ORGANIZATION
Bobwhite Brigade, dba Texas Brigades is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that began nearly 30 years ago, as a single youth camp focused on the ecology of bobwhite quail. Since, it has expanded to include additional programming in pursuit of furthering wildlife and natural resource conservation education, strengthening leadership development, and connecting youths across Texas to the outdoors, stewardship, and life-long passions.
OPERATION
Texas has lost 2.2 million acres of native landscapes due to population growth and urbanization. Home to seven of the 15 fastest growing cities in the U.S., Texas' population has increased over 48% in the last decade alone. With this mass urbanization, less than 1% of Texans are landowners and there’s a diminished connection to nature for urban youth. The majority of landowners are aging, and over the next 20 years, Texas will undergo the largest intergenerational transfer of land in its history.
This profound demographic shift with the diminished connections to nature requires engaging and educating a new generation of conservation leaders to ensure the natural resources and native landscapes our economy depends on are protected. With a vision to create “conservation leaders in every community,” Texas Brigades provides a solution to ensure that natural resource stewardship and conservation are a long-term priority for urban and rural backgrounds, alike.
Texas Brigades provides educational programming and leadership development for adolescents through three conservation-driven, statewide programs: Summer Camps, Experiences, and Wildlife Intensive Leadership Development (W.I.L.D). Through these programs, Texas Brigades molds over 300 youth leaders each year, with participants coming from over 1,000 communities across Texas. Participants leave with a connection to the land, informed and ready to make conservation a life-long passion.
MISSION
The mission of Texas Brigades is to educate and empower youths with leadership skills and knowledge in wildlife, fisheries, and land stewardship to become conservation ambassadors for a sustained natural resource legacy.
HISTORY
Dr. Dale Rollins, Extension Wildlife Specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, came up with the idea for the Brigades as a way to expand Extension’s educational efforts by developing wildlife ambassadors. His idea came to life in 1993 with the formation of the Rolling Plains Bobwhite Brigade. As the saying goes, "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” To that end, the Bobwhite Brigade has been cloned in five other states through collaborations with Quail Unlimited. The Buckskin Brigade was used as the base model for Pennsylvania Bucktails. The Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society models its own summer camp (initiated in 1996) after the Brigades.
IMPACTS
- 3,800+ cadets educated and inspired in conservation and ambassadorship
- 1,000+ communities positively impacted by Texas Brigades
- Increased conservation efforts and understanding through 8 natural resource and wildlife-focused educational camps, including coastal ecology and fisheries, freshwater ecology and fisheries, sustainable beef production, as well as ecology and habitat for bobwhite quail, white-tailed deer, and waterfowl
- 30% of cadets reported completing at least 10 stewardship and/or outreach activities after graduating camp
- $40,000 in college scholarships annually awarded to young conservation ambassadors
- 30 years of experience in planning & executing summer leadership, conservation, & wildlife camps
- 150+ dedicated volunteers who share their professional knowledge with the next generation
BUDGET
Texas Brigades operates on a budget of under $500,000 with over 75% of its functional expenses dedicated to its programs.
SEEKING
- Youth applicants who show interest in science, nature, hunting, and the outdoors
- Volunteers who are interested in assisting with camps and programs
- Provide professional input on curriculum to incorporate relevant topics
- Mentor youths through conservation career paths and hunting/fishing/outdoor opportunities
- Collaborative partners who want to connect Texas’ youth with the outdoors
- Create and execute tailored Experiences with Texas Brigades staff and resources
- Reach audiences between ages 9 and 23 with specific curriculum in targeted regions
- Funding in order to maximize program outreach and efforts
- Financial contributions can be designated for customized support
- In-Kind support includes meeting & event spaces and youth hunting & fishing opportunities
- Material donations such as baits, lures, fishing tackle & gear, firearm and hunting safety supplies, ammunition, targets, gun cleaning kits, game calls, caps, outdoor wear, field tools, etc.
Contact Texas Brigades
REMINDER: This listing is a free service of CaliforniaLandCAN.
Texas Brigades is not employed by or affiliated with the California Land Conservation Assistance Network, and the Network does not certify or guarantee their services. The reader must perform their own due diligence and use their own judgment in the selection of any professional.
Contact Texas Brigades
6644 FM 1102
New Braunfels, TX 78132
Phone: 210-556-1391
Service Area
Statewide service provider in:
