Lone Star Memories

Rediscovering the Texas Outdoors at State Natural Areas

By Bill Greer

(Photos Courtesy of Texas Tourism)

Growing up, I chased birds, fish and rocks all over Texas. My dad and I would pile gear into our old International Scout and take weekend excursions in the Hill Country. Or we might pack the whole family and spend a few days wandering around the dunes of Padre Island.

Recently I got to reminiscing with my sister about the outdoor places where we spent our childhood. She had just moved to a ranch outside Johnson City and was acquiring a new taste for country living. The sun setting amidst the live oaks made us wonder which of those childhood haunts had survived. Looking into it further, I discovered that several are preserved as natural areas around the Lone Star State.

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Last Updated: 15 Sep 2010
Published: 29 Apr 2002
The details, dates, and prices mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication.