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Texan by Nature Announces 2018 Conservation Wranglers

Six Texan-Led Conservation Initiatives Selected for Honor

Texan by Nature (TxN), a Texas-led conservation non-profit founded by former First Lady Laura Bush, announced the honorees of its annual Conservation Wrangler program for 2018 including East Fork Water Supply Project and the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center.

The North Texas Municipal Water District worked with Alan Plummer Associates to showcase an innovative, efficient, and sustainable approach for natural filtration of water through the development of constructed wetlands.

Located in the middle of the 2,000 acre East Fork Wetland Project, the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center provides education and research opportunities pertaining to water conservation, wetland systems and wildlife management. The Center serves as the hub of environmental and social interest of man-made wetland habitats on the Rosewood Seagoville Ranch property. This includes the North Texas Municipal Water District’s 2,000 acre East Fork Wetland Project, and an additional 1,200 acres of bottomland hardwood forest restoration as part of the Bunker Sands Mitigation Bank.

Honorees were selected based on the following criteria:

  • Texan-led conservation initiative
  • Benefits community by providing tangible returns for people, prosperity, and natural resources
  • Reaches new and diverse audiences
  • Science-based
  • Measurable process and conservation outcomes
  • Partnership between community, business, individuals, and conservation organizations

All will receive 12-18 months of tailored resources including:

  • Connections to technical expertise and industry support
  • Recognition and participation in annual Conservation Wrangler Celebration
  • TxN seal of partnership
  • Op-Ed piece promoting individual initiative
  • Letter of support from TxN leadership
  • Content and collateral cross promotion via TxN channels including social media, newsletters, and website

Texan by Nature brings business and conservation together through select programs which engage Texans in stewardship of land and communities. The organization’s Conservation Wrangler program recognizes innovative and transformative conservation projects across the state of Texas. Each Conservation Wrangler project positively impacts people, prosperity, and natural resources.

“Texan by Nature’s Conservation Wrangler program ensures that our natural habitat will thrive for our children and grandchildren,” said former First Lady and Founder of Texan by Nature, Mrs. Laura Bush. “We are proud to partner with these terrific organizations, and we are happy to highlight the important work they do to preserve our beautiful state.”

“We are inspired by each of the 2018 Conservation Wrangler applicants, honorees, and by the overall community response to our Conservation Wrangler program,” said Joni Carswell, Executive Director of TxN. “We have incredible partners with groundbreaking projects that will help motivate and improve conservation efforts and education within Texas and beyond.”

Texan by Nature will recognize the 2018 Conservation Wrangler honorees on Oct. 17, 2018, at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, TX. This diverse set of projects impacts land, water, habitat, and sky, and represents six counties and five ecological regions.

Visit TexasByNature.org to see the full list of honorees.