Prehistoric "app"? Here's one for Dinosaur Valley State Park

Looking to view dinosaur tracks? If you're a fossil fool, then Dinosaur Valley State Park near Glen Rose, Texas is your bet. It's also a good bet for hitting the swimming hole, or dipping a line. Those dino-tracks are in the Paluxy, a branch of the Brazos River, and the best time to view them is in late summer.

While you've got your map out and setting plans for Texas, add this to your tool kit: The park now sports on official "app" for your iPhone or Android platform. Using the app will be like having a personal guide for real-time tours at any time. "One of the current problems we face at our park is that our interpretive displays are somewhat outdated, and our staff is just too limited to offer enough tours to meet all of the public demand," said Shannon Blalock, superintendent at Dinosaur Valley State Park. With the dino-app, those problems are--well--as historic as the dinosaurs.

The app will give users up-to-date video and audio clips (shades of Jurassic Park!), photographs, and data right at their fingertips. Once the free app is downloaded to a mobile device, visitors at the park are alerted to various points of interest as they approach by a phone vibration triggered by the hardware's GPS. Users can then click through for detailed information, clips and other options highlighting a specific park feature.

To get the free app, simply search your smartphone's app store and type in "Dinosaur Valley State Park," or "Glen Rose," and download to your device. If you don't have a smartphone, content is still available online, and can be used to help plan people's trip in advance to the state park.

To celebrate the new app's release, on Saturday, October 15 the park will sponsor an "app launch party" complete with "Dino Digs" and activities. Through the month you can enter to win a free iPad2 that the local visitor bureau is using as bait for dinosaur enthusiasts. Through October 31, registration entries can be dropped off on site at the Friends of Dinosaur Valley State Park Store inside the park, or go to the Glen Rose CVB Web site at www.glenrosetexas.net.

photo courtesy Glen Kuban, www.paleo.cc

Park hosts needed in Texas State parks

Park Hosts are volunteers who supplement park staff and serve as a representative of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Hosts greet campers and give assistance to park visitors and park staff.

More than fifty State Parks, located throughout the state in a variety of scenic settings, have host positions available. Most parks have opportunities for fishing, hiking, viewing wildlife and other recreational activities.

Hosts are used seasonally in some, and at all times of the year in others. Hosts usually serve a minimum of one month; this may be extended with the approval of the Park Superintendent.

The primary duty of the Park Host is to assist park visitors by providing information. Hosts will need to become familiar with park regulations and points of interest in and near the park. Hosts may also be asked to perform duties such as litter collection and light maintenance, will serve about 25 hours per week, and be given days when they will not be on duty.

Host sites have water and electrical hookups, and many furnish sewer hookups as well. Hosts will be trained by park staff, and uniform items are provided to identify them as park volunteers.

Contact:
Lori Reiley
TPWD - State Parks Division
4200 Smith School Rd.
Austin, Tx. 78744-3291
512-389-4746
Lori.Reiley@tpwd.state.tx.us