Texas icons

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Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle

In 2013, science teacher Katie Blaser led the “Green Team” of fourth graders at Galveston’s Oppe Elementary School on a successful quest to have the…

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Known more popularly as a “horned toad,” “horny toad,” or “horned frog,” the Texas Horned Lizard is neither. They are not amphibians, like other toads, but instead are reptiles with claws and scales. Their appearance has a long heritage within Texas history and prehistory. Some Native American tribes revered horned lizards as sacred animals. Throughout

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Purple Sage

Bob McCullough

Texans typically like to be thought of as resilient, durable and able to withstand adversity. It’s no surprise then that the state’s official native shrub – purple sage – exhibits those traits synonymous with toughness. In all likelihood, most sons and daughters of the Lone Star State aren’t aware that Texas even has an official

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Friendship

Tristan Smith

It is said that state mottoes reflect the character and beliefs of the citizens of that state; or, at least it did when the motto was adopted. A state motto is typically a phrase or sentence that showcases a state’s ideals, its unifying beliefs, or its goals. All U.S. states have at least one motto,

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Sauroposeidon, the State Dinosaur of Texas

Tristan Smith

In a state where everything bigger is better, it comes as no surprise that Sauroposeidon, the state dinosaur (adopted June 19, 2009), is the tallest ever. While not the biggest overall, it gives the Argentinosaurus a run for its money in weight and length. The fossil record for this behemoth is relatively scant; however, you

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Sideoats grama: Official State Grass of Texas

Jill Campbell Jordan

Texas was among the earliest of the nineteen states that have designated an official state grass.Sideoats Grama, (Bouteloua curtipendula,) a native grass found on many different…

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The History & Art of the Cowboy Bolo Tie

Douglas Harman

My father lived in Arizona for many years; when he died, he left me a classic Native American silver bolo tie with turquoise and coral…

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Square Dance Across Texas

Margaret Hoogstra

Think back to elementary school. The prospect of gym class may have had you thinking of dodgeball, basketball, or climbing that rope all the way…

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Bluebonnets

Wendy Little

Texans revere wildflowers with great devotion, but we hold in our hearts none as high as the Texas Bluebonnet. Who hasn’t been to a bluebonnet festival,…