Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Episode 13, Season 41 of Texas Parks & Wildlife, a weekly PBS series about the great outdoors. Protected alligator snapping turtles are returned to their natural habitats, after the trafficked animals are saved from interstate poachers. Cooper State Park in northeastern Texas offers shady campsites and cabins, a large lake, and plenty of fun. Fisheries biologist Dan Bennett is working to turn two new Texas reservoirs into trophy bass fishing destinations.
Operation Snap - 1:39
Alligator snapping turtles, protected in Texas, are saved from out-of-state poachers. After being rehabilitated and prepared for scientific study, these trafficked turtles are returned to their natural habitats in Texas waters.
Cooper State Park - 10:13
Since first opening in the 1990s, Cooper State Park has become an outdoor recreation hotspot in Northeast Texas. Fishing, hiking, swimming and camping are just a few things to do in and around the 20,000-acre lake.
Parks & Wildlife People: The Lake Maker - 14:57
Two new reservoirs in North Texas will supply thousands of gallons of water to the Dallas-Fort Worth region, but that’s not all that lies beneath the surface. A partnership between Texas Parks and Wildlife and the controlling water authorities is turning these new lakes into future trophy bass fishing destinations. Follow along as District Fisheries Biologist Dan Bennett shows off the first new reservoir in the state in 30 years and gives a preview of what’s to come at the second.
The Nature Conservancy: Nature-Based Solutions - 18:38
Nature-based solutions harness the power of our lands and waters to tackle challenges like air and water quality, flooding, extreme heat, nature loss and much more. Across the Lone Star State, The Nature Conservancy and its partners are restoring prairies, wetlands and urban green spaces to build healthier communities and shape a more sustainable future for Texas. By mimicking natural systems, we can deliver lasting benefits for both people and the environment.
Postcard From Texas: Barton Springs Pool - 24:13
This three-acre pool in Austin, Texas, is fed by underground springs and provides a year-round hangout for swimmers.
Chapters:
Intro - 00:00
Snapping Turtles - 1:39
Cooper State Park - 10:13
The Lake Maker - 14:57
Nature Based Solutions - 18:38
Barton Springs - 24:13
Share a story from this episode:
youtu.be/lJIhfxH5xmA
youtu.be/OM0vy1uJ95Y
youtu.be/jEAiRo9BCAA
youtu.be/xMXS2Oih9dA
Episode 13, Season 41, Program 3413 Air Dates: December 28, 2025-January 3, 2026 & July 12-18, 2026
When to watch on Texas PBS stations: tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/tv/tvwhere.phtml
Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/texasparksandwildlife Join us on Instagram: instagram.com/texasparkswildlife
#texasoutdoors #outdooradventure #outdoors #texas #nature #documentary #fullepisode #texasstateparks #stateparks #statepark
Episode 13, Season 41 of Texas Parks & Wildlife, a weekly PBS series about the great outdoors. Protected alligator snapping turtles are returned to their natural habitats, after the trafficked animals are saved from interstate poachers. Cooper State Park in northeastern Texas offers shady campsites and cabins, a large lake, and plenty of fun. Fisheries biologist Dan Bennett is working to turn two new Texas reservoirs into trophy bass fishing destinations.
Operation Snap - 1:39
Alligator snapping turtles, protected in Texas, are saved from out-of-state poachers. After being rehabilitated and prepared for scientific study, these trafficked turtles are returned to their natural habitats in Texas waters.
Cooper State Park - 10:13
Since first opening in the 1990s, Cooper State Park has become an outdoor recreation hotspot in Northeast Texas. Fishing, hiking, swimming and camping are just a few things to do in and around the 20,000-acre lake.
Parks & Wildlife People: The Lake Maker - 14:57
Two new reservoirs in North Texas will supply thousands of gallons of water to the Dallas-Fort Worth region, but that’s not all that lies beneath the surface. A partnership between Texas Parks and Wildlife and the controlling water authorities is turning these new lakes into future trophy bass fishing destinations. Follow along as District Fisheries Biologist Dan Bennett shows off the first new reservoir in the state in 30 years and gives a preview of what’s to come at the second.
The Nature Conservancy: Nature-Based Solutions - 18:38
Nature-based solutions harness the power of our lands and waters to tackle challenges like air and water quality, flooding, extreme heat, nature loss and much more. Across the Lone Star State, The Nature Conservancy and its partners are restoring prairies, wetlands and urban green spaces to build healthier communities and shape a more sustainable future for Texas. By mimicking natural systems, we can deliver lasting benefits for both people and the environment.
Postcard From Texas: Barton Springs Pool - 24:13
This three-acre pool in Austin, Texas, is fed by underground springs and provides a year-round hangout for swimmers.
Chapters:
Intro - 00:00
Snapping Turtles - 1:39
Cooper State Park - 10:13
The Lake Maker - 14:57
Nature Based Solutions - 18:38
Barton Springs - 24:13
Share a story from this episode:
youtu.be/lJIhfxH5xmA
youtu.be/OM0vy1uJ95Y
youtu.be/jEAiRo9BCAA
youtu.be/xMXS2Oih9dA
Episode 13, Season 41, Program 3413 Air Dates: December 28, 2025-January 3, 2026 & July 12-18, 2026
When to watch on Texas PBS stations: tpwd.texas.gov/newsmedia/tv/tvwhere.phtml
Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/texasparksandwildlife Join us on Instagram: instagram.com/texasparkswildlife
#texasoutdoors #outdooradventure #outdoors #texas #nature #documentary #fullepisode #texasstateparks #stateparks #statepark
