Texas

This is legislative information is for Texas, Caldwell Co.  District 18

Different county or district?  click here to find out who represents you… http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/

Gov. of TX : Rick Perry (rep)

Office of the Governor
P.O. Box 12428
Austin, Texas 78711-2428

• Information and Referral Hotline [for Texas callers] :
  (800) 843-5789
• Citizen’s Opinion Hotline [for Texas callers] :
  (800) 252-9600
• Information and Referral andOpinion Hotline [for Austin, Texas and out-of-state callers] :
  (512) 463-1782
• Office of the Governor Main Switchboard [office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST] :
  (512) 463-2000
• Citizen’s Assistance Telecommunications Device
  If you are using a telecommunication device for the deaf (TDD),
  call 711 to reach Relay Texas
• Office of the Governor Fax:
  (512) 463-1849

**IF you are mailing something to the office, the best way to get the word out is to mail it on a postcard so that all the hands it passes through can have a chance to read.  (think ripple effect)**

What is the best/memorable experience you have had with your children in dealing with government?

WHERE OUR GREAT STATE BEGAN:

http://www.birthplaceoftexas.com/

TRAIL MAPS:

Making TRACKS provides downloadable nature guides and species lists for each trail, as well as resources for schools to make their own educational nature trails on school grounds or in nearby communities.
http://www.makingtrackschallenge.com/tg/select_trail.php?state=TX

STATE PARKS:

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/

TEXAS OUTSIDE GUIDE:

The goal is to provide you with lots of good information on outdoor activities and fun things to see and do in Texas. On Texas Outside you’ll find: easy ways to locate a campground, lake, or golf course; reviews of music events, golf courses, lakes, campgrounds, resorts, and more; coupons and discounts; and lots of links to fun activities.

http://www.texasoutside.com/

AUSTIN:

This map features all State Parks, State Historic Sites, and State Natural Areas within 60 miles of downtown Austin. Click on areas of the map to learn more about the site’s facilities, activities, directions to the site, or flora and fauna.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/parkinfo/maps/60mile/austin/

congress bride bat viewing, facts, locations

http://www.austin360.com/search/content/events/special/bats.html

Barton Springs Pool: is one of Austin’s famous landmarks and easily the most popular swimming hole in the city. Spring fed and over 900 feet long, the pool was formed when Barton Creek was dammed up, so it has a natural rock and gravel bottom. There are varying depths, diving boards, and stairs and ladders for entry. The water temperature averages 68 degrees F’ throughout the year.  To find out if the pool is open, call the hotline number 512-867-3080 which operates 24 hours per day.

Best Swimming Holes in TX:

http://www.texasoutside.com/texasswimmingholes/texasswimmingholes.html

Austin Nature and Science Center : This fascinating center  is filled with exhibits of science, natural history and botany.  A living nature museum with resident injured and/or orphaned native wildlife, a Birds of Prey aviary, and the Eco-Detective Trail, and more.  The Austin Nature Center has an entrance to the Zilker Nature Preserve which has about 3 miles of hiking trails.  They even have a satellite site at the Barton Springs bathhouse (now renamed the Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center) called SPLASH! Into the Edwards Aquifer.  This permanent exhibit is a hands-on look at Central Texas’ most precious natural resource.  Open Mon. – Sat. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun. 12 – 5 p.m. 301 Nature Center Drive. (512) 327-8181

http://www.texasoutside.com/natureandscience.htm

Austin Area Garden Center:

On the north side of Barton Springs Road, you can enjoy an oriental garden with waterfalls and ponds, a rose garden, a butterfly trail, a xeriscape garden that demonstrates the principles of water conservation, and a small pioneer village.

http://www.texasoutside.com/botanical.htm

- Zilker Dinosaur Trackways

Dinosaur tracks believed to be those of an ostrich-like dinosaur, ornithomimus, were found in 1992. These tracks were uncovered, bones of a marine turtle, osteopygis, were discovered as well. The estimated age of the tracks and bones is 100 million years, but ongoing research at the site will better determine information regarding the dinosaurs and their environment.

Trail of Trees:

This beautiful trail will teach even the most ignorant naturalist about 28 different species of trees. A Free brochure is available from Parks and Recreational Department.

