River otters are turning up across Central Texas rivers, from San Marcos to San Antonio — a sign of cleaner water and more fish. Local managers are planning repairs to help wildlife move freely.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved new 2026–27 hunting rules that move the South Zone dove opener to Sept. 1, close two county turkey seasons and expand doe days.

Crews have finished key infrastructure and framed multiple softball fields at Buda Sportsplex, moving the city's tournament‑ready plan closer to reality.

A city panel approved the second phase of long-delayed Brackenridge Park repairs, clearing the way for pumphouse, trail and landscape work while legal fights continue.

BEA data show Texas' outdoor recreation economy generated $59.4B in 2024, led by boating, RVing and tourism. The totals underline parks, marinas and campgrounds as economic drivers.

The Texas horned lizard hasn't been reliably recorded in Louisiana for decades. State documents, historical records and Texas recovery work explain why.

A new 164-foot bridge and $28.5M in creek work at Roy G. Guerrero Park restore a route lost to 2015 floods and add flood‑resilient features and plantings.

A new Joanne Land Playground is under construction at Old Settlers Park. The custom, twice‑larger playscape is funded by the 2023 bond and due to open this spring.

Austin Parks plans prescribed burns on the east side of Lake Walter E. Long to reduce wildfire risk and restore prairie. Expect visible smoke near SH 130 and FM 973.

Austin Parks Foundation and the City of Austin made significant park improvements in 2025, enhancing playgrounds and trails, preserving historical elements, and controlling erosion.

Post Oak Ridge State Park — a 3,000-plus-acre Hill Country tract east of Lampasas — was unveiled by Gov. Abbott. TPWD has scheduled public meetings as it moves into planning.

Southwest Williamson County Regional Park in Leander has installed electric gates to improve park access and security, operational from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Hays County is allocating $17 million to build a Hillside Campus and an elevated “Warbler’s Nest” at Sentinel Peak Preserve, with reservation-only access and most acreage kept as habitat. The work could open the preserve in some form in 2027.