Stewards of the Wild upcoming events

SOTW x TPWD's BOW Women's-Only Outdoors & Camping 101 (Friday, April 24, 2026)

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Ladies, this one's for you!

Camping and outdoor activities like are a great way to enjoy nature on your own or with family and friends, but can feel overwhelming if you're just starting out. Join Stewards of the Wild and TPWD's Beyond Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) Program for a ladies-only campout at Long Acres Ranch, just outside of Houston, on April 24-26. You'll have opportunities to learn about and practice outdoor cooking, fishing, archery, foraging, kayaking, birding, shelter building/survival skills, maps/compass/geocaching, firearm handling, and night hikes with insect identification. Join other like-minded women for a weekend and leave ready to embark on your own outdoor or camping adventure!

Attendees will choose their activities during registration. After registration, you'll receive a confirmation email with immediate next steps.

Stewards of the Wild (SOTW), Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation's (TPWF) conservation leadership program, equips emerging leaders aged 21 to 45 with opportunities to actively participate in the stewardship of Texas’ wild things and wild places by providing education, networking, and outdoor experiences.

Additional Opportunity: First Aid/CPR Certification

During registration, attendees will also have the opportunity to indicate if they would like to participate in an Adult First Aid/CPR Online + Classroom Certification. The course would include an online portion to be completed before April 24 and an instructor-led skill session from American Red Cross on-site at Long Acres Ranch the evening of April 24. The certification has a $40 fee. If you indicate that you would like to participate in this additional opportunity, you will receive a separate email from the instructor with instructions for paying the fee and completing the online portion.

What to bring:

Camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mattress/pad, pillow, extra blankets, camping chair)
General personal items, clothing, and toiletries
Study shoes/boots for activities
Creature comfort snacks/items

There will be air-conditioned restrooms available for use, but no showers available on site.

Need to borrow a tent? Please email Venessa at venessa.wallace@tpwd.texas.gov and let her know.

Note: Firearms are prohibited at Long Acres Ranch. Air rifles will be used for firearm practice.

Schedule (subject to change):

Friday, April 24

4 PM: Check-in and tent set up

6 PM: Welcome and dinner

8 PM: Evening Activity

Saturday, April 25

7 AM: Breakfast

8-10:30 AM: Activity #1

10:30 AM-1 PM: Activity #2

1-2 PM: Lunch

2-4:30 PM: Activity #3

5 PM: Dinner

6-8 PM: Night bug hike/night fishing

Sunday, April 26

9 AM: Pack up and head out

Questions? Please email Katie at kcharles@tpwf.org.

Cancellation Policy: Cancel 4 weeks in advance of event, receive a full refund. Cancel 2-4 weeks in advance of event, receive 50% refund. Cancel less than 2 weeks in advance of event, receive no refund.

Get Outside Alliance - Galveston Island State Park (Sunday, April 26, 2026)

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Ever wonder where the plants come from that restore our dunes and prairies? Go behind the scenes and join Get Outside Alliance's monthly greenhouse team at Galveston Island State Park!

Each year, their volunteers plant over 2,000 native grasses and forbs to restore the island’s habitat—and it all starts here. In this series, you will learn the fundamentals of native plant propagation and help us grow the next generation of coastal vegetation. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on horticulture skills while supporting the very foundation of the park’s conservation efforts.

️ You’ll be part of:

Learning propagation techniques like seeding, transplanting, and soil mixing
Caring for the park’s nursery stock to ensure healthy growth
Supporting the supply chain for over 2,000 plants restored annually
Working alongside park staff and fellow plant enthusiasts

***This is not a SOTW event***

Dallas Chapter Annual Crawfish Boil (Sunday, April 26, 2026)

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Join the Dallas Chapter for our annual Crawfish Boil at the beautiful John Bunker Sands Wetland Center! This is a great chance to get to know other conservation-minded Dallasites, check out an award-winning wetland center just minutes away from the city, enjoy live music courtesy of Billy Law and David Forsyth, and eat your share of spring crawfish!

The event is family-friendly and includes activities for kids. It is free for all members and kids. Non-member tickets are $15. Your RSVP/ticket includes food (crawfish, hamburgers, hot dogs, snacks), drinks, a raffle ticket, and access to the wetland boardwalk (you don't want to miss this incredible birding and wildlife viewing opportunity!).

