Texas designated the Texas toad (Bufo speciosus) as the official state amphibian in 2009. All State Amphibians
The Texas toad is found throughout most of the state (except the western Panhandle and the wetter portions of east Texas). The Texas toad can be found in a wide variety of habitats: grasslands, open woodlands, mesquite-savanna, and areas with sandy soil.
Texas designated tall ship Elissa as the official state tall ship in 2005 (the state ship, the U.S.S. Texas, was adopted in 1995). All State Ships
Texas designated the endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) as the official state sea turtle in 2013, thanks to the efforts of 4th-graders at Oppe Elementary School in Galveston, guided by science teacher Katie Blaser (the first reptile symbol of Texas was adopted in 1993; Texas horned lizard). All State Reptiles
Texas designated the iconic longhorn as the official state large mammal in 1995 (Texas also recognizes an official small mammal and a state flying mammal). All State Mammals
Texas designated the Nymphaea Texas Dawn as the official state waterlily in 2011. All State Plants
Texas designated the bolo tie (also spelled bola) as the official state tie in 2007. Arizona and New Mexico also recognize this unique southwestern neckwear as a state symbol. All Cultural Heritage Symbols
WHEREAS, The State of Texas has customarily recognized a variety of official symbols as tangible representations of the state's culture and natural history; and
Texas designated the American quarter horse (Equus caballus) as the official state horse in 2009. All State Horses & Mules
Windsor soil has been proposed as the official representative soil of Connecticut. The largest landscapes of Windsor soils are in the northern Connecticut River Valley, but these soils are mapped throughout the state.
Windsor soils cover 34,000 acres in Connecticut and are important for fruit and vegetable crops, and ornamental shrubs and trees. They are also well suited for commercial and residential development, as well as a source for construction material.
by Stanley L. Ralph
Connecticut designated "The Nutmeg, Homeland of Liberty" by Stanley L. Ralph as the official state cantata in 2003.
A cantata is a choral composition of solos, recitatives and interludes. This cantata is nine minutes in length and relates Connecticut's history, including the names of Native American tribes.
Connecticut designated the American shad as official state fish in 2003. Representative Faith McMahon proposed House Bill 5442 to designate the American Shad as the State Fish of Connecticut. In her testimony, she stated, "It is important to recognize the importance of the shad both in Connecticut's history and its economy.