Under the Texas Sky

By Cecilia Nasti/Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

What's Under the Texas Sky about?

Get ready for the great outdoors! Listen in to explore nature, wildlife and the best of life outside. Pick up pro tips for camping, cooking and more. Host Cecilia Nasti takes you along as both outdoor experts and everyday people reveal why life’s better outside, Under the Texas Sky.

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Under the Texas Sky episodes:

01.06.2021
Conservation Easements
On the Podcast, producer Randall Maxwell talks with Tiffany Osburn President of Hill Country Land Trust, as well as Texas Parks and Wildlife's Chris Abernathy, Program Coordinator for the Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program. Both Tiffany and...
12.23.2020
Wanderlist: Places it might just snow
There’s one thing a lot of Texans actually love to see this time of year, but it’s pretty rare in some parts of the state. Can you guess what it is? Snow, of course. On the final Wanderlist of the season,...
12.16.2020
Texas Stream Team
The Texas Stream Team is a group of trained citizen scientists who collect and sample water quality all over the state. Often, they are the ones who sound the alarm to state agencies charged with protecting our water resources. On...
12.09.2020
Water Conservation
On the podcast we talk with Melissa Alderson who is the Conservation Education Manager at Texas Parks and Wildlife. We’ll learn why she's so passionate about water, and she'll also share with us common sense tips on saving water and...
12.02.2020
Wanderlist – Holidays in the Parks
The holidays are upon us and it's time to be festive in the outdoors. On the podcast, we'll speak with State Parks marketing and branding director Thomas Wilhelm. He’ll share what opportunities Texas State Parks have to offer you this...
11.25.2020
Wanderlist – Fall Color Parks
Every fall the days get shorter and the leaves turn a magnificent bouquet of rich colors on trees all across the state. Join us as we discuss the beauty of fall colors in our state parks.
11.18.2020
Game Warden Ride-a-long with Kegan Gould
Protecting the natural resources of Texas is an important function of conservation. That's the daily charge of Texas Game Wardens and why we have laws on hunting, fishing, and boating in our state. On the podcast, we'll ride along with...
11.11.2020
Wanderlist – Parks with Native American Ties
November is National Native American Heritage Month. On the podcast, we'll speak with Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Regional Interpretive Specialist Cassie Cox, and Archeology Lab Director Aina Dodge, to learn how Native American heritage is being recognized and preserved in...
11.04.2020
Family Camping
Going camping is like being in a giant playground where kids and adults can explore, share experiences and learn about the natural world; it's especially fun in a Texas State Park. On the podcast we'll visit with two families who...
10.28.2020
Wanderlist – Hiking With Dogs
There are some great places to hike in Texas, and they are even greater when you take your most loyal friend. On the podcast, we'll visit with Melissa Gaskill, author of “Best Hikes with Dogs: Texas Hill Country and Coast.”...
10.21.2020
Tony Smith: Paddleboard Passion
Gliding on top of the water in a canoe, kayak or on a paddle board...a person can get close to nature in a way that's just not possible on dry land. On the podcast, meet a man whose passion for...
10.14.2020
Wanderlist – Mysterious Places
When things go bump, or boo, in the night, are you sure you're not in a haunted or strange place? On the Wanderlist, we'll take you on a tour of some of more mysterious and haunted places found in Texas.
10.07.2020
The Girl Who Loves Parks
On this podcast meet Erin Freiboth. She helps to promote Texas State Parks; once you hear the podcast you'll understand why she's a perfect fit for the job. We doubt you can get through the podcast without smiling or planning...
09.30.2020
Great Parks for Kids
Kids love the outdoors and there’s no better adventure for them than a Texas State Park. On this episode of Under The Texas Sky’s Wanderlist, we’ll tell you about great state parks for kids and family memories that will last...
09.23.2020
Cowboy Poets
Texas is known as the cowboy capital of the world, and there is a rich history of songs about cowboys and cowboy culture, and poetry as well. And we get a taste of both on the podcast.
09.16.2020
Wanderlist: Surprising Geology
Texas has a lot of incredible geology and many natural wonders. On this edition of the Wanderlist, we'll discuss what and where some of these iconic geological oddities exist, plus share some of your Instagram entries for the strangest formations...
09.09.2020
Park Ambassadors
The Texas State Parks Ambassador Program connects conservation-minded young adults with recreation and volunteer opportunities to foster a new generation of state park stewards. All you need is leadership or volunteer experience and a love for our state parks. Learn...
09.02.2020
Wanderlist – Future State Parks
There’s a lot of steps to becoming a State Park. In this edition of Under the Texas Sky's Wanderlist, producer Randall Maxwell and TPW Magazine Editor, Louie Bond, discuss future State Parks currently in development. We’ll also visit with biologist...
08.26.2020
Hope for the Horned Lizard
The Horned Lizard is an iconic species in Texas. Referred to as a "horny toad", the state reptile has been in decline. But in this podcast, guest producer, Tom Harvey, says there's hope they'll make a comeback thanks to ongoing...
08.19.2020
Wanderlist: Scenic Drives
There are a lot of beautiful highways to travel in the Lone Star State. From the Texas Panhandle to the Pineywoods, and all places in between, you are sure to see a diversity of landscapes. On this Under The Texas...
08.12.2020
Dutch Oven Cooking
The Dutch Oven is the go-to tool for cooking over an open fire, especially at Texas State Parks. In this podcast Cecilia Nasti and Randall Maxwell introduce you to Cowboy Cook, Tim Spice, as he teaches members of Les Dames...
08.05.2020
Wanderlist: Literary Texas
On Wanderlist, Cecilia Nasti and Louie Bond discuss towns that celebrate their native sons and daughters of the written word. Then, Louie takes us to Kyle, Texas to visit the childhood home of the author Katherine Anne Porter, who wrote...
07.29.2020
The Life of a Park Ranger
At Texas State Parks you’ll find adventure and interesting folks—like park staff that keep the places humming. On the podcast, producer Abe Moore takes us to South Llano River State Park, where we meet a fascinating man who not only...
07.22.2020
Wanderlist - Movie Sets in Texas
Texas has been the stage for many epic movies over the years. On this Wanderlist, we’ll discuss films that put Texas on the silver screen. From wide landscapes to small towns, it’s lights, camera, action in the Lone Star State.
07.15.2020
The Art of Nature: Bill Oliver