If you are a member and bring non-member(s) who sign up for membership, you will receive two extra raffle tickets, and the new member(s) will get in free.

Date: April 26, 2026

Time: 12-3 PM

Location: John Bunker Sands Wetland Center, 655 Martin Lane, Combine, TX 75159

Did you know John Bunker Sands Wetland Center won the 2022 Leopold Conservation Award for Texas? Watch this! Learn even more about John Bunker Sands Wetland Center at https://wetlandcenter.com/.

BCS SOTW | Taxidermy Demonstration (Sunday, April 26, 2026)

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Sierra Guidry with Dead Perfect Taxidermy will be demonstrating how to complete a shoulder mount. During the presentation, she will share the overview of the taxidermy process. Sierra will also discuss the skinning process for any animal wanting to be mounted, to help you feel more confident in preparing your animal for taxidermy. Drinks and snacks will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. Member Registration is free. Non-member registration is $10/person.

Virtual Lunch & Learn with Dr. David Hewitt, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute (Tuesday, April 28, 2026)

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Join us for a Lunch & Learn on April 28 at 11:30-12:30 p.m. with Dr. David Hewitt, Executive Director of Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute (CKWRI)! This opportunity is open to members and non-members.

Dr. Hewitt's primary research interests include wildlife nutrition, ecology, and management. Throughout his career, he has been a professor, research scientist, and editor. He co-edited the book Wildlife Science: Linking Ecological Theory and Management Applications and edited the book White-tailed Deer Biology and Management. Dr. Hewitt will focus on CKWRI's conservation work, including recent ocelot research.

Photo courtesy of CKWRI

The Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Kingsville is the leading wildlife research organization in Texas and one of the finest in the nation. Established in 1981 by a grant from the Caesar Kleberg Foundation for Wildlife Conservation, the Institute operates as a nonprofit organization and depends financially upon private contributions and faculty grantsmanship. Its mission is to provide science-based information for enhancing the conservation and management of Texas wildlife.

Learn more about CKWRI by watching Fin & Fur's short film: Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute

After you RSVP, you will receive a confirmation email with a Zoom Link for the meeting.

Statewide Texas Capitol Day (Thursday, April 30, 2026)

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Join Stewards of the Wild at the Texas Capitol on April 30!

This event is open to all SOTW members and hosted by the Statewide Conservation Committee. Join us at the Texas Capitol to learn about the inner workings of conservation-related legislation and the Texas conservation funding model from legislative experts and staff. The event will conclude with a full tour of the Capitol building.

Guest Speakers

Sam Stone, Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, who works closely with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department legislative staff.
Will Oliver, who serves as Representative Denise Villalobos' Chief of Staff. Rep. Villalobos (District 34) sits on the Committee on Natural Resources and is navigating Texas' involved water issues.
Lauren McCarthy, who serves as Representative Will Metcalf's Chief of Staff. Rep. Metcalf (District 16) is the Chair of the Committee on Culture, Recreation, & Tourism.
Additional speakers TBA.

Agenda

9:30 a.m. Check in at the Capitol Rotunda
10-11:15 a.m. Hear from special guest speakers Sam Stone (TPWF), Will Oliver, Lauren McCarthy and others!
11:30 a.m. Official Capitol Tour
12:30 p.m. Departure (the group may grab lunch together nearby, but this is optional)

This event is free and open to all SOTW members and non-members. Please RSVP using the registration link.

Dallas Chapter Trash Free Gulf Clean Up (Saturday, May 02, 2026)

Sat, 02 May 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Pitch in to help Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF) and the Dallas Chapter clean up White Rock Lake as part of the Trash Free Gulf Initiative! All volunteers welcome!

Register here

BCS SOTW | Trash Free Gulf Waterways Cleanup (Saturday, May 02, 2026)

Sat, 02 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Please complete registration for the Cleanup through the Gulf Coast Trust Website.

Join BCS Stewards, City of College Station and Texas Water Resources Institute for a Trash Free Gulf Waterways Cleanup in Wolf Pen Creek on May 2, 2026 from 9am to 11am. Please park in the Post Oak Mall Parking Lot. We will meet at the Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater on 1015 Colgate Drive, College Station, TX 77840. We will be conducting a trash cleanup as well as have the opportunity to complete an invasive plant removal. Gloves, tools, trash bags will be provided. Bring a hat, reusable water bottle, closed toed shoes, and long pants. Waders should be worn for trash clean up done from the water. Please contact us at bcs@stewardsofthewild.org if you would like to bring a kayak for the cleanup. All ages welcomed children must be accompanied by an adult. Everyone participating must complete a waiver here.

