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.

Thick smoke over parts of Houston on March 18 came from a planned prescribed burn at the Houston Arboretum in Memorial Park; crews say the controlled operation reduced fuel and was monitored for air quality.

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.

Bright-blue Glaucus atlanticus sea slugs have washed ashore near Corpus Christi. Researchers warn their sting can be intense and advise photo‑not‑touch.

Portuguese man‑of‑war have washed up on Galveston beaches this week; officials warn their tentacles can still sting and outline first‑aid steps.

City planners want to raise the developer fee and let up to 30% of park dedication funds be spent citywide to buy land and build parks in underserved neighborhoods. The move targets sectors that have hoarded most of the money for two decades.

The Woodlands Township is negotiating with Early Bird to build a 50-acre public par‑3 course at South Gosling Park, promising night-play options and lower-cost access while protecting the tree canopy.

Bob Hall Pier will reopen on Feb. 24, 2026, at Padre Balli Park. The rebuilt pier is free for 90 days before modest fees and annual passes return.

A rare neon-blue glow lit a stretch of Dickinson Bayou this week, drawing residents and visitors to the water.

State filings and permit records show Lawrence Park in the Heights may get a roughly $1.5M overhaul under Mayor Whitmire’s Let's Play Houston program, with phased work already permitted.

A new Kinder Trail segment along Buffalo Bayou East opened in January 2026, extending the lighted trail and adding safety upgrades and restored public spaces.

State and federal crews finished a months-long renourishment of Galveston’s Hershey Beach, placing roughly 378,000 cubic yards of sand to rebuild the west-end shoreline.

A planned downtown connector would link Jose Campos Torres Plaza to the Heights trail and is slated to finish before the 2026 World Cup. City Council will consider an interlocal agreement this week.