Austin singer/songwriter Bill Oliver, better known in music and environmental circles as Mr. Habitat, writes and performs songs with messages of environmental stewardship for all who will listen. We highlight Bill's life and work in our occasional feature, The Art...
07.08.2020
Wanderlist – Swimming Holes
An ideal way to chill on a sultry summer day in Texas is in a swimming hole. On this Wanderlist, we take a deep dive into cool waters, letting you know the top places to immerse yourself in the best...
07.01.2020
Women in Conservation, U.S. Park Ranger Rosi Ferioli
U.S. Park Rangers are in the business of preserving natural, historic and cultural resources within our National Parks. On this episode, producer Randall Maxwell introduces us to U.S. Parks Ranger Rosi Ferioli, whose beat is the Padre Island National Seashore.
06.24.2020
Big Bat Daddy Merlin Tuttle
Bats are enigmatic nocturnal flying mammals. There are over 14-hundred species that we know of worldwide, 33 of which are known to live in Texas. Many are threatened. And Dr. Merlin Tuttle--part Indiana Jones and part Bill Nye the Science...
06.17.2020
Wanderlist – Bat Emergences
Bats are mysterious and magnificent creatures, often seen decorating the evening sky as they fly out of caves, sinkholes, forests, and from underneath bridges. In this episode, we’ll talk about bat emergences and where to safely see them. We’ll also...
06.10.2020
Shoes for Outdoor Adventure
Wearing the right shoes ensures your comfort and safety when at Texas State Parks and natural areas, where terrain is variable. In this episode, "shoe guy" Sean Bibby of Whole Earth Provision tells us how to shop for the right...
06.03.2020
Wanderlist – Outdoor Dads
On this edition of Wanderlist, TPW magazine Editor Louie Bond shares fishing and camping opportunities to enjoy with family--and especially with dad. She also talks with TPWD photographer Chase Fountain about how spending time outdoors with his daughters after a...
05.27.2020
Women in Conservation – Joann Garza-Mayberry
Texas Game Wardens ensure the protection of our natural resources and our people. Nearly nine percent of Texas Game Wardens are women; on the podcast we meet Officer Joann Garza-Mayberry and learn how her path to becoming a Game...
05.20.2020
Wanderlist – Accessible Outdoors
No matter your ability, nature is waiting for you. On this edition of Under the Texas Sky’s Wanderlist, Cecilia Nasti and Louie Bond talk about accessibility in the great outdoors.
05.13.2020
Rainwater Collection
We'll unravel the mystery of how capturing rainwater sustains and conserves at the same time, with special guests farmer Tim Miller of Millberg Farm in Kyle, Texas, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Green Team members Annalise Reichert and Christy Seals.
05.06.2020
Wanderlist - Musical Texas
Throughout the years, Texas cities and towns have been the inspiration for songs. In this edition of Under the Texas Sky's Wanderlist, producer Randall Maxwell and TPW magazine editor Louie Bond share the backstories behind the music and lyrics that...
04.29.2020
Food as Fuel
What you eat and drink plays an important role in your stamina and stregnth when engaging in outdoor activities. Self proclaimed non-diet dietician Tina Laboy of Austin is on the podcast to talk about feeding our bodies for optimal outdoor...
04.22.2020
Nature Tourism in Texas
Join us as we explore how nature tourism grew from just birdwatching to include outdoor activities and events like paddling, wildlife-watching competitions, and other ways of connecting with nature – including apps that enhance your experience – with special guest...
04.15.2020
Wanderlist - Raptors
This week’s Wanderlist features Cecilia Nasti and Louie Bond exploring places you can go in Texas to see birds of prey like eagles, hawks and falcons: the raptors. Cecilia talks with state ornithologist Cliff Shackelford about one big apex predator...
04.08.2020
Calling All Turkeys
Increase your chances of harvesting a longbeard this spring by "talking turkey." Hunter Education coordinator Steve Hall demonstrates the various ways to call turkeys to you in the field.
04.01.2020
Wanderlist - Spring in Bloom
Join producer Randall Maxwell and TPW magazine editor, Louie Bond, for the first episode of our new feature, Wanderlist, as we explore amazing places with wildflowers. Randall also chats with Andrea DeLong-Amaya of Austin’s Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. They...
12.04.2019
The Art of Nature: Clemente Guzman
Wildlife artist Clemente Guzman is a master of pen, pencil and brush, and he illustrated Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine for 29 years. We talk to the artist about his wild work, and his journey telling the stories of nature...
11.06.2019
Prescribed Fires = Good Burns
Wildfires can be scary. But they’re nature’s way of clearing areas for plant growth and help preserve native plants that support wildlife. Humans suppressed these natural wildfires, making them worse when they do occur. Listen in as we visit Austin’s...
10.02.2019
Culinary Weekend
If you’re into fresh, locally-sourced food and connecting with nature, join us as our group forages for wild foods. Then Austin chef and author Jesse Griffiths cooks them into an awesome meal. All this freshness takes place at ecological showpiece...
09.04.2019
The Art of Nature
Join us for the debut of our new occasional series, The Art of Nature, where we tell the stories of artists that create art to tell stories about nature. In this episode, we spotlight San Antonio painter Jesus Toro Martinez,...
08.07.2019
Spotted Sea Trout
Spotted sea trout is wildly popular with people who fish the Texas coast. This episode we’ll find out how this tasty salt-water trout is raised, and how it’s protected through fishing regulations. Chef Cindy Haenel demonstrates cooking sea trout meunière...
07.03.2019
Guadalupe Bass
The Guadalupe bass is a feisty little fish that makes its home in the cool, clear-running waters of Hill Country streams and rivers. It’s the State Fish of Texas, and we explore how what’s good for this fish is also...
06.05.2019
Heat Hacks
Summer in Texas means biking, camping – so many outdoor activities. Don’t let the heat put a sweaty damper on the fun! Listen as we share heat hacks for both you and your partner-in-fun: your dog. We’ll also check in...
05.02.2019
Paddlefish Restoration at Caddo Lake
Sometimes the canary in the coalmine is a fish in a river. At Caddo Lake in deep east Texas, that fish – the paddlefish – is older than dinosaurs. Learn about efforts to restore this ancient animal to east Texas...
04.03.2019
Talking Turkey
Wildlife is found across Texas, including wild turkeys. Hear the story of how these birds almost disappeared but were saved by conservation practices. We’ll also discuss how to call them to you, the 3 different kinds, and turkey harems. For...
03.06.2019
Pollinators and Native Plants
In this podcast we talk with invertebrate biologists and the horticulture director of the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. We discuss the relationship between native plants and their pollinator pals, and how honeybees are not necessarily the best pollinators out there....

