THE COASTAL PLAINS REGION
The Coastal Plains region in the eastern part of Texas covers about one-third of the state. This region has a variety of climates and terrains. The Coastal Plains region borders the Gulf of Mexico. The area closest to the Gulf waters is made up of salt marshes, sand bars, lagoons, and islands. Padre Island, the largest sand bar, is a popular place for tourists and visitors. The coastal area has warm summers and mild winters. Many species of birds and insects make their homes in this wet, warm climate. The same warm, moist weather that allows a long growing season throughout the entire region also causes hurricanes and other types of storms. The Rio Grande River, one of the main rivers of Texas, borders the southernmost part of the Coastal Plains region. The Rio Grande Valley is one of the most fertile areas in Texas. North of the Rio Grande Valley is the Middle Nueces (noo•AY•sis) Valley. The weather here is a little drier than along the coast. The rich soil of the Rio Grande and Nueces valleys allows farmers to grow vegetables, fruits, grains, and cotton. The western edge of the Coastal Plains region is mostly prairie with few trees. Large herds of cattle graze here. The northeastern part of this region, often called the Piney Woods, is heavily forested with oak, pine, sweet gum, and other trees. The Piney Woods is home to lumber and paper companies. All four of Texas’s national forests are found in the Piney Woods area.
from Texas Regions, Splash Publications. c. 2009
The Coastal Plains region in the eastern part of Texas covers about one-third of the state. This region has a variety of climates and terrains. The Coastal Plains region borders the Gulf of Mexico. The area closest to the Gulf waters is made up of salt marshes, sand bars, lagoons, and islands. Padre Island, the largest sand bar, is a popular place for tourists and visitors. The coastal area has warm summers and mild winters. Many species of birds and insects make their homes in this wet, warm climate. The same warm, moist weather that allows a long growing season throughout the entire region also causes hurricanes and other types of storms. The Rio Grande River, one of the main rivers of Texas, borders the southernmost part of the Coastal Plains region. The Rio Grande Valley is one of the most fertile areas in Texas. North of the Rio Grande Valley is the Middle Nueces (noo•AY•sis) Valley. The weather here is a little drier than along the coast. The rich soil of the Rio Grande and Nueces valleys allows farmers to grow vegetables, fruits, grains, and cotton. The western edge of the Coastal Plains region is mostly prairie with few trees. Large herds of cattle graze here. The northeastern part of this region, often called the Piney Woods, is heavily forested with oak, pine, sweet gum, and other trees. The Piney Woods is home to lumber and paper companies. All four of Texas’s national forests are found in the Piney Woods area.
from Texas Regions, Splash Publications. c. 2009