Across Texas this week, two very different stories underscore how deeply our natural spaces shape both community and responsibility. State parks are rallying residents for Veteran Mental Health Awareness Ruck Hikes throughout September, using the healing power of nature to support those who’ve served. At the same time, Texas Parks and Wildlife has confirmed that Fort Phantom Hill Lake near Abilene is now fully infested with invasive zebra mussels — a development that highlights the ongoing challenges facing the state’s waterways and the critical role Texans play in protecting them.

Texas State Parks Unite Communities for Veteran Mental Health Awareness Ruck Hikes

Across Texas this September, more than 20 state parks will open their trails for a powerful purpose: honoring veterans, supporting mental health, and strengthening community connection. As Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month begins, Texas State Parks will host Veteran Mental Health Awareness Ruck Hikes statewide — inviting veterans, active‑duty service members, families, and community members to walk together in solidarity.

These hikes aren’t competitions or endurance tests. Participants can join with a ruck or without, choosing the pace and distance that fits their comfort. What matters most is the shared experience — raising awareness of the mental health challenges veterans face and remembering those we’ve lost.

“Being able to bring our community and local organizations together to rally around our veterans and their families means the world to us,” said Nicole Mechler, Military Liaison for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “We want to show our support and bring awareness by letting people know that they are not alone in this fight. Nature can be healing and we want to provide that for them.”

Preparing for the Hike

Participants are encouraged to come ready for Texas weather and trail conditions. Recommended essentials include:

• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
• Sunscreen and weather‑appropriate clothing
• At least two liters of water per person
• Salty snacks for energy

Several parks also offer all‑terrain assistive chairs for loan, designed to handle rougher ground than traditional wheelchairs. These chairs help ensure that more veterans and family members can participate fully. Details and a full list of parks offering assistive chairs can be found on the Texas Parks and Wildlife accessibility page.

Parklands Passport: Free Entry for Veterans

Veterans and active‑duty military members can take advantage of the Parklands Passport, which provides free entry to all Texas State Parks. Passports can be obtained at any park headquarters with proper documentation, though officials recommend securing them ahead of the event day to avoid delays.

Finding an Event Near You

Each participating park will host its own version of the Ruck Hike, with varying distances, start times, and community partners. The State Parks Event Calendar offers full details for every hike across the state, helping families and veterans choose the event that fits their schedule and location.

A Month of Awareness, A Moment of Connection

As September unfolds, these hikes serve as a reminder that mental health support is a shared responsibility — and that healing often begins with connection. Whether walking alongside a veteran, carrying a ruck in their honor, or simply showing up to support the cause, Texans have an opportunity to stand together in nature and affirm that no one faces their struggles alone.

For more information on Veterans Affairs programs at Texas Parks and Wildlife, contact vetcontact@tpwd.texas.gov.

Fort Phantom Hill Lake Officially Elevated to ‘Infested’ Status for Zebra Mussels

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has officially elevated Fort Phantom Hill Lake, near Abilene, to “infested” status for zebra mussels — marking a significant and concerning development in the spread of this invasive species across western Texas.

The lake first received a “positive” designation in September 2025 after early detections. But recent monitoring confirmed what biologists had suspected: zebra mussels are now established and reproducing in the waterbody.

In July 2026, TPWD biologists detected zebra mussel larvae in plankton samples collected from multiple sites around the lake. DNA analysis verified the findings, prompting a rapid, lake‑wide search of shorelines, boat ramps, docks, and infrastructure. Staff found mussels of multiple size classes, confirming a fully developed, reproducing population.

This follows the initial August 2025 discovery of a single adult mussel near a dock, and two confirmed veliger larvae found shortly afterward. Later sampling in fall 2025 showed no additional detections — consistent with a population still in its earliest stages. The new findings show that population has now taken hold.

“Unfortunately, this confirmation of an established population of zebra mussels at Fort Phantom Hill Lake is part of a trend in recent years of a spread of this highly invasive species to lakes in the western part of the state,” said Monica McGarrity, TPWD senior scientist for aquatic invasive species. “As boaters visit waterbodies anywhere in the state, it’s important they take steps to properly clean, drain and dry boats to prevent the spread.”

Zebra mussels pose a serious threat to Texas lakes. They attach to hard surfaces, disrupt ecosystems, harm native species, damage boats and water supply infrastructure, and litter shorelines with sharp shells that affect recreation.

For the City of Abilene, the confirmation carries operational weight. “This gives the city important information for managing Lake Fort Phantom Hill as a drinking‑water source,” said Matthew Dane, water utilities director. “We will use continued monitoring and inspections to guide long‑term protective measures while ensuring our customers continue to receive safe, reliable drinking water.”

Boaters Play a Critical Role

Zebra mussels spread primarily by hitching rides on boats and equipment:

• They attach to hulls, anchors, motors, hoists, docks, and anything left in the water.
• They survive days out of water, often hidden in crevices.
• Their larvae are microscopic and can be unknowingly transported in residual water.

“Invasive mussels have now spread to 40 Texas lakes, with 36 fully infested, but many more remain at risk,” said Brian Van Zee, TPWD inland fisheries deputy division director. “Each boater taking the necessary actions to clean and drain their boat can make a big difference.”

TPWD urges boaters to follow three essential steps:

1. Clean – Remove plants, mud, and debris.
2. Drain – Empty all water from boats and gear.
3. Dry – Open compartments and let everything dry completely for at least a week when possible.

Boats or equipment stored in infested lakes are likely contaminated and must be properly decontaminated before moving. TPWD advises calling (512) 389‑4848 for guidance.

Transporting invasive species is illegal in Texas and carries fines up to $500 per violation. Boaters must drain all water and remove invasive plants before leaving or approaching any freshwater body.

Learn More & Report Sightings

TPWD provides resources on proper cleaning and decontamination, including a short instructional video on the TPWD YouTube channel. More information on zebra mussels and other invasive species is available at tpwd.texas.gov/StopInvasives.

Anyone who spots zebra mussels on boats, trailers, or equipment being moved can help prevent new introductions by reporting sightings to (512) 389‑4848. New lake detections can be reported by emailing photos and location details to aquaticinvasives@tpwd.texas.gov.