Executive Director's Report Jody L.Carton
Executive Director  |
It's been a busy and productive time since I began working for TBCF exactly one year ago today! Through the leadership of our dedicated board, committee members and growing network of landowners, partners and supporters, we are making progress every day to advance our mission.
We look forward to having you join us on Oct 21st at the Hart-Morris Conservation Center in Athens! - TBCF's Annual Meeting & Fundraiser will begin at 5:00 PM. The program includes a relaxed Beer & BBQ buffet, silent auction, raffle, leadership elections and the opportunity to network with landowners from throughout the basin. This is a low-cost, family-friendly and fun way to support your organization. Look for a special event invitation in your email inbox soon where you can RSVP and advance pay online.
I'll take a moment here to update you on our recent accomplishments and endeavors. In March, the Board of Directors approved a three-year Strategic Plan outlining core strategies and goals to advance the people, place and profits of the Trinity River Basin. As part of the plan, the board will be expanded this year to include additional director and committee positions, each with a specific leadership focus. As part of our focus to expand and improve "member services" we have made it very easy for you and your friends to be TBCF members - it's free and it's simple - simply subscribe to our newsletter, the Basin Bulletin. We will use the Basin Bulletin to share recent conservation, Trinity River and partnership news items, along with updates on TBCF programs and activities. The Basin Bulletin will initially be distributed four times a year, although you can expect to hear from us in between editions on more timely matters.
 We concluded a third successful season of our Trinity L.A.N.D.S (Learning Across New Dimensions in Science) education program this spring. Thanks to all of our partners and volunteers that are helping to get kids out on the land and understanding the land!
Much of our conservation work this year has been focused in Navarro and Ellis counties. In addition to our partnership with the Western Navarro Bobwhite Restoration Initiative we have embarked on two new projects. Through an agreement with family landowners,  we are helping them to restore 700 acres of wildlife habitat, including native grasses, bottomland hardwoods and wetlands to advance their conservation and income diversification goals. This work is supported through the award of a USFWS Partners for Fish & Wildlife grant. Our latest effort, Water As A Crop™, developed through a partnership with the Sand County Foundation, is working with a select group of landowners to demonstrate the capacity of well-managed lands to produce water - an increasingly valuable crop.
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| What We Do and Why It Matters!
Gary & Sue Price, 77 Ranch Lone Star Land Steward Award Recipient
"I think the Trinity Basin Conservation Foundation is a growing and important voice for conservation in the Trinity Basin meshing both urban and rural ideas and goals for sensible and sustainable conservation. As an owner/operator of a family ranching operation I believe I can share ideas and goals that will be compatible with cattle/wildlife producers in the Trinity Basin".
"I first became involved with the TBCF because of my belief in land sustainability and stewardship. I feel that learning more about how to best interact with our natural resources is the key to management and economic viability. Our God-given gifts deserve no less".
Laura Johnston Family Properties, Ltd.
"Laura Johnston Family Properties, Ltd. became involved with TBCF through Texas Parks & Wildlife staff Jay Whiteside and Jared Laing. We had been looking for ways to diversify our operation and practice responsible stewardship. Jay and Jared, along with TBCF's Jody Carton came up with a perfect answer. We will begin construction on several hundred acres of wetland restoration this coming week!!"
Brian Smith, Smith Family Ranch
"To our family, rich land is rich with wildlife. As landowners in the Trinity Basin, we feel an obligation to enhance and protect these natural resources and their respective habitats. We must educate others to ensure this environment is preserved for future generations."
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How to Get Involved
Join us by subscribing to our newsletter, the Basin Bulletin. - Forward the Basin Bulletin to friends and colleagues that have shared interests.
Check out our website to learn more about our programs and projects. Send us an email describing your interest in the Trinity River Basin.
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