FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 10, 2011
Media Contacts:
Cesar Mendez at 915.566.6441 ext 22 or Cesar.Mendez@tpwd.state.tx.us
Erika Rubio at 915.566.6441 ext 21 or Erika.Rubio@tpwd.state.tx.us
Lindsey Davis at 512.581.8173 or Lindsey.Davis@tpwd.state.tx.us
FAMILY CAMPING PROGRAM COMING TO
THE LARGEST URBAN PARK IN THE NATION
EL PASO, Texas – Have you always wanted to take your family camping, but really weren’t sure how to go about it? If so, Texas Parks and Wildlife has designed the Texas Outdoor Family program for folks just like you. Due to the enormous interest generated by the program, Texas Outdoor Family is headed out west, to the largest urban wilderness park in the nation, on March 5-6th at Franklin Mountains State Park. El Paso families who have always wanted to go camping together, but weren’t sure how to go about it, are encouraged to attend this weekend campout.
During the overnight Texas Outdoor Family program, families will spend much of the weekend learning not only how to pitch a tent, cook outdoors and learn about nature, but also how to use a global positioning system (GPS) to navigate trails and locate hidden caches. The program also teaches participants about conservation ethics and introduces them to park rangers and what they do.
At almost 26,000 acres, Franklin Mountains State Park protects prime Chihuahuan Desert habitats within an urban setting. The park is home to numerous species of plants and animals. At the Tom Mays Unit, park visitors can enjoy the Wildlife Viewing Area and spend time watching Quails and Doves as well as other species of birds coming back and forth for water and food. More than a dozen species of lizards and snakes are commonly found throughout the park. Ground squirrels, cottontails, and jackrabbits are seen during the day. At dawn and dusk, visitors may encounter mule deer, gray fox, coyote, and ringtail cat. The park has over 50 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails with spectacular views. Rock climbing, primitive camping (no water or electricity available in the entire park), picnicking, and nature viewing are other activities that can be performed at the park. The Tom Mays Unit entrance is located 3.5 from I-10 on Trans Mountain Road.
The workshop costs $65 per family (up to six people), and includes individual camping sites for each family, dry restrooms, professional park ranger-led programs and instruction (bilingual), overnight state park police officer public safety and security, a curriculum developed specifically for use and enjoyment of a state park, and state park Junior Ranger certification programs. The entire approach adopts a ’Leave No Trace’ philosophy so it’s environmentally friendly.
"There’s no experience, equipment or supplies (other than sleeping bags and food) necessary for these workshops," said
For workshops in state parks, families are expected to bring their own food for the two-day workshops, and a suggested shopping and packing lists for meals and personal items will be provided.
Visit the Texas Outdoor Family Web page for more information, including the complete schedule of weekend workshops.
Families can register by calling (512) 389-8903 and speaking to a Texas Outdoor Family representative Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-to-6 p.m., or send e-mail to tofsp@tpwd.state.tx.us anytime. After registration, a confirmation packet with directions and details will be sent.
On the Web: www.tpwd.state.tx.us/outdoorfamily
This is way cool! Thanks for posting it, Jim.
ReplyDeleteYou know, these kinds of programs are made possible by the funding of our Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. So, be sure to let your Texas legislators know that you appreciate TxPWD and their programs, and want their budget to be preserved during this legislative session where everything is on the chopping block.