Information on tree trails : http://www.texasoutside.com/sculpture.htm#trees

Maps of tree trails:http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/

Barton Creek Greenbelt:

The most popular greenbelt at 7.9 miles long consisting of 809 acres. With sheer cliff walls, lush vegetation, and popular swimming areas, the Barton Creek greenbelt is truly a treasure. When the water in the creek is running (usually in spring) this is a fantastic walk. The easiest access point is the Loop 360 access with gently sloping cutback trails so that everyone can enjoy the trail.

http://www.texasoutside.com/bartongreenbelt.htm

BLANCO:

 The park area was used as a campsite by early explorers and settlers. A spring in the park made the location ideal when the river was dry. Activities: Activities include camping; swimming; picnicking; hiking; nature study; boating (electric motors only); and fishing. Tube, canoe and kayak rentals are available at the park. Annual Events: Blanco Classic Car Show – 3rd Saturday in May. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/blanco/

BROWNSVILLE:

Brownsville’s Resaca de la Palma State Park boasts the largest tract of native habitat in the World Birding Center network. Etched by ancient curves of the Rio Grande, its 1700 semi- tropical acres provide a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of an international urban center only a few miles away. Through the cooperation of local, state and federal land management agencies, a wilderness preserved from days gone by is open to nature adventurers for the first time.
http://www.worldbirdingcenter.org/sites/brownsville/

DALLAS:

Who knew history could be so much fun? The Old Red Museum of Dallas County History & Culture sees thousands of students each year. With four galleries, four theaters, a hands-on Children’s Education Center, 41 interactive computer touch screens and more than 1,000 artifacts and photos, the Old Red Museum is an exciting place to learn about regional Texas history from pre-historic times to the present day. With artifacts ranging from fossils and a mammoth tusk to J.R. Ewing’s cowboy hat and the first integrated computer circuit, your students can hear the stories of their heritage from Old Red.
http://www.oldred.org/

FREDERICKSBURG:

The only institution in the continental United States dedicated exclusively to the story of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz and World War II in the Pacific Theater is located on a nine-acre site in Fredericksburg, Texas. The complex includes The National Museum of the Pacific War — George Bush Gallery, the Admiral Nimitz Museum, the Japanese Garden of Peace, the Pacific Combat Zone, the Plaza of the Presidents, the Surface Warfare Plaza, the Memorial Wall, the Veterans Walk of Honor and the Center for Pacific War Studies.

http://www.thc.state.tx.us/museums/musnimitz.shtml

GALVESTON:

No, it did not completely wash away… go visit, help this city recover.

CITY FACTS:

http://www.cityofgalveston.org/administration/public_information_officer/faqs.cfm

CITY LANDMARKS:

http://www.cityofgalveston.org/city_services/planning_and_community_dev/plan_landmarks.cfm

GOLIAD:

A wonderful opportunity to experience a blending of natural and cultural resources awaits visitors to Goliad State Park. Situated within three ecological zones and located on the San Antonio River, the park offers a variety of flora and fauna blending with tangible remains of Texas history and culture. The park serves as a hub for visiting the Mission Espíritu Santo State Historic Site (located in the park), the Presidio La Bahía, the Ignacio Zaragoza Birthplace State Historic Site, Fannin Battleground State Historic Site, the Goliad Historic District, and Mission Rosario State Historic Site. Surrounding ranches and oil fields remind visitors of the role the area played in the unfolding of Texas’ history and economy. The park offers outstanding recreational activities and facilities.Activities: Activities include camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, boating (no ramps provided for river access), swimming (a junior olympic swimming pool, operated by the City of Goliad is across from the park), nature study, and historical study. The park is a take-out point for the Goliad Paddling Trail.
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/goliad_and_mission_espiritu_santo/

Goliad is one of the few places in North America where you can visit both an 18th century Spanish-Colonial mission and presidio (fort) complex, to understand the roles of the Catholic Church and the Spanish military in settling the New World.
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/goliad_and_mission_espiritu_santo/act.phtml#rosario

HOUSTON:

You could spend 365 days in Houston and still not experience everything this city has to offer.  From world-class museums and theaters to family-friendly destinations, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Houston.

http://www.visithoustontexas.com/visitors/

LAREDO:

Lake Casa Blanca International State Park consisting of 371 land acres and 1650 lake surface acres, is located on Lake Casa Blanca, east of Laredo in Webb County. The park was operated jointly by the City of Laredo and Webb County before it was acquired by the state in 1990 and opened in March 1991. Activities: Attractions include camping, picnicking, lake swimming, boating, mountain biking, and fishing.
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/lake_casa_blanca/