Wildlife & Conservation
The Native Plant Rescue Project Saves Wild Texas Vegetation
The nonprofit scoops up plants before bulldozers clear the land.
Texas Ranching Family Is Restoring Native Grasslands
Bringing back the prairie for wildlife, cattle and future generations.
- Photo Essay: Texas Creeks Flow Through Our Landscapes, Imaginations and Outdoor Experiences Story and photos by Chase Fountain
- Two Elusive Quail Species Are In Trouble. What's Behind The Quiet Quail Crises? Story by Erin Wunderlich
- Texas Spiny Lizards Keep Us Company in the Backyard Story by Sheryl Smith-Rodgers
Ask A Grackle: Why Do You Spend So Much Time in Parking Lots?
Shouldn't you spend more time in nature?
Playas Are Essential for Wildlife and Aquifer Recharge in Texas Panhandle
More Texas ranchers are getting the message about the Panhandle's secret lakes.
Richland Creek Wildlife Management Area Built Wetlands to Clean Water Using Natural Filtration
Water from the Trinity River comes out cleaner after going through WMA's ponds.
Recent in Birding
Birders Flock to South Texas for Chance to See Bat Falcon
In late 2021, birding frenzy began with the first recorded bat falcon sighting in the U.S.
Story by Russell Roe
Young People Are Falling in Love With Birding
Bird-watching is an accessible and enjoyable way for youth to connect to nature.
Story and photos by Jessica Alexander
Third Annual Bird Bingo Contest Begins
The game soared to new heights in 2025 with more than 2,500 birds spotted.
Story by TPWD Staff
A Great Texas Birding Classic Team Tallies Hundreds of Species on a Trek From Big Bend to the Coast
The annual competition challenges participants to find as many species as possible.
Story by Jennifer Bristol
Upper Texas Coast Provides Vital Resting Spots for Migrating Birds
Coastal woodlots serve as lifesaving stations as birds make the long journey across the Gulf.
Story by Denise Viosca GaryRecent in Wildlife
Texas Spiny Lizards Keep Us Company in the Backyard
These little dragons are cute and charismatic neighbors.
Story by Sheryl Smith-Rodgers
Ask A Grackle: Why Do You Spend So Much Time in Parking Lots?
Shouldn't you spend more time in nature?
Story by The Grackle
Two Elusive Quail Species Are In Trouble. What's Behind The Quiet Quail Crises?
TPWD and collaborators are working to study and support these treasured wild birds.
Story by Erin Wunderlich
Fort Boggy State Park Leaves a Lasting Impression
Fort Boggy's serene landscapes are a photographer's paradise.
Story and photos by Chase Fountain
Playas Are Essential for Wildlife and Aquifer Recharge in Texas Panhandle
More Texas ranchers are getting the message about the Panhandle's secret lakes.
Story by Joseph RichardsRecent in Plants
The Native Plant Rescue Project Saves Wild Texas Vegetation
The nonprofit scoops up plants before bulldozers clear the land.
Story by Robyn Ross
Poison Ivy: Here’s What You Need to Know
If it has leaves of three, let it be!
Story by Melissa Gaskill
New App Helps Texans Grow Native Plants
Wild Thumb helps Texans choose the right native plants for their location.
Story by Lydia Saldaña
This Collection of Plants Helps Scientists Understand how Texas has Changed Over Time
The plant collection resides at Big Bend Ranch State Park.
Monahans Sandhills Contains a Massive Forest of Tiny Oaks
Thickets of shin oak stabilize the dunes at the state park.
Story by Dyanne Fry CortezRecent in Land Stewardship
Texas Ranching Family Is Restoring Native Grasslands
Bringing back the prairie for wildlife, cattle and future generations.
Story by Lydia Saldaña
Eating Seasonally and Locally Means Fresher, Tastier Food
Texas farmers harvest a bounty each year — so why is it so hard to eat locally?
Story by Stephanie Scherzer
Wexford Ranches Receive Conservation Award
Owners have been stewarding land through generations at the South and West Texas properties.
Story by Lerrin Johnson
Meet the Majestic Mountains of Sierra Diablo Wildlife Management Area
The 12,000-acre property is home to bighorn sheep and other desert wonders.
Story by Morgan O'Hanlon
Cross Bar Is a Special Piece of Federal Land in the Panhandle
The recreation area is the only Bureau of Land Management site in Texas. Access is coming.
Story by Morgan O'HanlonRecent in Conservation
Photo Essay: Texas Creeks Flow Through Our Landscapes, Imaginations and Outdoor Experiences
TPWD photographer Chase Fountain finds beauty in our state's small streams.
Story and photos by Chase Fountain
Cooper Wildlife Management Area Works to Restore Its Native Grassland
Biologists use prescribed burns and native seed plantings in prairie restoration.
Story by Russell Roe
Meet the Barton Springs Salamander, an Aquatic Austinite
This red-gilled resident dwells in the heart of the city.
Story by Gwendolyn Reed
Conservation License Plates Support Wildlife, Parks
Program marks 25 years of conservation on Texas roads.
Story by Tenley Jackson
Disease Leads to a Critical Crossroads For Texas Bighorn
TPWD and partners focus on fighting a deadly disease affecting the sheep.
Story by Lydia SaldañaRecent in Science
Kerr Wildlife Management Area Is Essential In Deer Research
The Hill Country land serves primarily to educate landowners and study game.
Story by Shayne Wollam
Panhandle Storm Chasers Pursue Texas-Size Tornados
Wedged between arid mountains to the west and the humid gulf region, Texas breeds big twisters.
Story and photos by Russell A. GravesShareLunker Season: Texas' Biggest Bass Are Biting
Anglers landed 23 largemouth over 13 pounds last season, the best winter run since 1995.
Story by Kirk McDonnell
TPWD Hatchery Staff Are Raising Southern Flounder to Release Along the Gulf Coast
Hatcheries have boosted production to bolster wild stocks and support stability of the species.
Story by Erin Wunderlich
Scientists Dig Into Soil to Help the Houston Toad Make a Texas-Size Comeback
Texas' only endemic toad requires very specific conditions to thrive.
Story by Erin WunderlichRecent in Wildlife Management Areas
Richland Creek Wildlife Management Area Built Wetlands to Clean Water Using Natural Filtration
Water from the Trinity River comes out cleaner after going through WMA's ponds.
Story by Russell Roe
J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area Provides a Home for Waterfowl and Alligators
TPWD team works hard to keep the coastal marsh healthy.
Story by Gwendolyn Reed
Matador Wildlife Management Area Protects a Rugged Piece of the Rolling Plains
Restored grassland habitat allows quail and other wildlife to flourish.
Story by Brandon Weaver
Old Sabine Bottom Is a Hunter’s Secret That Welcomes Hikers, Birders and More
Wildlife management area features rich river bottomlands habitat.
Story by Morgan O'Hanlon
Wildlife Management Areas Offer Public Hunting for Turkey
For spring turkey season, these spots are the land of the gobbler.
Story by Russell Roe