Our Virtual Series that kicked off in November of 2020 brought together business and conservation leaders from across Texas to discuss topics such as collaboration and innovation in conservation. Conservation Wranglers from 2017-2019 also discussed their projects, lessons learned, and progress as a starting point for the panels. We’re happy to share all of four of these engaging conversations below.
In It Together – The Future of Conservation
The future of conservation is collaboration — collaboration between business and conservation communities such that conservation is not a separate project, group, or conversation but part of our DNA. Conservation must be part of who we are — as citizens, family members, leaders, entrepreneurs, humans. It is collaboration that yields innovation and returns that positively shape our resources, health, and economy.
Panelists:
- Constructed Wetlands – Tarrant Regional Water District
- Dark Skies Initiative – McDonald Observatory
- El Carmen Land & Conservation Co. – CEMEX
Collaborative Conservation
Collaboration produces better results — more innovative solutions, deeply engaged team members, higher loyalty and morale. Research shows that teams working collaboratively stick to the task 64 percent longer than those in solitary endeavors, report higher engagement levels, cite lower fatigue levels, and have a higher success rate. Collaborative conservation spanning business, landowners, communities, and natural resource organizations yield similar positive results.
Panelists:
- Grassland Restoration Incentive Program – Oaks and Prairies Joint Venture
- Friends of Lake Livingston
- Texas Prairie Wetlands Project – Ducks Unlimited
Developing Future Returns
Home to seven of the 15 fastest growing cities in the U.S., Texas’ population has increased over 48% in the last decade alone. With this mass urbanization, less than 1% of Texans are landowners and there’s a diminished connection to nature and our natural resources. As Texas develops, it’s critical that conservation and business work together to create innovative spaces, practices, and leaders to care for our natural resources, prosperity, and health for generations to come.
Panelists:
- Cool Schools – Texas Trees Foundation
- Texas Playa Conservation Initiative – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
- Sabine Lake Oyster Reef Restoration – Coastal Conservation Association
Reimagining Resources
Texas is bountiful – enjoying the world’s 10th largest GDP, 29 million citizens, and 10 diverse ecoregions. Reimagining how we bring our plentiful resources together to deliver innovative places, resilient landscapes and natural resources, equitable access, and economic opportunities is a future that will benefit every Texan at work, at play, and at home.
Panelists:
- Lower RGV Learning Landscapes Collaborative
- Oyster Shell Recycling Program – Galveston Bay Foundation
- Rio Grande Valley Reef Restoration – Friends of RGV Reef