|
View this message on our website.
| |
|
|
|
Bringing Back Bighorn: An Epic Wildlife Conservation Tale
Desert bighorn sheep in Texas are facing multiple threats, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF) is bringing together a coalition of trusted conservation partners and other dedicated Texans to ensure the continued survival of this iconic king of the Trans-Pecos mountains.
Though desert bighorn sheep were hailed not long ago as one of the most celebrated conservation success stories in the state’s history, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) biologists have documented a 50 percent decline in population since 2021. The primary cause for the current decline is pneumonia, caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma ovipneumonia, (M. ovi). Often associated with domestic sheep and goats, M. ovi is also found in West Texas’ exploding population of exotic aoudad sheep.
Watch the video to see how researchers, wildlife biologists, landowners and other invested Texans are searching for answers to this dilemma.
|
|
|
|
|
|
A multi-pronged effort is underway to get a handle on the complicated aoudad dynamic. TPWF is proud to be a part of the desert bighorn sheep solution, bringing in Clay Brewer, a familiar face in West Texas wildlife circles and beyond. He is working hand in hand with TPWD, Borderlands Research Institute at Sul Ross State University, landowners, and others to help formulate a science-based plan of action.
“All of us who are passionate about bighorn sheep conservation in Texas need to pull in the same direction,” said Brewer. “We need to make sure we are all working together to do the right thing for the resource. That was the key to success before. How well we can come together now will determine the future of bighorn sheep in Texas."
READ THE FULL STORY
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Centennial Projects Coming to a Park Near You!
Thousands of park-loving Texans gave back to the parks they love during the 2023 centennial anniversary. And now, thanks to a very successful fundraising campaign, TPWF is working overtime to purchase and procure the equipment and supplies needed to help bring centennial projects to life at every Texas State Park.
As of September, we have officially surpassed the halfway point of making the necessary purchases, and 56 park projects have been completed so far. Projects include all-terrain wheelchairs for five parks, 15 bike repair stations across five parks, ADA-compliant wildlife/landscape viewing stations at seven parks, 60 binoculars/spotting scopes for birding and interpretive programs, rescue UTVs for eight parks, 36 water bottle filling stations, and even a pontoon boat! Still on our to-do list—ADA-compliant kayak launches for select parks, a tall order of telescopes, and all the must-haves for many more exciting projects.
Village Creek State Park is one of the latest parks to bring a centennial project to life. According to park superintendent Suzy Hearne, “About a year ago, we completed a wrap-around porch for our Nature Center, equipped with accessible ramps and handrails. Our next goal was to create a pathway through our wildscape garden for all visitors to enjoy.” Due to the generous support of fellow Texans, Village Creek was able to add an ADA-compliant sidewalk/pathway, plus an extended ADA parking area around Village Creek’s popular Nature Center. “We are so grateful to TPWF and the many donors who made this wonderful improvement possible."
Here’s to another century of wonder among Texas’ wild things and wild places!
|
| |
 |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
TPWF Ambassador Spotlight: Walker Lukens
For singer, songwriter, musician and producer Walker Lukens, the wild landscapes of Texas have become as integral to his story as his favorite guitar.
A transformative canoe trip with friends along the Rio Grande in 2018 prompted Walker to explore other Texas rivers like a bucket list quest. Inspired by Townes Van Zandt’s rendition of "Texas River Song," Walker challenged himself to visit every Texas river as an homage to the state's natural heritage.
“Once I started out, I gained an appreciation for the state park system. Without the parks, a lot of these rivers and landscapes wouldn't even be available to us," recounted Walker.
In 2022, Walker’s passion for music and love of Texas’ wild places intersected with TPWF through the Texas Wild album project. Lukens produced the album in time for the 2023 Texas State Parks Centennial, and the album supported statewide conservation efforts. Texas Wild has since been streamed by millions, and its success affirmed Walker’s belief in the power of music to support noble causes.
It’s one of the many reasons Walker agreed to be a TPWF ambassador, where he hopes to inspire others to explore, appreciate, and conserve Texas' natural wonders.
“There's no other thing quite like the wilderness, and for it to continue and survive on this planet, we have to see ourselves as part of the natural world in a bigger, more immediate way. It's a beautiful and necessary cause to support."
Read more about Walker and how he is helping to keep Texas wild.
READ MORE ABOUT WALKER LUKENS
Will you join Walker and the thousands of Texans who want to keep Texas wild by becoming a member of TPWF today? Your support of TPWF’s work is crucial to ensuring our wild things and wild places will be around for future generations to enjoy.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
And if you join TPWF at the $100 level or more, you can receive TPWF's exclusive NEW Keeping It Wild gear to show off your support of the outdoors.
Become a member of today and help us keep Texas wild!
JOIN TPWF TODAY
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
4th Annual Gear Up Auction is Oct. 1-3. Register today!
TPWF’s 4th Annual Gear Up for Game Wardens Online Auction is Oct. 1-3, a few short weeks away!
With dozens of one-of-a-kind items up for bid, from bucket list hunting and fishing trips to all the latest gear you need for another season in the field or on the water this fall, we know you will find something you can’t live without!
Since 2017, generous supporters have helped Gear Up for Game Wardens procure over $5 million in lifesaving equipment ranging from thermal search and rescue drones to side-scan sonar units and more. Proceeds from the annual online auction provide essential program support to ensure Gear Up for Game Wardens can continue its work to get specialty equipment in the hands of your Texas Game Wardens.
We invite you to register today and get ready to bid big on October 1!
REGISTER TODAY
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Support TPWF Through Orvis Great Giveback Days
Orvis retail stores in Texas are partnering with TPWF during the entire month of September to help support TPWF’s Gear Up for Game Wardens and Stewards of the Wild programs. Visit any Texas Orvis retail store* during the month of September and receive a special offer when you donate $10 or more while shopping in stores.
Visit an Orvis store today to donate and help support the vital work of TPWF through its Gear Up for Game Wardens and Stewards of the Wild programs.
FIND AN ORVIS NEAR YOU
*Donations to the Orvis Fort Worth store location will support TPWF’s longtime conservation partner, Coastal Conservation Association. Donations to all other Texas Orvis store locations will support TPWF programs.
|
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
