News Summary
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is launching a new podcast named ‘Better Outside’ on May 21, aimed at encouraging Texans to explore their natural surroundings. Hosted by seasoned writer Morgan O’Hanlon and TPWD Executive Director David Yoskowitz, the podcast will feature stories about conservation, outdoor recreation, and Texas’s natural beauty. Key highlights include personal adventures and initiatives for ecological restoration. Sponsored by Whole Earth Provision Co., the podcast seeks to strengthen community engagement with Texas’s rich natural resources.
Austin, Texas – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Launches New Podcast ‘Better Outside’
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is set to launch a new podcast titled ‘Better Outside’ on May 21. Designed to encourage Texans to explore their natural surroundings, the podcast will be available on all major podcast platforms. It aims to share inspiring stories of conservation, recreation, and the great outdoors.
The show will be hosted by Morgan O’Hanlon, a seasoned writer at Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine, and TPWD Executive Director David Yoskowitz. Together, they plan to engage listeners with a variety of narratives that include informative commentary and firsthand experiences from the field.
Yoskowitz emphasized the essential role of people in the conservation efforts across Texas, expressing excitement about bringing their stories to light through the podcast. The discussions will revolve around various elements of Texas’s rich environments, including the development of new trails, tours of existing parks, and initiatives aimed at restoring bighorn sheep populations in West Texas.
Podcast Details and Features
Among the podcast’s highlights is an episode featuring a personal account of a challenging paddling trip along the Devils River, which was undertaken by O’Hanlon alongside her mother, who lacks outdoor experience. This storytelling approach aims to uncover hidden gems in the Texas wilderness and motivate listeners to engage in adventurous outdoor activities.
The launch of ‘Better Outside’ will succeed TPWD’s previous podcast, ‘Under the Texas Sky’, which also focused on environmental themes but placed a stronger emphasis on the cultural aspects of Texas’s outdoor spaces. The earlier podcast had to be discontinued following the retirement of its host, Cecilia Nasti.
Sponsorship and Community Engagement
The new podcast is sponsored by Whole Earth Provision Co., a retail store well-established in Austin since 1970. By providing this platform, TPWD aims to strengthen its outreach and foster deeper community engagement with the state’s natural resources.
Additional Outdoor Developments
In another initiative to promote outdoor activities, the YMCA of Central Texas has announced that it has begun construction on a $12 million expansion project at the Twin Lakes Family YMCA in Cedar Park. This expansion includes the development of an outdoor adventure course, featuring climbing structures, zip lines, and ropes courses, making it the first of its kind at a Texas YMCA. The project is expected to serve residents from nearby cities such as Austin, San Antonio, and Waco, with completion anticipated by spring 2026.
Moreover, The Nature Conservancy in Texas has recently acquired a 671-acre property near Big Bend National Park for conservation and public recreational access. This purchase, costing nearly $1.2 million, is part of efforts to enhance outdoor recreational opportunities within the region and will be managed by TPWD. The newly acquired property boasts river access and a diverse array of plant species that contribute to the ongoing conservation efforts in the area.
Moving forward, TPWD will work in collaboration with the National Park Service to draft a long-term management plan for the newly purchased property. This partnership aims to ensure that the property remains accessible for recreational use while preserving its ecological significance.
Conclusion
The launch of ‘Better Outside’ not only marks a new chapter for TPWD in engaging with the community but also coincides with significant developments aimed at enhancing outdoor experiences across Texas. With a focus on conservation stories, access to natural resources, and adventure, Texas residents are encouraged to tune in and explore the benefits of spending time outdoors.
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Additional Resources
- Culture Map: Texas Parks Podcast
- Wikipedia: Podcast
- Palestine Herald: Better Outside Podcast
- Google Search: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
- KSAT: Department Acquires Property in West Texas
- Google Scholar: Conservation in Texas
- Dallas News: Ranch Near Big Bend
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Big Bend National Park
- My Paris Texas: East Texas Wildlife Area
- Google News: Wildlife Management Texas
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