Palo Duro Canyon is sometimes boastfully referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” and that’s not really fair to the Grand Canyon. But taken on its own, it is in fact a grand and beautiful adventure.
LEAP Ambassadors on the Lighthouse Trail, 2018
The LEAP Ambassadors have traveled to Palo Duro twice, once in 2018, and again in January of this year. It was my first trip to a State Park!
It was beautiful, and I enjoyed the activity, the beauty, and the idea that the State is preserving these areas for the use of all.
The best shot I was able to get was when we were returning from the CCC Trail, just before sunset. It was a beautiful short hike, one where I also learned about the Civilian Conservation Corps–part of FDR’s Works Progress Administration.
What struck me most, though, was the beauty. And as we were heading back, I saw this beautiful view, with Professor Yawn and Stephanie hiking and providing a sense of scale, and I got the image!
Mike Yawn teaches at Sam Houston State University. In the past few years, he has taught courses on Politics & Film, Public Policy, the Presidency, Media & Politics, Congress, Statistics, Research & Writing, Field Research, and Public Opinion.
He has published academic papers in the Journal of Politics, Political Behavior, Social Security Quarterly, Film & History, American Politics Review, and contributed a chapter to the textbook Politics and Film.
He also contributes columns, news analysis, and news stories to newspapers such as the Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express News, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Stamford Advocate, Greenwich Time, Huron Daily Tribune, Laredo Morning Times, Beaumont Enterprise, Connecticut Post, and Midland Reporter Telegram.
Yawn is also active in his local community, serving on the board of directors of the local YMCA and Friends of the Wynne. Previously, he served on the Huntsville's Promise and Stan Musial World Series Boards of Directors.
In 2007-2008, Yawn was one of eight scholars across the nation named as a Carnegie Civic Engagement Scholar by the Carnegie Foundation.
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