 The edge where water meets land is always a good place to find wildlife. Everything from otters to hawks to turtles hang out here, and it's where wading birds build nest colonies. An easy way to witness this bounty is by paddle boat or paddleboard.
We've created the Texas Paddling Trails to help you experience the ease of wildlife watching from the water. Recent addition Powderhorn Paddling Trails is definitely worth a road trip. Watch one family in search of great blue herons in our video Paddle Point Creek Paddling Trail. Or read how one woman felt "surrounded by nature" while paddling in the Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine story Gently Down the Stream.
Paddling isn't hard, but it requires safe practices: check the weather, always wear a life jacket, tell someone where you're going, and take the free online Safe Paddling course. We'll see you out there!
 Wildlife gets its water from the same sources as people. The less water we waste, the more water remains for wildlife. To help us save water, the State of Texas is offering a sales-tax holiday on water-efficient products May 24-26, 2025.
A variety of water-conserving products are eligible: soaker hoses, soil, plants, rain barrels and more, as well as all WaterSense products. Mark your calendar and do your part. Saving water doesn't just save you money, it supports the future of our wild things.
 Fireflies can be found in 90% of the state. They put on their light shows in May and June, but when was the last time you saw one? Try these 3 simple tips to invite fireflies to your yard:
- Leave the leaves. Give up at least a section of your yard to undisturbed fallen leaves and logs.
- Avoid use of pesticides, especially lawn chemicals.
- Grow tall grasses to retain moisture.
Let us know when you see fireflies by reporting them on iNaturalist – Texas Fireflies. Find more tips for a firefly comeback in our video How to Attract Fireflies to Your Yard.
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