Native habitat restoration and enhancement for the benefit of wildlife is a common thread among the recipients of this year’s Lone Star Land Steward Awards. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Sand County Foundation are recognizing these model land stewards and others, who have shown exemplary efforts to manage their property as ambassadors of conservation.

The cactus moth (Cactoblastis cactorum), a non-native insect species from South America, is spreading westward along the Gulf Coast towards Texas. The invasive pest could do significant economic and ecological damage if it reaches Texas, and authorities trying to monitor the path of the moth are asking the public to help prevent it from spreading.

Long-time Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden Arthur McCall of Pleasanton has been recognized as Texas Wildlife Officer of the Year by Shikar-Safari Club International.

Nearly a century ago, wildlife biologists estimated there were about 500 desert bighorn sheep in Texas. Half a century later there were none. Today there are more than 800 of these majestic animals in the state and counting.

When Mother Nature shines as she’s done this spring, it makes anyone with a plot of dirt look good. But, it’s those times when the rains don’t come and the heat turns most of Texas brown and crunchy that a landowner’s mettle is put to the test. Those who can keep habitat conditions going in tough times as well as good are true conservation heroes.

Vow this holiday season to start a new family tradition that celebrates the great outdoors and Texas history by visiting one of the more than a dozen Texas state parks and historic sites hosting special holiday events for all ages.

Texas Parks & Wildlife TV Program - Weekly schedule and show descriptions for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has recently been updated.