Under The Texas Sky

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 through art. This is a segment in our occasional series, Art of Nature.

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 Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center and learn how “prescribed burning” – starting planned, controlled fires, preserves diverse habitat.

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 Llano Springs Ranch, part of the new Explore Ranches conservation enterprise.

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, reminding us we’re not just observers, but also characters in the saga of life.

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 – so good – and shares the simply delicious recipe.

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 good for our rivers. We also visit South Llano River State Park and meet the park supervisor who works and plays in this natural wonderland.

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 with the Neves and hear a listener describe her star-studded experience.

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 waters, and why the paddlefish is the “poster child” for restoring the health of an entire ecosystem. We also check in with siblings Cassandra and Christopher Neve of Austin who are trying to reconnect with the outdoors in 2019. And we hear from Tore Anderson of San Angelo and her life changing camping trip to Big Bend, in our Shout Out to the Wild segment.

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 you locavores, we’ve got pro tips for hunting and cooking turkey.

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. They just have better press. In fact, honeybees may play a part in native been decline. But it’s not all bad news.

Fishing is a fun way to get outside, relax and enjoy nature. And fish make a delicious, locally-sourced, low-fat meal. Join us as we explore how rainbow trout and catfish are grown at a fish hatchery, then released into lakes and ponds. We’ll also check in with our sibling duo as they tackle fishing in Austin.

Meet siblings Cassandra and Christopher as they prepare to reconnect with nature. They have some anxieties, so eco-therapist Amy Sugeno discusses strategies to overcome fears of being outdoors. We’ll also explore ways to find your next adventure, whether you’re a newbie or already love life outside.