Wild Texas Project

Texas is one of the most biologically diverse places in America, with more than 6,000 animal species. Our state contains more than 800 habitat types and is home to thousands of native plant and animal species — including more than 600 bird species, over 180 mammal species, and the highest number of reptile species in the nation. From black bears in the Chisos Mountains to whooping cranes on the coast, bison on the plains, rare salamanders in Hill Country springs, and sea turtles in the Gulf, Texas wildlife is incredibly diverse. The Lone Star State even contains 12 distinct ecoregions, ranging from deserts and mountains to pine forests, prairies, wetlands, and coastal marshes. Protecting wild Texas means protecting one of the richest natural landscapes in North America.

Not trying to influence your vote, but Palo Duro and Big Bend Ranch are on the list!

What is the Best State Park for 2026? Voting for the Best State Park is open! Cast your vote daily to help pick the 2026 10Best Readers' Choice Award for Best State Park.

It's springtime in Texas, a good time to talk about hiking in the mud!

Muddy trails call for extra care—and sometimes extra patience. When trails are saturated, every footstep can leave deep ruts that channel water, worsen erosion, and turn a narrow path into a damaged one. If conditions are especially soft, the best choice may be to wait for the trail to dry before heading out.

If you do hike, stay on the trail, move carefully through muddy sections rather than widening the path by going around them, and take care not to leave deep footprints or gouges behind. Respect all closed trail signs and temporary closures—they’re there to protect both the trail and hikers. Sometimes waiting a day or two can also save your hiking shoes or boots from being soaked, caked in heavy mud, and unnecessarily worn down.

Wet trails can also mean slippery rocks, unstable footing, creek crossings, and a higher risk of falls. Slow down, wear appropriate footwear, and know when to turn back.

Protect the trail. Protect yourself. Protect the wild places we all share.

Happy Earth Day from Wild Texas Project.

Texas is still home to wild places worth protecting—Big Bend sunsets, canyon trails, piney woods mornings, spring wildflowers, desert stars, and the open spaces that remind us who we are. Today is a good day to get outside, leave no trace, support conservation, and remember that the future of Texas wildlands depends on the choices we make now.

Keep Texas wild.

This research was done at Rocky Mountain NP, but easily applies to any significant day hike or trailrun in Texas. When you are out on the trail are you as prepared as you should be?

Here is the list of the researchers’ 13 “essentials” for a dayhike:

extra food, extra clothing, extra water, rain gear, light source, map, water treatment method, first aid kit, knife, compass, whistle, fire starter, emergency shelter

How many of those things are always in your pack when you head out? Anything you’d add as an essential for a long Texas hike?

New Research Finds Hikers and Runners Are Forgetting These Essential 13 Items in the Backcountry A study of hundreds of hikers and runners reveals a dangerous gap between how safe we feel and the gear we actually carry. Here is what you really need to survive a day in the mountains.

A black bear in East Texas!

He’s baaaack! 🐻

The American black bear we’ve been following since July 2025 has reemerged and is currently making its rounds again in Anderson and Cherokee Counties in East Texas.

Thanks to verified reports from the public, we believe this bear successfully overwintered along the Neches River corridor. If so, this would be the first documented black bear to overwinter in East Texas in over 50 years!

Based off reports, this bear is still shy and afraid of humans. 👀 If you see this bear, please report to your county biologist or game warden. (Find contact info on our website at tpwd.texas.gov)

This young black bear is growing fast and could hit full maturity by mid‑summer. Based on its travels, it may be heading toward bear country in Louisiana, Arkansas, or Oklahoma to find a mate.

Black bears are a protected species in Texas. Get tips for coexisting safely with bears at bit.ly/TexasBearSafety or visit BearWise at BearWise.org

We thank everyone for your continued support in helping us track and live with this black bear!

Texas hikers: We need your help! We are creating designs inspired by the most iconic Texas hiking trails. Share your list of the most challenging, awe-inspiring, breath-taking Texas hikes. Tell us the Texas trails that inspire you the most, regardless of distance or difficulty! Help us out and get 10% off your next order!

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The water project and lodge project are being separated and the water project will be re-bid. NPS is looking at “viable options” for the lodge portion.

Big Bend park cancels plans to rebuild lodge, fix water system Park officials blame a budget shortfall and “unforeseen challenges.” The project had been in the works for years but had been repeatedly delayed.

Guadalupe Mountains NP

The mountains in Guadalupe Mountains National Park rise sharply from the surrounding desert floor, forming an island of life in the Chihuahuan Desert.

At first glance, the desert may seem barren and nearly devoid of life. But a closer look reveals a remarkable variety of plants and wildlife.

Photo by Kelly Feeney

2 of the 18 best state parks in the US, according to Outside Magazine are Big Bend Ranch SP and Caddo Lake SP. Are those the Texas State Parks you’d put on the list?

The 18 Best State Parks in the U.S. These state parks offer everything you’re looking for in a national park, only fewer crowds. See our top choices for wildlife, wilderness, solitude, and more.