Nature-based fun abounds for Texas families, from diverse and outstanding state parks to programs and workshops that teach fishing, camping, paddling and much more. But alongside this good news, a growing body of books and studies reveals a serious issue: today’s kids are losing touch with nature and that’s taking a toll.

Three previous Bassmaster Classic champions are separated by 11 ounces of each other after the opening day of the Evan Williams Bourbon Dixie Duel on Wheeler Lake. 2008 Classic champ Alton Jones of Waco, Texas, bagged 17 pounds, 12 ounces, to lead the field of 100 anglers on the third stop of the 2009 Bassmaster Elite Series.

There is more to see and do than ever before at Texas’ largest and wildest state park, Big Bend Ranch State Park. The public is invited to learn first-hand about the many wonders of the 300,000-acre during a free, daylong Fiesta on Saturday, May 2 at the park’s Sauceda Ranger Station.

Despite welcome rains in late March, much of Texas remains parched by prolonged drought of historic proportions, and wildlife die-offs of whooping cranes and deer have been reported. However, experts say native wildlife evolved to bounce back from drought, and a bigger issue is how human water use is changing the equation, and how drought underscores the need for water planning and conservation.

Learn from leading experts on the hows and whys of rivers and riparian function at several riparian workshops scheduled in May. Participants will learn basic riparian dynamics: the interaction of hydrology - vegetation - erosion/deposition.

Spring is here, and the spawn is on – but with the sudden cold fronts, coupled with a variety of weather patterns the bass patterns are just as sporadic. When Lowell Bennett and Charles Reagan finished their day with 17.58 lbs, they were just hoping to stay in top 10. They never dreamed they would win 1st place and over $20,000!

Nature-based fun abounds for Texas families, from diverse and outstanding state parks to programs and workshops that teach fishing, camping, paddling and much more. But alongside this good news, a growing body of books and studies reveals a serious issue: today's kids are losing touch with nature and that's taking a toll.

Paddling and nature enthusiasts, government officials and interested Houstonians will celebrate the official opening of the Buffalo Bayou Paddling Trail at Briar Bend Park on Thursday, April 16 when the Bayou Preservation Association teams up with TPWD for a festive dedication ceremony.

This year's celebration features all of the traditional activities and events that set the event apart from all others, along with several new offerings that promise to add enjoyment to the two days.