Nature conservation is one of WoodNext’s priority areas. We fund global efforts, and also look for ways to protect lands in Texas, where the Woods have strong ties. We are excited to share the story of a recent project in Central Texas.
Protecting Balcones Canyonlands
Our recent partnership with The Conservation Fund (TCF), a highly rated conservation nonprofit in the United States, enabled the protection of a significant area of land in the Hill Country of Texas. TCF approached us because an opportunity had arisen to protect 610 acres of land that would otherwise likely be developed into suburbs.
In 2023, TCF alerted WoodNext that a large piece of land in Balcones Canyonlands, parts of which are a National Wildlife Refuge, was up for sale. Balcones is home to native wildlife and plants, including endangered species. TCF knew it was critical to act quickly to purchase the Johnston Tract (see map below) because Hill Country habitats are being converted or fragmented faster than any other place in the state. In the hands of many owners, the Johnston Tract would likely be developed into urban land, preventing the preservation of wildlife and the quality of a watershed that affects drinking water for the inhabitants of Austin and other cities.
TCF did not have all of the capital on hand to facilitate the purchase on the seller’s timeline, so WoodNext made a gift which enabled TCF to quickly pre-acquire the property, even though federal reimbursement dollars would not become available for a further 1-2 years.
As a result, this unique land is a permanent habitat for endangered species and other plants and animals. Thanks to TCF’s structure, WoodNext’s gift will eventually be revolved for other land protection projects in Texas.
Other Conservation Work
WoodNext has also made recent grants to several other conservation projects, including:
- Fundacion Vida Azul – WoodNext made a grant to fund a project whereby volunteers and students clean up beaches in the Dominican Republic.
- Prickly Pear Land Trust – We support this organization that preserves and protects Montana’s Prickly Pear Valley and adjoining lands.
- Rocky Mountain Conservancy – We made a grant to this Colorado conservancy for its High School Leadership Corps, which enables youth to participate in service projects and educational programming, helping to build the next generation of land stewards.
- Texas A&M Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research – WoodNext supports multiple projects at Texas A&M University, including this effort to address research and data gaps to conserve sea turtles in Texas, the western Gulf, and the Gulf of Mexico.
- Texas A&M Sea Life Facility – We also support the university’s center that enables faculty and students to drive projects involving marine and aquatic organisms.
- The Friends of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) – We support this nonprofit that promotes avalanche awareness and education throughout Colorado.
- The Nature Conservancy – Montana – We support the Montana branch of this national nonprofit, which protects the state’s lands and waters.
