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Wild Times March 2024

Edgar Diaz has always been called by the ocean and mountains, where he developed his love of fishing, mountain biking and snowboarding. A successful career allowed him to nurture his creative spirit, and in 2000, he became a full-time artist. In 2004, he and his wife and children moved from Southern California to Austin, Texas. His mom and dad soon followed, and so did his wife’s parents. With the whole family firmly grounded in Texas, Edgar began exploring all the outdoor adventures that his new home state had to offer.

He also began exploring other outlets for his creativity and began fashioning leather bracelets adorned with antique items. Sight Line Provisions was born in 2015 with the creation of his first outdoor-inspired bracelet. The concept took off, and Edgar’s creations can now be found in more than 95 retail outlets around the world. He’s gotten involved in conservation efforts around the globe, partnering with a variety of organizations to raise awareness of conservation issues.

"I try to encourage people to really understand what's going on in their communities and their lands and their waterways. You don't understand what you have until it's gone."

Edgar now has another platform to spread the word. As a Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF) We Will Not Be Tamed ambassador, Edgar will join the chorus to call us to appreciate the wildness of Texas, the vastness of our Texas spirit and why we should be inspired to conserve it.

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  Story #2: Join TPWF and Win an Artist Edition Sight Line Provisions Bracelet  

Edgar Diaz is proud to join TPWF members in conserving the lands, waters and wildlife in his home ground. He wants to encourage others, and he invites you to join TPWF as a member for a chance to win an artist edition bracelet from Sight Line Provisions.

If you join or renew your membership by July 9, you will be entered in a TPWF drawing* for a chance to win.

Join Now

 
*The price of membership pays for TPWF membership only and not for the chance to win the artist edition bracelet from Sight Line Provisions. Members who join or renew between January 1 and July 9 are automatically entered in the drawing.
 
 
  Story #4: Mentoring Future Anglers & Conservationists  

Stewards of the Wild, TPWF’s young professionals’ organization is inspiring the next generation of conservationists

A couple of years ago, the Stewards piloted a mentored hunting program that was so successful it spawned an angling counterpart. In 2020, the Stewards partnered with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Angler Education program to launch a mentored fishing initiative.

Each mentored fishing experience guides six first-time anglers through a multi-day, comprehensive training and education curriculum, including access to all the necessary equipment and one-on-one mentorship by seasoned anglers. Both saltwater and freshwater fishing opportunities are offered. The goal of the mentored fishing initiative is to equip participants with the skills and knowledge to continue fishing in Texas and beyond, ultimately growing the number of anglers and conservationists in the state.

Only Stewards of the Wild members are eligible to participate. Find out how you can become a Stewards of the Wild member. 

Join Now

 

 

  Story #5: Fishing for the Future” width=  

Thanks to the Sabine River Authority, needed improvements at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) are one step closer to getting underway. The Sabine River Authority recently made a $75,000 donation to Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF) for enhancements at TFFC. TPWF led the original fundraising campaign to build the facility, which opened in 1996.

For more than 25 years, the Edwin L. Cox, Jr., Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center has brought together avid anglers, curious school children, dedicated conservation professionals, and many generous supporters in their passion for Texas’ freshwater resources. From fish hatcheries to recreational fishing ponds, over 300,000 gallons of indoor and outdoor aquariums, and exhibits featuring fish, alligators, and other native species, TFFC showcases the diverse inland waterways that connect all living creatures. TFFC is also home to the renowned Toyota ShareLunker program, which promotes and enhances bass fishing in Texas. After nearly a quarter-century, TFFC’s aquariums and exhibits are due for an update, and TPWF is once again raising private funds for the project.

"Our fundraising goal is $3 million, and so far, we’ve raised more than $2 million," said TPWF Executive Director Susan Houston. "We’re very grateful to the Sabine River Authority for their support of this landmark facility in East Texas. Every donation makes a difference and we’re hoping all Texans who love our state’s freshwater resources will chip in to get us over the top."

Donate online at www.tpwf.org/tffc

Donate

 
 
 
  Story #6: San Pedro Ranch Receives Leopold Conservation Award  

San Pedro Ranch, located near Carrizo Springs was awarded the state’s highest honor for private land conservation. The ranch is owned by siblings Joseph Fitzsimons and Pamela Fitzsimons Howard and their families and they were honored along with other Lone Star Land Steward Award winners at a virtual awards ceremony on May 27. Fitzsimons’ children and their children’s families continue that land ethic today. Their inspiring story was told through a special video.

Watch Video

 
 
 

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