Each year, the nonprofit Texan by Nature Conservation Wrangler program recognizes six innovative conservation projects for their science-based and results driven approach to conservation and their ability to positively impact people, prosperity and natural resources. This year’s winners will receive 12 to 18 months of dedicated program support and tailored resources.
This diverse set of projects impacts land, water, habitat, and more, spanning all 254 counties and all 12 ecological regions of the Lone Star State. The 2020 Conservation Wranglers will be recognized on October 27 at the George W. Bush Presidential Center, in Dallas.
Former first lady and founder of Texan by Nature Laura Bush says, “The Conservation Wrangler program proves that collaborative partnerships in conservation yield great benefits for Texas and its people. Congratulations to the six 2020 Conservation Wranglers and thank you for the terrific example you’ve set for the rest of us.” The six selected 2020 Conservation Wranglers include:
Respect Big Bend: To balance energy development with the need to conserve West Texas’ unique cultural and natural resources, the Respect Big Bend coalition was formed to bring together government, business, philanthropy, communities, landowners and industry leaders in a regional planning process focused on responsible energy development. The goals of RBB are to educate, inform, and provide resources to all stakeholders, develop a robust conservation plan and garner support and acceptance of the plan.
Trinity Park Conservancy - Trinity River Conservation Corps: Trinity Park Conservancy and Groundwork Dallas have partnered to develop a youth employment program, Trinity River Conservation Corps, to enhance conservation efforts along the Trinity River Corridor while providing education, service, and leadership opportunities to the next generation, with a focus on engaging youth from historically marginalized areas.
Paso del Norte Trail: The Paso del Norte Trail will provide greater opportunities for walking, hiking and biking for users of all abilities to connect in the ecologically and culturally diverse border region of Texas. The goal of Norte is to create a regionally significant landmark that promotes active transportation, preserves the history and culture of the region, highlights the Rio Grande river, supports economic development and ecotourism, provides educational and volunteer opportunities and makes healthy living the easy choice for the community of El Paso.
Texas Brigades: With a vision of creating conservation leaders in every community, Texas Brigades educates and empowers youth with leadership skills and knowledge in wildlife, fisheries and land stewardship to become conservation ambassadors for a sustained natural resource legacy.
Exploration Green: Exploration Green, a recreation area and nature preserve housed in a storm water detention area in southeast Houston, will provide detention for 500 million gallons of water, protecting more than 2,000 nearby homes from seasonal flooding. This conservation area plans to include native grasses, 5,000 native trees, 150,000 wetland plants, 40 acres of lakes and six miles of high-quality trails for area residents.
Texas Children in Nature: In 2010, the Texas Children in Nature Network was created to address the growing concern of the lack of nature in children’s lives with a mission of connecting children with nature through regional collaboratives across the state with more than 500 local and state partners in the health, education, community development and conservation fields.
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