Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, a group that provides private support to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of the state for present and future generations, is launching a Young Professionals group in Dallas for those 40 years and younger. The group is hosting a kickoff dinner on June 20 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Old Parkland to introduce the organization to those who have an interest and passion for conservation efforts.
The program includes Texas conservation leaders Carter Smith, executive director of the Texas Wildlife and Parks Department; The Honorable Ralph Duggins, vice chairman of Texas Park and Wildlife Commission; and Kelly Thompson, chairman, Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation.
Anne Brown, executive director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, said “Texas Parks & Wildlife Young Professionals will connect professionals 40 and under who are driven by a common vision to raise awareness of the land and wildlife conservation issues facing our generation; preserve hunting, fishing and outdoor heritage; lead and serve in our communities; and establish meaningful relationships among like-minded individuals.”
Some projects the group will help support include Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle Conservation Project, Sabine Lake Oyster Reef Restoration, Pronghorn Restoration in the Trans-Pecos, and Habitat Management for Northern Bobwhite and Grassland Birds.
Brown added, “Resources for these conservation projects are necessarily limited. Working together with the Young Professionals, we can leverage public funds with private philanthropy to ensure the continued success and expansion of successful Texas conservation projects.”
Based on “connecting for conservation,” Texas Parks & Wildlife Young Professionals is filling a need for conservation groups in Texas and will launch similar organizations in Austin and Houston.
Benefits of membership include invitations to special events and service opportunities, an annual subscription to Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine, and multiple outreach activities. The 2013-14 events calendar includes two service projects focused on the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center and Guadalupe bass sampling on the South Llano River.
The dinner will be held at Old Parkland in the Pecan Room, at 3819 Maple Avenue, Dallas. Limited tickets are still available for the evening dinner, which is $25. Those interested may contact Anne Brown a abrown@tpwf.org or call 214-364-5632. More information about annual membership, which is $75, can be found here.