MISSION

Texan by Nature (TxN) exists to advance conservation that is beneficial to people, prosperity, and natural resources. TxN partners deeply with conservation groups and business, acting as an accelerator for conservation groups and a strategic partner for business.

VISION

Our vision is for every business, every Texan to participate in conservation and for Texas to be a model of collaborative conservation for the world.

WHO WE ARE

In 2011 Mrs. Laura Bush founded Texan by Nature to unite conservation and business leaders who believe our state’s prosperity is dependent on the conservation of our natural resources.

WHAT WE DO

We bring conservation and business together. We amplify projects and activate new investment in conservation which returns real benefits for people, prosperity, and natural resources. We achieve our goals through our TxN Membership program, Conservation Partner Network, Texan by Nature Certification program, Conservation Wrangler program, Symposia series, Texan by Nature 20, and statewide initiatives like the Texas Water Action Collaborative.

HOW WE DO IT

We build upon the already impressive efforts that make Texas a leader in natural resource conservation. Texan by Nature connects the brightest minds and projects with the strongest resources and funding to make the biggest impact for Texans, our economy, and our natural world.

Texan by Nature makes a unique positive impact by:

• Connecting: We connect people and projects with the resources they need to make a significant impact. Our leadership and extensive partner network allow us to facilitate innovative new investments and research in Texan-led conservation. We develop and broker trusted relationships through our Conservation Partner and Membership programs. These programs act as the foundation to convene the appropriate leaders and catalyze conservation efforts that benefit people, prosperity, and natural resources.
• Convening: We bring experts, partners, and members together for action. Our Conservation Summit, Symposia Series, and Statewide Initiatives drive dialogue, new partnerships, and additional opportunities to replicate conservation projects and programs. Our convening programs build on the connections we make with Conservation Partners and Members
• Catalyzing: We mobilize resources to support exciting conservation projects in their most critical stages of development. We communicate the importance and impact of Texan-led, science-based conservation. Building on the incredible platform our founder Mrs. Laura Bush has developed, we tell our partners’ success stories and work to touch the hearts and minds of all Texans, from schoolchildren to business leaders. Through our Conservation Wrangler, Texan by Nature 20, and TxN Certification programs, we provide resources, recognition, thought leadership, and build capacity to accelerate innovative and replicable conservation in Texas as a model for the globe.

WHY WE DO IT

As Texans, it’s in our nature to take care of the wildlife, native habitat, and natural resources that help our economy thrive and help define our identity as Texans. In 2011, Texan by Nature’s founders saw there was great conservation work taking place across the state, but a lack of partnerships and data-based approaches. In a big state where more than 94 percent of land is privately owned, teamwork and targeted strategies are critical to conservation’s success.

Texan by Nature has  a vision to align the broad interests of conservation groups with the resources of businesses, health care institutions, schools, the scientific community, and faith-based organizations. By building on the Texan mindset and combining our respective strengths, we can collectively create a positive impact for Texas’ economy, people, and land for generations to come.

ANNUAL REPORTS

Check out our 2022 Annual Report we are looking forward to making a BIG impact in 2023! [2021] [2020] [2019 | 2018]

HISTORY

In 2011, former First Lady Laura Bush, Regan Gammon, and Katharine Armstrong founded Taking Care of Texas, now doing business as Texan by Nature with the generous help of our founding donors:

Ramona and Lee Bass
Brigid Cockrum, The Pine Foundation
Dr. Donald and Kathryn Counts
Enterprise Products Partners LP
EOG Resources, Inc.
Lyda Hill
Karen and Tim Hixon†
Houston Methodist Hospital
Carolyn and David Miller
John Nau
Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones
Deedie and Rusty Rose†
Rees-Jones Foundation