SE Texas Times

July has been designated as National Parks & Recreation Month, recognizing the importance of parks and recreation in enhancing quality of life and contributing to the physical, economic, and environmental well-being of communities. Since 1985, this month has encouraged individuals and organizations to promote the benefits of local parks and recreation centers.

The State of Texas hosts fourteen officially designated National Parks, attracting over 5.7 million visitors annually according to the National Park Service. These parks play a crucial role in environmental health by cleaning water, preserving wildlife, and providing refuge for humans and animals. Research indicates that exposure to nature can improve creativity and reduce stress hormones.

One notable park in Texas is the Padre Island National Seashore near Corpus Christi and Port Aransas. It includes approximately seventy miles of undeveloped beaches and natural habitats where sea turtles, particularly Kemp’s Ridley turtles, nest between April and August. The Division of Sea Turtle Science and Recovery at Padre Island works to protect these turtles during nesting season.

Padre Island remains an undeveloped wilderness, preserving miles of coastline as it existed historically. Popular activities at the park include camping, kayaking, fishing, birding, and observing sea turtle hatchling releases.

For more information about visiting Padre Island or other national parks in Texas, visit the National Park Service website.

State Representative Todd Hunter encourages constituents with questions about this article or other state agency matters to contact his Capitol Office at 512-463-0672 or his District Office at 361-949-4603.

Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and part of Nueces County. He can be contacted via email at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or by phone at 512-463-0672.