Phillips 66 has been recognized internationally for its work in energy manufacturing and logistics, and for making cutting-edge advancements in the oil and gas industry since its inception. Beyond day-to-day business, Phillips 66 dedicates itself to making a difference for the environment, and our future, by sponsoring conservation projects that make lasting, on-the-ground changes. The company’s culture emphasizes the greater good. Phillips 66 is dedicated to fulfilling global energy needs and maintaining its commitment to improving the lives of others through sustainable practices.
Texan By Nature (TxN) exists to activate new investments and amplify ideas in conservation that create positive returns for Texan people, prosperity, and natural resources. By generating a network of business and conservation organizations, conservation can be advanced across the state of Texas with an incredible rate of success. TxN connects varying communities of partners together to accelerate efforts to preserve and enhance the natural resources of Texas. Everyone can be involved in these efforts through TxN programs such as Conservation Partners, Conservation Wrangler, TxN 20, and Catalyst membership. TxN programs are made possible through support from program and project sponsors that are dedicated to accelerating conservation initiatives across Texas.
Phillips 66 Conservation Wrangler Support
TxN Conservation Wrangler (CW) is an accelerator program that catalyzes impactful Texan-led conservation projects. CW projects are science-backed while achieving community benefits and tangible returns for people, prosperity, and natural resources. These projects receive 18 months of structured support from dedicated program managers in areas such as strategic planning, marketing and outreach, fundraising, partnership building, and much more.
In 2020, Phillips 66 proudly supported the TxN Conservation Wrangler Summit and also two 2020 Conservation Wranglers — Texas Children in Nature (TCiN) and Exploration Green (EG).
“At Phillips 66, we believe that operating excellence leads to strong environmental performance through proactive work to minimize our impact on the environment and improve our manufacturing efficiency. As an energy provider in an evolving market, we seek to assist impactful habitat and conservation programs, such as TxN Conservation Wrangler.” – Maria Dunn, ESG & Sustainability Manager, Phillips 66.
Texas Children in Nature
The first program sponsored by Phillips 66, Texas Children in Nature (TCiN), was started by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in 2010. Based on the evidence that children who spend time in nature are healthier, happier, and more academically successful, TCiN convened agencies and resources across the state to encourage children to spend more time in nature, formulating their approach based on years of research, which is organized in the TCiN Research Library and available free to the public. Through regional collaborations, TCiN has engaged over 4 million Texas families with nature-based initiatives that encourage participants to spend more of their time outside, and less of it staring at a screen. Sponsorship by Phillips 66 and networking support from TxN aid this program in securing equitable access and connection to nature for all Texans.
Exploration Green
Exploration Green Conservancy, the second 2020 Conservation Wrangler supported by Phillips 66, repurposed a former golf course into an urban green space that serves the surrounding community in a myriad of ways. Clear Lake City Water Authority purchased the defunct Clear Lake Golf Course Property in 2011 to transform the land into an area that mitigated flooding, restored and preserved wetland habitats, and encouraged Clear Lake residents to enjoy outdoor recreation. This space saved over 150 homes from Hurricane Harvey flooding in 2017, and mitigated flooding during Tropical Storm Imelda in 2019, while also protecting the habitats of over 900 native species. Exploration Green Conservancy continues to work with TxN through the Conservation Wrangler program to create a model framework that will allow communities around the nation to replicate the project and make lasting impacts on stormwater retention and habitat preservation.
Conservation Wrangler Summit
TxN Conservation Wrangler projects showcase their incredible work each year at the annual TxN Conservation Wrangler Summit. This event brings conservation and business leaders together to share lessons learned, best practices, and varying perspectives on the future of conservation. The summit celebrates the successes of Texan conservation efforts made by both industry leaders and conservation specialists and offers the opportunity for attendees to connect, create new partnerships, and plan for another year of conservation-based practices and programs.
“Texan by Nature’s programs ensure science-based, impactful conservation efforts receive the support they deserve in order to succeed. TxN partners receive strategic analysis, marketing and outreach planning, comprehensive fundraising assistance, and so much more, without paying fees to receive these services. When sponsors such as Phillips 66 underwrite our efforts, they ensure conservation organizations get a leg up, creating a legacy of conservation for millions of Texans, both now and for generations to come.” – Jenny Burden, Program Manager, Texan by Nature.
Texan by Nature bridges impactful partnerships between communities, businesses, individuals, and conservation organizations such as the aforementioned connection between Phillips 66 and CW initiatives.
“Our collaborative model offers unimaginable possibilities that prevail only when all entities involved communicate and work together,” Burden said. “Our partners represent the best of the best, and they drive conservation efforts in Texas to protect what we love most about the Lone Star State. A huge thank-you goes out to Phillips 66 for driving progress among Texan-led conservation projects!”
For more information, or to learn how to get involved, visit TexanByNature.org/join.
And to read Phillips 66’s full 2020 sustainability report, click here. The report illustrates some of the company’s environmental stewardship efforts, which resulted in 4,500 tons of refinery tank waste being kept out of landfills, $6.8 billion invested in environmental and sustaining capital, and 100 percent of lubricant plants being ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 certified.
About Phillips 66: Phillips 66 is a diversified energy manufacturing and logistics company. With a portfolio of Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, and Marketing and Specialties businesses, the company processes, transports, stores and markets fuels and products globally. Phillips 66 Partners, the company’s master limited partnership, is integral to the portfolio. Headquartered in Houston, the company has 14,300 employees committed to safety and operating excellence. Phillips 66 had $55 billion of assets as of Dec. 31, 2020. For more information, visit www.phillips66.com or follow us on Twitter @Phillips66Co.
About Texan by Nature: Texan by Nature (TxN) unites conservation and business leaders who believe Texas’ prosperity is dependent on the conservation of its natural resources. TxN amplifies projects and activates new investments in conservation which returns real benefits for people, prosperity, and natural resources. Texan by Nature achieves mission goals through the Texan by Nature Certification program, Conservation Wrangler program, Symposia Series, and the Texan by Nature 20. Get involved and learn more at www.texanbynature.org and follow on Facebook @TexanbyNature, Twitter @TexanbyNature, and Instagram @texanbynature.