Explore the Environment in Texas | The Nature Conservancy

Texas

We're All Over It

From protecting ocelots to fighting fires and saving rivers, we've got the state covered.

Brown Pelicans on Texas' Shamrock Island during the early morning. © Erika Nortemann

Every corner of the state, from the high desert of West Texas to the harsh brushlands of the Rio Grande Valley; from the grassy expanses of the High Plains to the stately pines of East Texas' Big Thicket, is full of incredible conservation stories—tales of success, opportunity and the people who make our work possible. Here are some of those stories.

Features

Stories from the Lone Star State

Rich Kostecke at Mad Island Marsh Preserve

Dr. Rich Kostecke at Clive Runnells Family Mad Island Marsh Preserve © Ian Shive

Texas 2012: Year in Review

Thanks to your support, we scored some major wins for conservation in 2012. Check out Texas' annual report online to read about them!

Whooping Cranes – Protecting Rare Habitat

Saving wintering grounds for a majestic but endangered species.

Brown pelicans on Gulf Coast, Louisiana, United States © Nancy Webb

Gulf Tools

Dr. Jorge Brenner has developed a web portal and series of tools that will help predict how hurricanes, storm surges and sea level will affect our cities and coastal habitats in the future.

Burrowing owls at Brian Piccolo Park in Cooper City, Florida. © Scott Anderson

We’re Number One (in Birding)!

Watch as newbie and veteran birders ride through marshes at 4:00 a.m., encounter alligators and search for elusive bird species in a day of citizen science at the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count at Mad Island Preserve.

Blood-red water—caused by bacteria—during drought at Lake O.C. Fisher at San Angelo State Park. © Earl Nottingham/TPWD

Texas Drought

Texas' population is set to double to nearly 50 million people by 2060, but our water supplies will decrease by 10 percent. How are we protecting clean, reliable water for our state?

Indian paintbrush in Brazoria County, Texas. © Jason Wheeler

Letter from Laura

What does a black bear sighting, the creation of a new state park and the protection of water in Texas have in common? These are just a few of the exciting conservation happenings that took place in the end of 2011. Get the full scoop from State Director Laura Huffman.

Davis Mountains Preserve © Lynn McBride

Texas Drought: The Grinch that Almost Stole Christmas

We’re in the middle of the worst year-long drought in Texas’ history, and its impacts have been extreme, from instigating major economic losses to fueling firestorms across the state. How have these wildfires impacted our tree farms?

Zilker Park ACL Festival © Ashley Garmon

ACL Festival 2011

The legendary ACL Music Festival took place September 16–18 and we were there to talk shop with festival goers from around the world!

Guitar © doug88888/Flickr

Greatest Green Hits

Check out some of our favorite eco-friendly music acts, all of whom have graced a stage at ACL during its 10-year run.

Swimmers in Barton Creek © Austinevan/Flickr

Protecting Austin's Water

Read about five of the iconic places in and around Austin that the Conservancy protects and take an interactive quiz to find out how well you really know this “weird” city.