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Texas Parks & Wildlife on PBS and Cable

Airing Now and Coming Soon

November 8–15, 2009

Program 1803 — Repeats May 9–16, 2010

Featured Segments

• Final Port of Call — The ship was christened the Queens and was built to invade Japan during WWII. Then she became one of the world’s first air conditioned cruise liners. Then Texas A&M University acquired her and she became the training vessel the Aggie Clipper. Now she rests on the ocean floor off the Texas coast as an artificial reef and as a scuba divers adventure destination.
• Outdoor Info: How to Become a Scuba Diver — Have you ever wanted to know what’s involved in getting your scuba license? It’s not that difficult.
• An Ocean Oasis — When the Aggie Clipper sunk off the Texas coast in 2007, Texas Parks & Wildlife hoped they would be creating a new home for lots of sea life. What they didn’t know was just how fast the sea life would take to this artificial reef. And more than the ecology of Texas is benefiting from this sunken ship, the economy in South Texas is being helped as well.
• Postcard From Texas — Enjoy the marine life onboard the sunken Texas Clipper.

November 15–22, 2009

Program 1804 — Feeds November 15, 2009 — Repeats May 16–23, 2010

Featured Segments

• Policing Pollution — Texas Game Wardens do much more than just enforce the game laws. Take a behind-the-scenes look at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens who keep our water clean and air clear by pursuing those who violate environmental laws.
• Estero Llano Grande State Park — The geographic center of the World Birding Center network is Estero Llano Grande State Park. What was once farmland is now a 176-acre refuge for a spectacular array of South Texas wildlife. The mix of thorn forest and man made wetlands make it a popular destination for birds and birders.
• Take Me Fishing — Get some tips from the experts on the right tackle and supplies for a successful fishing trip.
• Volunteer Vacation — Believe it or not, there are people out there who actually spend their vacation time working in Texas State Parks. You’ll get to know some of these volunteers who come from all across the country to put in a week’s worth of hard labor building trails at Longhorn Cavern State Park…just because they want to.
• Postcard From Texas — Early morning at Buescher State Park.

November 22–29, 2009

Program 1805 — Feeds November 22, 2009 — Repeats May 23–30, 2010

Featured Segments

• Frog People — Amphibians may be trying to tell us something, and some concerned citizens are listening. At backyard ponds, suburban creeks, and rural wetlands, participants in the Texas Amphibian Watch program monitor the health of frogs and toads, both for science and for fun.
• Take Me Fishing — Here are some tried-and-true bait ideas that will work with all kinds of fish.
• Lake Bob Sandlin State Park — About two hours east of Dallas, you’ll find a quiet state park that has everything from hiking to fishing. Lake Bob Sandlin is a perfect hidden getaway for folks of all ages.
• Prescription to Burn — The sight of ranch land being consumed by fire might be disturbing to some, but to others it looks like the perfect tool to manage a healthy ecosystem. Learn all about the natural benefits of prescribed burning.
• Postcard From Texas — Relax among the tall trees of Atlanta State Park.

November 29–December 6, 2009

Program 1806 — Feeds November 29, 2009 — Repeats May 30–June 6, 2010

Featured Segments

• Balancing Act — Todd Imboden is a true homegrown product of Texas Parks & Wildlife, starting with the department when he was just out of his teens. From his humble beginnings as a janitor some 25 years ago, he now heads up Palmetto State Park, a jewel in the Texas State Park System. We’ll spend a few days with this super superintendent as he juggles his time between work and family.
• Lake Arrowhead State Park — Close to the Red River in both location and hue, this North Texas lake offers family fun and fine fishing.
• Lone Star Land Steward: Selah-Bamberger Ranch Preserve — Fourth years ago J. David Bamberger bought the ‘worst land in Blanco County.’ Today, he has some of the best. He’s spent lots of his own time and money restoring the overgrazed and damaged land by removing invasive cedar trees, replanting native grasses, and the use of prescribed fire. Bamberger is the recipient of the 2009 Leopold Conservation Award for his work in conservation and education.
• Chicken Land — Here in Texas, the Lesser Prairie Chicken’s numbers have declined as its’ historic range has dwindled to almost nothing. Since most of these birds live on private lands, wildlife biologists are counting on private landowners to help restore the habitat, and hopefully save the bird.
• Postcard From Texas — Experience a sunset and moonrise on Lake Brownwood.

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