What are your new year's resolutions for 2012? Did you keep your resolutions for 2011? While the top resolutions each year include losing weight, learning something new, traveling, or getting out of debt, here's a new challenge you can take on this year: spot all the bird species in Big Bend National Park.

Big Bend has some of the most spectacular scenery in Texas, if not the entire US.  Our big sky country rivals any other state and our night skies are as dark as anywhere for excellent star gazing. The beautiful light and great scenery make for a photographer’s paradise. 

There are many things you may love to do in Big Bend National Park in the heat of summer, but running or jogging is probably not one of them. With 90+ degree temperatures, there simply is no such thing as a nice July run in West Texas. With the dry weather we've had this year, you have truly hostile workout conditions. That all changes this time of year, though, as temperatures drop and the sun gives us a break for a few months. What a great time to get out on some trails in Big Bend!

The holiday season is upon us, and the weather is perfect for a Thanksgiving holiday adventure.  Put the left-overs in the fridge and celebrate this special season in Big Bend, the Texas of legend where wild meets cool.

Do you enjoy rafting, canoeing, swimming, or simply gazing out over the majestic Rio Grande? Do you feel nature should be pure, clean, and free from human trash and pollution? Would you like to help make Big Bend better and more pleasing for wildlife and visitors alike? If you're nodding your head or saying "yes" as you read these questions, then you're a perfect candidate for the second annual River Cleanup Day this November 12.

There's been only a very little bit of internet chatter about the proposed Boquillas border crossing, which will connect Boquillas del Carmen on the Mexican side with the visitors' center on the U.S. side. Now, we bring you the exciting news that the construction of the crossing is underway!

If you think that Big Bend is only all about roughnecks trekking out into the wilderness to prove just how tough you are, you're missing out on an awful lot. Aside from the camping, hiking, and being one with nature, there is a completely different side to this national park that you may very well enjoy even more. For now, we'll call it the softer side of Big Bend — the artsy side.

Planning a vacation means making a lot of decisions all at the same time. You have to settle on a destination, secure lodging, plan meals and activities, mark out a traveling route, buy supplies, figure out what to pack—and all this while keeping a close eye on your budget. But if you're preparing for a vacation to Big Bend, we can make some of those decisions a little easier. All you have to do is check out Where to Stay.

The USGS (US Geological Survey) has released a new geological map for the Big Bend National Park area. Nature and rock enthusiasts, as well as historians and geologists will likely jump at this opportunity to explore the preserved geology found in the Chisos Mountains and Chihuahua Desert. Are you among them?

Last week we talked about making sure you bring enough water on camping and hiking trips and ways you can more easily carry that water on your back. However, in the Daily Report, we are asked to conserve water, due to the continuing danger of fires. How can one conserve water, even in an area where water is hard to come by? Let’s look at a couple of useful suggestions.