Texas State Parks are unique and beautiful places. From rugged mountains in far West Texas, to the legendary canyons of the Panhandle and countless miles of shoreline along lakes, rivers and beaches, they offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation while also conserving these natural and cultural resources for future generations. They're also affordable and family-friendly. In fact, children 12 and under get in free.
As of April 15 almost $2 million has been raised in support of the Texas State Parks system, which started 2012 facing a $4.5 million budget gap because of last year’s record drought, heat and wildfires. A total of $1,915,415 has been donated since Texas State Parks Department leaders appealed for help last December. In March alone, $521,853.91 arrived. Leaders say the most important thing Texans can do to help this spring is to visit state parks, since visitor fees pay about half the cost to operate the system. For information about visiting parks or to make a donation go to www.texasstateparks.org. --Jim Caruthers
