Wildlife & Conservation
Eastern Moles Dig Passages As They Look for Food and Mates
These charismatic critters have special adaptations for the underground life.
What Hunters, Landowners and Wildlife Lovers Should Know About Deer Ailments
New World screwworm, which can infest wild animals, has made its way to Texas.
- The Native Plant Rescue Project Saves Wild Texas Vegetation Story by Robyn Ross
- Photo Essay: Texas Creeks Flow Through Our Landscapes, Imaginations and Outdoor Experiences Story and photos by Chase Fountain
- New Bird Alert: The Grue Jay Story by Erin Wunderlich
This West Texas Wildlife Management Area Has Epic Scenery and Mighty Bighorn Sheep
Elephant Mountain contains different ecosystems along its rocky slopes.
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.
Oyster License Buyback Program Has Reduced Fleet in Effort to Ease Pressure on Reefs
The program, combined with mariculture efforts, are helping turn the tide on Texas' oyster market.
Recent in Birding
Port Aransas Boasts Some of the State’s Best Fishing, Birding and Paddling
It's easy to get on "Island Time" in this top outdoor town.
Story by Dan OkoBirders 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 BristolRecent in Wildlife
Texas’ Oyster Farms Are a Tasty Niche in the State's Seafood Market
Oyster mariculture became legal in Texas in 2019; seven years later, oyster farms are thriving.
Story by Morgan O'Hanlon
New Bird Alert: The Grue Jay
University of Texas biologists reveal a hybrid bird hiding in the suburbs of San Antonio.
Story by Erin Wunderlich
What Hunters, Landowners and Wildlife Lovers Should Know About Deer Ailments
New World screwworm, which can infest wild animals, has made its way to Texas.
Story by Katie Hill
At Bonham State Park, You Can Camp, Paddle and Unplug
Bonham's wealth of activities make it feel far bigger than its 302 acres.
Story by Russell A. Graves
Texas Spiny Lizards Keep Us Company in the Backyard
These little dragons are cute and charismatic neighbors.
Story by Sheryl Smith-RodgersRecent 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
Oyster License Buyback Program Has Reduced Fleet in Effort to Ease Pressure on Reefs
The program, combined with mariculture efforts, are helping turn the tide on Texas' oyster market.
Story by Lydia Saldaña
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 JacksonRecent 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
This West Texas Wildlife Management Area Has Epic Scenery and Mighty Bighorn Sheep
Elephant Mountain contains different ecosystems along its rocky slopes.
Story by Morgan O'Hanlon
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