Native Prairies Association of Texas - Native Plants and Prairies Day (Saturday, May 02, 2026)

Sat, 02 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Native Plants and Prairies Day

Presented by Native Plant Society of Texas, Dallas Chapter; Texas Master Naturalist, North Texas Chapter; and the Native Prairies Association of Texas, Blackland Prairie Chapter

Saturday, May 2, 2026

10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Bath House Cultural Center at White Rock Lake

521 East Lawther Drive, Dallas, Texas

Native Plants and Prairies Day is a fun, free event for families to celebrate our blackland prairies here in North Texas. Join us for our speakers, exhibits, tours, and kids' activities.

Native Plants and Prairies Day highlights the importance and value of our North Texas prairies as habitat for bugs, birds, and mammals and as a vital natural resource.

Event details, speaker, and prairie walk information: https://ntxnppd.org/

If you’d like to help out, we’d also love to have volunteers assist with the event:

The event organizers especially appreciate help with setup, greeting attendees, outreach, and general event support.

Volunteer Sign-Up: https://volunteersignup.org/7PWWT

**This is not a SOTW event**

Fort Worth SOTW x Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge Trash Free Gulf Cleanup (Saturday, May 09, 2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Fort Worth Trash Free Gulf Cleanup

Fort Worth SOTW will be working with Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge as part of the Gulf Trust's 2026 Trash Free Gulf Initiative!

The Trash Free Gulf campaign, a program of the Gulf Trust, is presented by H-E-B’s Our Texas, Our Future. We are working with partners across Texas in May 2026 to conduct litter cleanups in every major watershed and along the coastline. We can turn the tide together by keeping our local waters clean — for Texas and beyond. Through our collective efforts at home, we can ensure our waterways thrive and create a lasting impact downstream.

Volunteers of all ages are welcome to help remove litter, protect local wildlife, and keep one of Fort Worth’s most iconic waterways beautiful. RSVP below to let us know you're coming.

RSVP HERE

Midland Chapter Volunteer Day @ Watersong Wild Space (Saturday, May 09, 2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Details coming soon! Stay tuned...

Midland SOTW X Sibley Nature Center Trash Free Gulf Cleanup (Friday, May 15, 2026)

Fri, 15 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Trash Free Gulf Cleanup 2026

Midland SOTW will be working with Sibley Nature Center as part of the Gulf Trust's 2026 Trash Free Gulf Initiative!

Join us for a morning of giving back to Midland! Closed-toed shoes and a hat are recommended. Please bring gloves if you have them. RSVP below to let us know you're coming.

RSVP HERE

Texas Wildlife Association - Adult Learn to Hunt 101 Course (Saturday, May 16, 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Texas Wildlife Association's Adult Learn to Hunt Program 101 Course.

ALHP is hosting a 101 introductory course at the TWA headquarters in New Braunfels, TX on Saturday May 16th.

Planning on applying for the Adult Learn to Hunt Program next season? Get ready to kick off your hunting journey with this interactive session by meeting fellow participants, connect with ALHP leaders, and get a feel for what to expect on one of our hunts.

This Hunting 101 Session is designed for individuals who are new to ALHP or have applied before and have not been selected. The course will cover the basics, answer your questions, and even put your skills to the test with a mock hunting scenario. Attending this ALHP 101 session is a great way to gain prior eligibility for the 2026/2027 season hunts.

Topics include:

Texas Wildlife Association History & Mission – learn how conservation and hunting go hand in hand.
Hunting Skills Trail – step into a mock hunting scenario
Firearm Safety & What to Expect on an ALHP Hunt – helpful tips to prepare you for a successful and safe hunt. (No live fire shooting)
Q&A with ALHP Leaders – ask anything and hear directly from experienced mentors, including ALHP’s Program Coordinator Jim Wentrcek.

Lunch will be provided. This event will be followed by a Happy Hour social with other ALHP participants in Downtown New Braunfels. More info to come!

