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Dear Friends,
Each of Earth’s five major habitat types — forests, grasslands, arid lands, freshwater and marine environments — is found in Texas. In fact, the Lone Star State ranks at or near the top nationally in most major categories of biological diversity. With the sheer variety of land, water and life found here, and with The Nature Conservancy’s science-based approach, Texas is working to become an international leader in conservation.
Our work in Texas stretches across state and international boundaries to conserve important shared resources such as the Tallgrass Prairie, the Gulf of Mexico and the Chihuahuan Desert, and our cross-border programs hold promise for becoming conservation models both domestically and abroad.
The Nature Conservancy of Texas is distinguished by many things, but perhaps most of all by the dedication and passion of our supporters. In these pages, you’ll find stories about two such people, Dick Bartlett and Richard Garriott, either of whom Margaret Mead could have had in mind when she famously said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Ms. Mead might just as easily have been speaking of the extraordinary students at The Park School in Brookline, Massachusetts, who took it upon themselves to raise money to help Texas wildlife affected by Hurricane Ike, a storm that made landfall more than 2,000 miles from their classroom. Their story is also found here.
You may have noticed this publication’s new title, Texas Conservation Milestones. While it remains a review of the year’s accomplishments, the new name reflects the continual nature of our work. In conservation, there is no finish line. Once begun, our work stretches far beyond what is readily apparent, whether it’s a preserve, a project or other endeavor. It’s that reminder of forever that moves us to set the bar higher each day and each year as we work to protect critical lands and waters in Texas.
These are exciting times for conservation, and we need your continued support to meet our ambitious goals. As our young friends in Boston clearly show, the world is developing an ever-deeper appreciation for conservation. Your year-end contribution will help us meet many challenges as we protect our wealth of unique lands, waters and species for Texans yet to come who also will benefit from our work today.
When bracing for the next hurricane or unforeseen event, or when expanding our horizons in the service of Texas, we turn to our core beliefs in science, sound stewardship and the unwavering support of our phenomenal members.
On behalf of The Nature Conservancy of Texas, I extend you our heartfelt gratitude for the support you’ve shown. I hope you enjoy reading about some of the successes your generosity has enabled.
Sincerely,
Laura Huffman
State Director
The Nature Conservancy of Texas
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Nature picture credits (left to right, top to bottom): Photo © Charles and Clint/Flickr Creative Commons (Bluebonnets); Photo © Austin Business Journal (Laura Huffman); Photo © Austin Business Journal (Laura Huffman); Photo © Rebecca Flack/TNC (Frio River); Photo © Danny White/TNC (Oysters); Photo © Clay Carrington/TNC (Attwater's prairie chicken); Photo © Will van Overbeek (Richard Garriott); Photo © David A. Williams (prairie grass); Photo © Janet Haas (pronghorn); Photo © TNC (Lennox Woods Preserve); Photo © Lynn Mc Bride/TNC (Caddo Lake); Photo © Insite Architects (Pearl Brewery Design); Photo courtesy Dick Bartlett (Dick Bartlett); Laura Huffman video courtesy of The Nature Conservancy.
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