CLSTHES002 - The Natural History of Texas State Parks
From the mountains and ancient volcanoes of west Texas to the limestones of Texas Hill Country and the prairies of the gulf coast, Texas is one of the most ecologically and geologically diverse states in the country. Nowhere can these natural treasures be better experienced than in Texas’s more than 70 state parks. Dr. Cin-Ty Lee, Rice University geologist and avid naturalist, brings the state parks of Texas to life in this course highlighting Brazos Bend, Garner, Big Bend Ranch, Galveston Island, Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley, Enchanted Rock and other iconic Texas parks. Whether you are planning your next outdoor adventure or simply want to deepen your knowledge of the natural wonders of Texas, join us to celebrate our extraordinary state parks.
You may also be interested in Dr. Lee’s pre-recorded/on-demand courses in The Nature and Geology of U.S. National Parks series: From Acadia to Zion, From Arches to White Sands, From Crater Lake to the Everglades and From Glacier to the Grand Canyon.
Course Details
Cin-Ty Lee, Ph.D., is the Harry Carothers Wiess Professor of Geology in the Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences at Rice University. He received his Ph.D. from Harvard University and his B.A. from the University of California at Berkeley. His research focuses on volcanoes, continent formation and the making of ore deposits. Dr. Lee is also a lifelong naturalist and has written numerous articles on the field identification of birds. He has dedicated his spare time to documenting the flora and fauna of Rice University, recording 262 species of birds and over 800 species of insects since 2002.
On Campus
This course will be delivered on campus / in person. Parking and room information will be sent prior to the class start date.
- Brazos Bend: Coastal prairies and oak mottes
- Garner: Life on the Frio River and the Edwards Plateau
- Big Bend Ranch: Volcanoes along the Rio Grande
- Galveston Island: The geology and life of a barrier island
- Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley: A taste of Mexico
- Enchanted Rock: Ancient granites in Hill Country
Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences, Rice University; Houston Audubon Society