskill
whale shark at the surface of the water coming up for air.
June 2010 Issue

Whale Sharks: Giants in the Gulf

The world's largest fish are closer than you think.

Story by Melissa Gaskill
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
Rice_s_whale_close_to_surfaec
March 2023 Issue

New Gulf of Mexico Whale Species Identified

Former Bryde's subspecies is now called Rice's whale.

Story by Melissa Gaskill
Tawny Crazy Ant (Nylanderia fulva) against a white background
April 2023 Issue

Scientists Use Fungus to Fight Crazy Ants

The invasive ants have been wreaking havoc at state parks.

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