What’s Up, College Station?

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?,” the Gary Halter Nature Center's Laurie Brown discusses local birding and conservation efforts, highlighting College Station's designation as one of 16 Bird Cities in Texas. She also explains how staff played bird calls and lit up trees to lure roughly 25,000 migrating purple martins away from dangerous urban spots to safer roosting areas in John Crompton Park.

Laurie covers city programs tackling invasive plants, the seasonal "Lights Out" migration drive, and ways residents can get involved through local hikes and the iNaturalist app.

>> Read the Accessible Transcript

The "What's Up, College Station?" podcast is available weekly on Podbean, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple, and Amazon/Audible. Please subscribe, rate, and recommend!

If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email ckillian@cstx.gov.

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In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?,” Neighborhood and Community Relations Coordinator Taitelyn Morris-Wise breaks down what students need to know before moving, including lease tips, City ordinances vs. HOA restrictions, and the importance of neighbor relations.

She also highlights key civic engagement initiatives such as Citizens University, the Future Leaders Program, and support for local HOAs, while previewing the upcoming Neighborhood Partnership Workshop for volunteer neighborhood leaders.

>> Read the Accessible Transcript

The "What's Up, College Station?" podcast is available weekly on Podbean, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple, and Amazon/Audible. Please subscribe, rate, and recommend!

If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email ckillian@cstx.gov.

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In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?,” Code Enforcement Supervisor Tommy Shilling talks about navigating the busy move-in and football seasons in College Station. Shilling highlights that his team focuses heavily on educating incoming students to prevent common violations, such as leaving trash cans at the curb past the permitted window, accumulating bulk waste, parking illegally on lawns or near fire hydrants, and storing items outdoors.

He strongly encouraged residents to introduce themselves to their neighbors, review their lease terms carefully, and use city resources like the SeeClickFix app to report or handle issues. Ultimately, Shilling emphasized that the goal of Code Enforcement is voluntary compliance and safety, offering students a simple key to a smooth year: be a good neighbor and follow local ordinances.

>> Read the Accessible Transcript

The "What's Up, College Station?" podcast is available weekly on Podbean, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple, and Amazon/Audible. Please subscribe, rate, and recommend!

If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email ckillian@cstx.gov.

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In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?,” Solid Waste Division Manager Caroline Ask shares key waste and recycling tips for the busy student move-in season. She explains that proper collection requires four feet of clearance around curbside carts and keeping bulk items clear of apartment dumpsters.

Only plastics #1 and #2, paper, clean cardboard, glass, and metal cans are accepted for recycling, while plastic bags and wire hangers are prohibited. To avoid delays, residents should flatten cardboard, separate bulk items from yard brush, and use the College Station Curbside app to track schedules.

>> Read the Accessible Transcript

The "What's Up, College Station?" podcast is available each week on Podbean, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple, and Amazon/Audible. Please subscribe, rate, and recommend! If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email ckillian@cstx.gov. 

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In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?,” Principal Planner Heather Wade discusses the upcoming Harvey Road District Plan, which focuses on revitalizing and reinvesting in a key commercial gateway with aging infrastructure and disconnected pedestrian paths.

The project aims to implement a vibrant, mixed-use vision where residents can live, work, and play. Throughout August, the city is prioritizing public engagement through interactive community workshops to ensure the local community directly shapes the corridor's future.

>> Read the Accessible Transcript

The "What's Up, College Station?" podcast is available weekly on Podbean, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple, and Amazon/Audible. Please subscribe, rate, and recommend!

If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email ckillian@cstx.gov.

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In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?,” Water Resource Coordinator Jennifer Nations discusses practical outdoor water conservation strategies, the risks of excessive summertime watering, and how efficient water management protects College Station's groundwater infrastructure and saves residents money.

Nations highlights the significance of Smart Irrigation Month in July, the City's free irrigation checkup program, available financial rebates, and the digital tools residents can use to track regional rainfall.

The "What's Up, College Station?" podcast is available weekly on Podbean, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple, and Amazon/Audible. Please subscribe, rate, and recommend!

If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email ckillian@cstx.gov.

>> Read the Accessible Transcript

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Summer is a time for backyard barbecues, pool days and Independence Day celebrations, but it's also one of the busiest seasons for the College Station Fire Department.

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?,” Grace Hallowell sits down with CSFD Captain Stuart Marrs to discuss how residents can stay safe during the hottest months of the year. From grilling safety and wildfire prevention to fireworks regulations and home fire preparedness, Stuart shares practical advice to help protect your family, pets and property.

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?,” Parks and Recreation’s Jeep Wentsch and Jessica Scott offer details about the I Heart America Fourth of July celebration at the Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater, which features free food, family activities, a headlining performance by the Josh Abbott Band, and a synchronized fireworks display.

Jessica also introduces a new alternative event, Red, White and Splash, offering community members a chance to swim, play yard games, and view the fireworks from Adamson Lagoon. These free events are designed to build community spirit and provide safe, memorable experiences as part of the milestone America 250 celebration.

>> Read the Accessible Transcript

 

The "What's Up, College Station?" podcast is available weekly on Podbean, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple, and Amazon/Audible. Please subscribe, rate, and recommend!

If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email ckillian@cstx.gov.

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