***This is not a SOTW event***

Dallas Chapter Summer Lunch Series - Katy Trail Ice House (Friday, May 29, 2026)

Fri, 29 May 2026 16:45:00 GMT

Statewide South Llano River Overnight Trip & Paddle (Friday, May 29, 2026)

Fri, 29 May 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Join Stewards from across the state for a trip to the South Llano River, on May 29-31, 2026!

The South Llano River is a natural wonder of Texas: its spring-fed, crystal clear water is home to some of Texas’ most beloved species and it provides drinking water to upstream communities like Junction before making its way down to the Highland Lakes. It is also a part of the Texas Paddling Trails Network– though its remote nature means many have never experienced it.

We invite you to join Stewards of the Wild for an overnight trip and paddle to the South Llano River (near Junction). Hosted by the Statewide Conservation Committee's Native Habitats team, you'll have an opportunity to see firsthand the importance of river conservation in Texas and hear from the experts on a full-day river paddle, and learn about the vital role of native plants during a visit to the Native American Seed farm.

Only 15 spots available! Registration is currently open to SOTW members, and may open to non-members if spots remain.

Agenda:

Friday, May 29: Arrive by 5 p.m. for a welcome dinner at the lodging location (Legacy Ranch at Lazy H).
Saturday, May 30: Paddle a 7-mile stretch of the South Llano River that has been designated as the Coke Stevenson Scenic Waterway and hear from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Llano River Watershed Alliance, and other experts about efforts to study and protect this pristine waterway. This will be a full day paddle.
Sunday, May 31: Visit the Native American Seed Farm to learn about the land-water nexus and the vital role native plants serve in keeping our waterways pristine before departing at 11 a.m.

What's Provided:

Lodging (2 nights, indoor lodging at Lazy H), meals except Saturday dinner (we will go into town), and kayaks will be provided.

We encourage anyone to sign up that:

Wants to experience one of the state’s most iconic waterways
Is curious about river conservation, riparian habitats, and the land-water nexus
Is excited to participate in a full day 7-mile paddle trip (Note: the South Llano is a gentle river, but we recommend that folks have a basic understanding of kayaking before going on this trip)

Packing List:

Water shoes (or a pair of sneakers you don’t mind getting wet) for kayaking - we recommend hard soles
Refillable water bottle(s)
Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and clothing for sun protection; dry bag/waterproof bag for your phone, keys, and valuables

Please note that the weather is unpredictable. The rain-out date for this event is June 12-14.

Houston SOTW x Galveston Bay Foundation Trash Free Gulf Cleanup (Saturday, May 30, 2026)

Sat, 30 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Trash Free Gulf Cleanup 2026

Houston SOTW will be partnering with the Galveston Bay Foundation as part of the Gulf Trust's 2026 Trash Free Gulf Initiative!

We will be working along Kuhlman Gully and Brays Bayou. This is a great opportunity to give back and support the conservation efforts that SOTW stands for. This event is free to attend.

BCS SOTW | Bat Walk (Sunday, May 31, 2026)

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Join BCS Stewards and Dr. Amanda Adams at 8:00pm. We will be discussing bat habitats, conservation efforts, and more. Dr. Adams is the Director of Research Coordination for Bat Conservation International. She runs BCI’s Student Research Scholarship Program and is passionate about developing capacity for bat conservation. Amanda specializes in bioacoustics and has broad research experience, particularly in behavioral and sensory ecology, and is adjunct faculty in the Department of Biology at Texas A&M University.

Statewide 5th Annual Matagorda Fishing Tournament (Saturday, June 06, 2026)

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 11:30:00 GMT

Join us for the Statewide 5th Annual Matagorda Fishing Tournament on June 6, 2026, for a day of fun, competition, and conservation on the water!

We're chartering inshore guide boats to target redfish and trout for the tournament. Each guide boat will fit a team of 3 fishermen. Those who wish to use their own boat and fish without a guide can do so as well. Tickets cover your guide boat, bait, and post-tournament festivities.

The winning boat will be the team with the heaviest combined stringer of two (2) redfish and two (2) trout. Awards will also be given to the team who catches the redfish with the most spots. Finally, we will give a separate prize to one “Team Entry – No Guide” team who turns in the heaviest combined stringer of two (2) redfish and two (2) trout.

