Texas Nature Tourism Council


Tourism in Texas Only Natural to be Inventoried

COLLEGE STATION - A list of nature tourism operations in Texas is being compiled in order to help develop assistance for owners and awareness programs for users.

"This is being done in order to assess the growth and demand of the industry," said Miles Phillips, Texas AgriLife Extension Service nature tourism leader. "It will also help the traveling public find nature tourism businesses to enjoy."

The list will be an ongoing effort, he said, so that businesses can add information at any time. An online form is available to encourage all nature tourism business operators to get their companies listed. The form is at http://naturetourism.tamu.edu.

"In addition to the traditional hunting and fishing places," Phillips said, "nature tourism businesses might include agricultural tours such as hayrides and pick-your-own produce, or adventure tour operations, including biking, paddling, canoeing, ATV trails and lodging facilities that cater to these markets."

For more information, contact Phillips, mdphillips@ag.tamu.edu, 979-845-1023, or Dr. Michael Schuett, AgriLife Extension specialist, mschuett@tamu.edu, 979-845-0872.


New Birding Book from Nancy Millar

The Rio Grande Valley is a storied land, both in history and nature. The Spanish arrived here in the sixteenth century. The first battle of the Mexican War and the last of the Civil War were fought here. This is where the Texas Rangers and border bandits roamed and cattle ranching first developed. At this southernmost tip of Texas, climate and geography create a paradise of wildlife diversity. No other region in the United States has recorded as many birds, over five hundred species. This number increases every year. As a result, the world visits South Texas to see species like Green Jays, Hook-billed Kites and White-collared Seedeaters, and the rarities that wander north across the river. Visitors include an amazing number of experts in many fields of natural history. Within these pages, writers like Jimmy Carter, Pete Dunne, Kenn Kaufman and Bill Clark tell their stories about a legendary Valley.


Nature Tourism Activities Include:
Wildlife Viewing, Bird Watching, Birding and Nature Festivals, Camping and RV'ing, Fishing, Hunting, Hiking and Walking, Backpacking, Canoeing and Kayaking, Rafting and Float Trips, Rock Climbing, Mountaineering, Bicycling, Outdoor Photography, Dude Ranches and Ranch Experiences, Horticulture Tours, Geological Tours, Living History Experiences, Wildlife Tours, Caving, Sailing and Boating, Swimming and Scuba Diving, Shelling and Beachcombing, Scenic Driving Tours, Star Gazing, Native Plant Tours.

Texas Travel Industry Association - 812 San Antonio St, Ste 401 Austin, TX 78701  Phone: (512) 476-4472 Fax: (512) 478-9177