Project Summary:

Texas boasts a remarkable variety of ecosystems, creating a haven for a diverse range of wildlife species and showcasing the state’s rich biodiversity. The sprawling prairies and grasslands are home to bison, pronghorn antelope, and grassland birds, like quail. In the Piney Woods, dense forests teem with white-tailed deer, foxes, woodpeckers, and wild turkeys. The arid deserts of the west are inhabited by jackrabbits, rattlesnakes, and other desert-adapted creatures, and along the Gulf Coast, beaches, dunes, and salt marshes support many industries and world-class fishing with populations of redfish, herons, sea turtles, and dolphins.

Texas is not only renowned for its remarkable variety of ecosystems and wildlife, but it is also home to diverse landscapes and a rich mosaic of people. However, many Texans have not had access to or experiences with the land and its offerings. About 80% of Texans reside in urban areas and as Texas cities grow with increasing populations, natural habitats and scenic open spaces become displaced (TPWD). In Texas, limited public lands exist and there are various barriers to access and participation in outdoor activities, resulting in urban communities being often disconnected from the land and wildlife. (The Nature of Americans). Even if many Texans are not fully aware, we each hold a profound reliance on the land, water, and wildlife within the state. It is crucial to conserve these resources for both present and future generations to enjoy and benefit from. 

In a state that is 95% privately owned, the health and resources provided by natural spaces are largely dependent on the management decisions made by landowners and hunters. In 1985, conservationists recognized the need for broader natural resources awareness, education, and collaboration with private landowners, and the Texas Wildlife Association (TWA) was formed. TWA rallies Texans to support this mission by inviting all to membership, and providing resources, education, and community to those who join.

TWA has a network of landowners that allow access and programming on their lands to educate Texans about wildlife, how hunting contributes to conservation, and the importance of land and water conservation in a state that is experiencing rapid growth. Through TWA’s Conservation Legacy and Hunting Heritage programs, adults, youth, and families from all backgrounds cultivate a personal connection to the natural world.

• Conservation Legacy programs reach Texas youth by providing educational materials, demonstrations, and workshops to schools,educators, and students. Adult programs include events and courses for landowners, women, and wildlife enthusiasts. 
• Hunting Heritage highlights the contribution that hunting has to conservation finance and how direct experiences with wildlife, outdoor recreation activities, and land stewardship enhances ecosystems. 

Engaging in outdoor recreational activities like hunting, bird watching, and camping in Texas offers numerous physical and mental health benefits. TWA enables opportunities for Texans to experience the outdoors and see the work of good land stewards across the state. This increased access ensures healthy habitats, trains conservation ambassadors, and equips the conservation leaders of tomorrow.

Project Mission: 

The Texas Wildlife Association (TWA), serves Texas wildlife and its habitat while protecting property rights, hunting heritage, and the conservation efforts of those who value and steward wildlife resources. TWA’s work across Texas educates generations of Texans on how to be stewards of the land, sustain a connection to the natural world, and maintain Texas’ rich hunting heritage by supporting and engaging in ethical, regulated hunting.

Project Impact:

• 380K+ youth and adults reached through educational programming about native wildlife and private lands stewardship in 2022
• 151 counties participated in Conservation Legacy Programs in 2022 
• Texas Youth Hunting Program volunteers donate over 40,000 hours every year, a value worth more than $1 million (Independent Sector)

Partners Include:

Texas Wildlife Association would not be able to connect Texans with the outdoors and nature without the support of the following partners: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, US Department of Agriculture- Natural Resources Conservation Service, and East Foundation.

Project Needs:

Texas Wildlife Association was selected as a Texan by Nature Conservation Wrangler based on the project’s positive impact on people, prosperity, and natural resources. Through the program, Texan by Nature is working with Texas Wildlife Association to address the following needs:

• Strategic membership growth and impact metric collection
• Optimizing organizational operations toward fulfilling the Texas Wildlife Association mission
• Media visibility and marketing of programs to connect more Texans to the outdoors and nature

Texan by Nature’s Vision and Support:

Texan by Nature (TxN) is working with Texas Wildlife Association (TWA) to further develop a strong foundation of organizational excellence for the Texas Wildlife Association to drive collaboration and strategic growth. During the Conservation Wrangler partnership, TxN and TWA will uplift the model of connection between public and private engagement with the outdoors and increase awareness of TWA programming.

Contact Texan by Nature at programs@texanbynature.org if you can provide resources, or connections, or are interested in partnering and would like to learn more.