What's Under the Texas Sky about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Under the Texas Sky episodes:

Conservation Easements

Wanderlist: Places it might just snow

Texas Stream Team

Water Conservation

Wanderlist – Holidays in the Parks

Wanderlist – Fall Color Parks

Game Warden Ride-a-long with Kegan Gould

Wanderlist – Parks with Native American Ties

Family Camping

Wanderlist – Hiking With Dogs

Tony Smith: Paddleboard Passion

Wanderlist – Mysterious Places

The Girl Who Loves Parks

Great Parks for Kids

Cowboy Poets

Wanderlist: Surprising Geology

Park Ambassadors

Wanderlist – Future State Parks

Hope for the Horned Lizard

Wanderlist: Scenic Drives

Dutch Oven Cooking

Wanderlist: Literary Texas

The Life of a Park Ranger

Wanderlist - Movie Sets in Texas

The Art of Nature: Bill Oliver

Wanderlist – Swimming Holes

Women in Conservation, U.S. Park Ranger Rosi Ferioli

Big Bat Daddy Merlin Tuttle

Wanderlist – Bat Emergences

Shoes for Outdoor Adventure

Wanderlist – Outdoor Dads

Women in Conservation – Joann Garza-Mayberry

Wanderlist – Accessible Outdoors

Rainwater Collection

Wanderlist - Musical Texas

Food as Fuel

Nature Tourism in Texas

Wanderlist - Raptors

Calling All Turkeys

Wanderlist - Spring in Bloom

The Art of Nature: Clemente Guzman

Prescribed Fires = Good Burns

Culinary Weekend

The Art of Nature

Spotted Sea Trout

Guadalupe Bass

Heat Hacks

Paddlefish Restoration at Caddo Lake

Talking Turkey

Pollinators and Native Plants