H-E-B Celebrates the Texas State Parks Centennial
Fun fact: Texas takes up 268,500 square miles of land, but only 2.5% of that is open for public recreation! That’s why Texas state parks are vital for conserving the amazing microclimates and biodiversity of the Lone Star State.
A Texas born-and-bred company, H-E-B is a long time Texas Parks & Wildlife partner: We are proud to be the presenting sponsor of the 2023 Texas State Parks Centennial celebration with a donation of $1,000,000. Supporting the conservation of Texas’ wild spaces is a key component of H-E-B’s sustainability journey. In addition, Field & Future by H-E-B™ supports Texas state parks as well as Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF) initiatives, including Black Bear Restoration and Coastal Conservation.
H-E-B will partner with Texas Parks & Wildlife throughout 2023 to help the Centennial celebration come to life, encouraging Texans to explore the unique, untamed outdoor experiences state parks offer.
State Parks Help Conserve Texas' Wild Beauty
The 89 parks in the Texas State Parks system cover 10 unique ecoregions and are home to many native plants and animals: Nearly 800 species of fish, 634 species of birds, and over 4,600 species of native plants. For instance, Pronghorn, found in the Trans-Pecos deserts and high plains of the Panhandle, are considered the fastest land mammal in North America, clocking in at up to 89 mph.
Texas Parks & Wildlife works to conserve and protect Texas land, water and wildlife, while also partnering with many independent conservation organizations & initiatives. TPWF’s We Will Not Be Tamed ambassador program, for example, spotlights a diverse and remarkable group of Texan outdoorsmen and women who share their stories with others to inspire the next generation to conserve the wonders of our state.
100 Years of Texas State Parks -and Looking Forward to the Next 100
Created in 1923 by Governor Pat Neff, the State Parks Board promised Texans a way to “go and forget the anxiety and strife and vexation of life’s daily grind.”
- 1923: Governor Pat Neff creates the State Parks Board. In honor of Neff’s mother, Isabella, the Neff family donates acreage on the Leon River for what is now Mother Neff State Park.
- 1923-33: 23 more park sites are donated, but due to a lack of funding for roads & infrastructure, the parks system growth languished.
- 1933-1942: President Roosevelt forms the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to help employ those affected by the Great Depression. Companies of men are deployed to build structures such as lodges, pavilions, and picnic areas in state parks using local wood and stonework. This work can still be enjoyed at parks like Palmetto, Bastrop, Davis Mountains, and Garner.
- 1963: Following WWII, a long drought, and hurricane damages, state parks are struggling. Governor John Connally merges the State Parks Board with the Game & Fish Commission to create the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.
- 1970s: Sometimes called the Golden Age of Texas State Parks, the 1970s ended with 130 different state parks open to visitors, including Pedernales Falls, Mustang Island, and Lost Maples.
- 1993: State lawmakers dedicate a portion of sales taxes on sporting goods to provide stable funding for parks in danger of being “loved to death”.
- 2019: A constitutional amendment passed by Texan voters ensures that all sporting goods sales tax now goes to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and The Historical Commission.
- Want more? Click here for a detailed history of the Texas State Parks system!
Today, close to 10 million visitors explore Texas State parks annually. Depending on the park, visitors can camp, swim, fish, hike, geocache, and much, much more.
As part of the 2023 celebrations, TPWF will embark on a grassroots fundraising campaign to raise $2 million to fund improvements and equipment for all 89 existing parks. Texas Parks and Wildlife will continue to celebrate in Fall 2024 as they plan to open the new Palo Pinto Mountains State Park near Mineral Wells—the first new state park in north Texas in 25 years! It’s a fitting gift for the people of Texas, and the perfect way to welcome a new generation of explorers to Texas State Parks.
A Few of Our Favorite Parks
Texas State Parks offer Texans a safe place to do outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and boating. If you haven’t visited any of these parks, start planning a trip now!
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Known as the Southern Grand Canyon, Palo Duro is the second-largest canyon in the United States. Located outside of downtown Amarillo, it boasts 15,000 acres of trails for hiking and biking.
Photo credit: Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation
Balmorhea State Park
Home to one of the world’s largest spring-fed pools, Balmorhea has been helping Texans cool off for 80 years. You can explore restored Cienegas (desert wetlands) and stay at 34 campsites.
Photo credit: Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation
Dinosaur Valley State Park
At Dinosaur Lake State Park, you can walk in the footprints of dinosaurs! Just a short drive from Fort Worth, the park features horse trails, 20 miles of hiking trails, campsites, fishing, and more.
Photo credit: Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation
Caddo Lake State Park
You’ll be surprised you’re still in Texas when you enter Caddo Lake State Park. Rent a canoe and paddle through the 50 miles of cypress tree-studded Caddo Lake or hike the Pineywoods trails.
Photo credit: Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation
Garner State Park
Besides the 2.9 miles of Frio River winding through the Hill Country, Garner offers jukebox dances in their pavilion (built by the Civilian Conservation Corps!) on summer evenings.
Photo credit: Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation
Join Us in Celebrating the Centennial!
Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation focuses on conserving & protecting Texas State Parks for future generations. Want to join in?
- Donate directly to TPWF.
- Visit your favorite Texas State Parks and find new ones to enjoy.
- Participate in a TPWF fundraising event.
- Buy an annual park pass for $70. Pass proceeds help maintain the 89 current state parks and help fund new state parks.
- Switch to Field & Future by H-E-B™ home, personal care, and baby products, which help support the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation.
- Explore the many small ways you can live more sustainably (i.e., recycling, composting) to help all of Texas stay clean & beautiful.
H-E-B is delighted to partner with Texas State Parks for the Centennial celebration, and we hope you are just as excited as we are to get outside and start exploring Texas’ natural wonders. We’ll see you out there!
