Saturday, March 21, celebrates International Day of Forests, created to help recognize the importance and beauty of the world’s timbered terrain.
The Lone Star State has some of the best forests and wild spaces in the world—rich in history and natural beauty—so we wanted to make a short list for anyone wanting to get outside for a little fresh air and sunshine.
Most of the state-run and national parks have temporarily closed down their programs and park facilities (ranger stations, visitor centers, park stores and rental outlets) due to COVID-19, but the grounds and trails remain open and waiting to be explored.
Here are some resources worth checking out:
Lake Tawakoni State Park
Enjoy hiking through 376 acres of oak forest, or swim, boat and fish from 5 miles of shoreline along Lake Tawakoni. The park is about an hour east of Dallas.
Brazos Bend State Park
Boasting about 5,000-acre of coastal wetlands and forest, Brazos Bend State Park is the place to be if you’re hoping to watch birds, glimpse alligators or view an array of springtime blossoms. The park is just outside of Houston.
Village Creek State Park
At Village Creek State Park, visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, biking and picnicking. The park is located on the edge of one of the state’s only free-flowing creeks—north of Houston, near Beumont.
Palmetto State Park
Need to take in a little bit of the tropics? Palmetto State Park has you covered. Hike through forests blanketed with dwarf palmettos, or take a swim, catch fish or paddle your canoe along a stretch of the San Marcos River. Palmetto State Park is located between Austin and San Antonio.
Chamizal National Memorial
Established in 1966 to commemorate a long-held land dispute between the U.S. and Mexico, the Chamizal National Memorial is sure to inspire your interests in Texas history. And you’ll get a good dose of nature, too, as the park is frequented by migratory birds, foxes and other wildlife. The park is located in the U.S. and Mexico border.
Fort Davis National Historic Site
Located between El Paso and San Antonio, Fort Davis once served as an important stronghold on the Indian Wars frontier (1854 to 1891). The historic fort itself is temporarily closed, but the park’s beautiful countryside trails are open to guests.
At Veteran Energy, we hope International Day of Forests inspires you to get out and have some fun.