Want to guide yourself, but don't own a boat? You're in luck! Our friends at Ranch Water Rentals offer easy boat rentals. Check them out at www.ranchwaterrentals.com.

Don't have a team, but want to participate? Email us at sotw@stewardsofthewild.org.

Schedule of Events:

Friday evening: Informal happy hour at a TBA local spot in Matagorda.

Saturday morning: Fishing tournament from sunrise to 1 p.m.

Saturday afternoon: Post-tournament festivities including food, drink, and awards at Wayne's Bait Camp.

Tournament Rules:

1. All participants must be current members of SOTW.

2. All participants must have a valid Texas fishing license (saltwater).

2. Fishing guides may not enter fish they catch, only fish caught by SOTW members can be entered. If fishing with a guide provided by SOTW, you must meet the guide at the Matagorda Harbor by 6:30 a.m. CST on June 28. If you are not at the Matagorda Harbor by 6:30 a.m. CST and have not made the guide aware you will be late, the guide will be free to leave without you.

3. Maximum of three SOTW members per boat.

4. All fish must be weighed or in line to be weighed at Wayne's Bait Camp by 1:30 p.m. CST on June 6, 2026.

5. Only fish caught on June 6, 2026 between sunrise (6:29 a.m. CDT) and 1 p.m. CDT may be entered.

6. Boats must depart from the Matagorda Harbor.

7. Anglers may only fish Texas state waters.

8. Methods of capture are limited to all types of rod and reel fishing.

9. Any legal bait can be used.

10. All types of vessels and wading is allowed.

11. Any tournament participant not following TPWD rules and regulations will be disqualified.

12. The winning boat of the team competition will be determined by the total weight of two (2) redfish within the Texas slot and two (2) trout within the Texas slot.

13. The weighmaster will have final say on the eligibility of any fish brought in to weigh.

14. No pale, gilled, gutted, or mutilated fish will be weighted, a trimmed tail is considered mutilation.

15. In the event of a tie of weight:

1. The first tie breaker will be total length of all four (4) fish according to TPWD standards

2. The second tie breaker will be which team turned in their fish first

Refund Policy:

Cancel more than 30 days in advace of the event and receive a full refund. Cancel 3-4 weeks in advance of the event and receive a 50% refund. Cancel 1-2 weeks of the event and receive no refund.

Lodging:

You are responsible for booking your own lodging, however we have worked with our friends at LCRA Parks to reserve a block of bungalows and airstreams at the Matagorda Bay Nature Park right on the water!

1 night minimum
Bungalows at discounted rate of $250/night (sleeps up to 6 or 8 people)
Airstreams at discounted rate of $150/night (sleeps up to 4 people)
Some options are pet-friendly
Same rates apply if you would like to extend your stay or come in early!
Reservations include kayaks

Contact the park directly to book your stay: 979-863-2603. Mention the June 6 Stewards of the Wild group booking.

Held sites for this event will be released on May 6, 2026.

Dallas Chapter Summer Lunch Series - The Rustic (Friday, June 26, 2026)

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 16:45:00 GMT

Dallas Chapter Wild Game Dinner @ Dallas Gun Club (Wednesday, July 15, 2026)

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Dallas Chapter Summer Lunch Series - Pecan Lodge (Friday, July 24, 2026)

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 16:45:00 GMT

Annual All Stewards Dove Hunt (Friday, September 11, 2026)

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Join Stewards of the Wild for the 13th Annual All-Stewards Dove Hunt Presented by Duck Camp in Albany on Sept. 11-12!

The Annual All-Stewards Dove Hunt is Stewards of the Wild's signature outdoor experience and the largest and most popular annual event. The two-day program includes: two hunts, opportunities to learn from conservation professionals, fellowship with other outdoorsmen and women, two meals (including a gourmet dinner by acclaimed chef Jesse Griffiths), lodging, live music, sporting clays, and a festive atmosphere round out the experience.

The All-Stewards Dove Hunt helps ensure TPWF can continue to deliver impactful, year-round conservation leadership programming to members across Texas. Watch this short video from a recent All-Stewards Dove Hunt to see how it’s unlike any other hunt in Texas.

Tickets will go on sale this summer. Stay tuned!

Dallas Chapter Family Dove Hunt (Saturday, September 19, 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMT