October 31, 2024 — After 54 years of being classified as a federally endangered species, the red-cockaded woodpecker classification status has been downlisted to threatened as a result of decades-long conservation efforts.

October 16, 2024 - One of the many things Texas is known for is the abundance of beautiful wildflowers that line hills and highways every spring. What many wildflower admirers may not know is that fall is the ideal time to plant wildflower seeds in preparation for those spring blooms.

October 3, 2024 - Texans are invited to see and document pollinators buzzing into action Oct. 11-27, 2024 during the Texas Pollinator BioBlitz. This annual event celebrates the bees, wasps, butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, hummingbirds, nectar-feeding bats and other animals that serve as pollinators across Texas.

Many pollinator species have seen declines in their population, which could spell trouble. These important insects, birds and mammals are key to sustaining native plant species, human food crops and even crops for livestock.

July 2, 2024 - Texans throughout the state take advantage of the Fourth of July holiday to enjoy the summer sun on the water. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) urges boaters and paddlers to do their part to protect the Texas lakes we love from aquatic invasive species during the heart of boating season.

June 20, 2024 - Rising temperatures and the month of June signal the arrival of the dog days of summer. With heat-related illnesses on the rise, Texas State Parks is sharing seven tips to help Texans beat the heat and enjoy their time in the outdoors safely.

Last year, 48 state parks reported 156 heat-related illnesses in humans and pets, but this year could well eclipse that. State parks have already fielded 51 heat-related incidents since Jan. 1, compared to 32 reported by this time last year.

Here are the top seven heat hacks recommended for park visitors: