A.E. Wood Fish Hatchery
Our first stop on Friday was at the Texas Parks and Wildlife freshwater fish hatchery. As on e of many facilities across Texas, this particular hatchery produces mainly Florida Large-mouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout, and Koi Carp. Our speaker, Rob Schmid, introduced the class to the role they play in supplying Texas' nearly 300 reservoirs with a large variety of fish. Before our tour, Rob explained a few programs supported by outside interests to encourage fishing across the state. The first was a program to promote fishing in urban areas and among youth sponsored by Toyota in an event called the Toyota Texas Bass Classic. Proceeds go to the "Neighborhood Fishin' Program. So far it has raised $1.75 million for restocking and promoting fishing in sixteen lakes throughout the state. The second program, also sponsored by Toyota, is called the Toyota ShareLunker Program. Any large mouth bass over 13 pounds will be picked up by Texas State officials to be cataloged and hopefully bred. We were fortunate to see a 13 lb female bass when we visited.
We were then given a tour of the facility. Rob explained the breeding procedures and we were then able to see fertalized eggs and fish preparing to spawn. An interesting side note, Rob explained during the spawning process, fish were given a white powder derived from human amniotic fluid to control the time of spawning. It was explained to be the best method to control the spawning process, stated to be "90% effective." Overall, it was a great tour highlighting the importance of recreation fishing as a major income generator for state (estimated around $2.3 billion) and trying to keep fish populations as diverse as possible.
For more information visit: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/management/hatcheries/aewood.phtm
Our first stop on Friday was at the Texas Parks and Wildlife freshwater fish hatchery. As on e of many facilities across Texas, this particular hatchery produces mainly Florida Large-mouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout, and Koi Carp. Our speaker, Rob Schmid, introduced the class to the role they play in supplying Texas' nearly 300 reservoirs with a large variety of fish. Before our tour, Rob explained a few programs supported by outside interests to encourage fishing across the state. The first was a program to promote fishing in urban areas and among youth sponsored by Toyota in an event called the Toyota Texas Bass Classic. Proceeds go to the "Neighborhood Fishin' Program. So far it has raised $1.75 million for restocking and promoting fishing in sixteen lakes throughout the state. The second program, also sponsored by Toyota, is called the Toyota ShareLunker Program. Any large mouth bass over 13 pounds will be picked up by Texas State officials to be cataloged and hopefully bred. We were fortunate to see a 13 lb female bass when we visited.
We were then given a tour of the facility. Rob explained the breeding procedures and we were then able to see fertalized eggs and fish preparing to spawn. An interesting side note, Rob explained during the spawning process, fish were given a white powder derived from human amniotic fluid to control the time of spawning. It was explained to be the best method to control the spawning process, stated to be "90% effective." Overall, it was a great tour highlighting the importance of recreation fishing as a major income generator for state (estimated around $2.3 billion) and trying to keep fish populations as diverse as possible.
For more information visit: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/management/hatcheries/aewood.phtm
Texas State University:
In San Marcos, we were able to tour the Texas State University’s Geography Department. As one of the largest geography programs in the United States studies in geography cover a wide variety of topics. Through the geographical posters displayed in the hallways we were able to get a glimpse at some of the research being done within the graduate program. Among the research posters within the department, geography alumni are welcome to post their business cards illustrating the impacts studying geography at Texas has had and also offers students a glimpse at future employment opportunities. Fieldwork is an important aspect in any geography department. At Texas State, Big Bend National Park (located in West Texas) provides students and faculty with many research opportunities. Holding five research centers Texas State is best know for geographic education, incorporated in the Grosvenor Center for Geographic Education, GIS, environmental and hazards geography.
For more information visit: http://www.geo.txstate.edu/
In San Marcos, we were able to tour the Texas State University’s Geography Department. As one of the largest geography programs in the United States studies in geography cover a wide variety of topics. Through the geographical posters displayed in the hallways we were able to get a glimpse at some of the research being done within the graduate program. Among the research posters within the department, geography alumni are welcome to post their business cards illustrating the impacts studying geography at Texas has had and also offers students a glimpse at future employment opportunities. Fieldwork is an important aspect in any geography department. At Texas State, Big Bend National Park (located in West Texas) provides students and faculty with many research opportunities. Holding five research centers Texas State is best know for geographic education, incorporated in the Grosvenor Center for Geographic Education, GIS, environmental and hazards geography.
For more information visit: http://www.geo.txstate.edu/
San Marcos Premium Outlets:
Towards the end of the week we ventured to the southern limits of San Marcos to experience one of Texas’ top tourist attractions—San Marcos Premium Outlets a member of the Tanger family of outlet malls. Our mission for the three hours spent there was to record where license plates were from in a certain area of the lot and then we were free to consume as many things as our wallets permitted. The seemingly redundant and “busy work” task was actually quite painless and pretty interesting. A lot of cars were from Texas, obviously, but also many from other places around the States and Mexican border cities.
The mall itself was massive, housing roughly 145 name-brand stores. Literally an island secluded from society with the purpose of selling name-brands at lowered prices—a suckling post for the consumer. It was a prime example of placelessness. Its location was irrelevant, due to the monotonous design. You could have been anywhere in the world and it would look the same in the parking lot of a Tanger Outlet Mall.
It was only after being blinded by countless storefronts and disillusioned by the smell of Crocs and Applebee’s that we saddled up White Lightening, and the Silver Bullet. We rode off into the Texas sunset that evening, trying to forgive ourselves for the frivolous spending!
For more information visit: http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=88
Towards the end of the week we ventured to the southern limits of San Marcos to experience one of Texas’ top tourist attractions—San Marcos Premium Outlets a member of the Tanger family of outlet malls. Our mission for the three hours spent there was to record where license plates were from in a certain area of the lot and then we were free to consume as many things as our wallets permitted. The seemingly redundant and “busy work” task was actually quite painless and pretty interesting. A lot of cars were from Texas, obviously, but also many from other places around the States and Mexican border cities.
The mall itself was massive, housing roughly 145 name-brand stores. Literally an island secluded from society with the purpose of selling name-brands at lowered prices—a suckling post for the consumer. It was a prime example of placelessness. Its location was irrelevant, due to the monotonous design. You could have been anywhere in the world and it would look the same in the parking lot of a Tanger Outlet Mall.
It was only after being blinded by countless storefronts and disillusioned by the smell of Crocs and Applebee’s that we saddled up White Lightening, and the Silver Bullet. We rode off into the Texas sunset that evening, trying to forgive ourselves for the frivolous spending!
For more information visit: http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=88