What is Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF)?
TPWF is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that advances Texas’ proud outdoor traditions through meaningful, high-impact programs, partnerships, and a wide range of projects that conserve and enhance our state’s lands, waters, and wildlife. Our vision is for all Texans to have access to the wild things and wild places in our state, both now and for generations to come.
For more than 30 years, TPWF has been keeping Texas wild. TPWF has raised and invested more than $250 million to advance Texas’ proud outdoor traditions and conserve and enhance our lands, waters, and wildlife. TPWF is the official nonprofit partner of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and also partners with dozens of other organizations and corporations across the state.
To learn more about TPWF, visit https://www.tpwf.org/.
What is the difference between Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF) and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD)?
TPWF members are not SOTW members and unrelated to the SOTW Program. TPWF members are donors who make an annual, general gift to TPWF and are an essential part of the TPWF's work to ensure the future of Texas’ wild things and wild places. To find out more about TPWF membership, visit tpwf.org.
When, where, and why was SOTW created?
SOTW was established in 2013 in Dallas after outdoor enthusiasts Mac MarFarlan and Josh McKee approached TPWF with the idea to create a program that would encourage young Texans to get involved in conservation, learn about public lands, and connect through meaningful outdoor experiences. Today, the program is TPWF’s successful conservation leadership program, with hundreds of members across the state.
Are there different SOTW membership levels?
Yes! We offer single (1 person) and dual memberships (2 people) at one-year or two-year options. We also offer a lifetime membership option.
What is the difference between a SOTW member and a TPWF member?
TPWF members are completely separate from SOTW members. TPWF members are an essential part of the TPWF's work to ensure the future of Texas’ wild things and wild places. Without TPWF members, projects like the restoration of pronghorn in the Trans-Pecos, the enhancement of grasslands that support quail and monarch butterflies, and land acquisitions that provide public access and conserve vital habitats would be impossible. Find out more about TPWF membership.
Is my SOTW membership tax deductible?
Yes, 100% of your membership fees are tax deductible.
Who oversees the SOTW program and chapters?
TPWF's, Director of Conservation Engagement and Education, Katie Charles, oversees the SOTW program and chapters with the help of TPWF Program Associate, Emmy Francell.
Each chapter is led by two volunteer co-chairs and 5-10 volunteer advisory council members. The co-chairs and advisory council members work with TPWF staff to ensure local chapter members have opportunities to experience the various outdoor landscapes of Texas; increase their knowledge about public land access; interact with conservation professionals; and participate in the conservation of our wild things and wild places.
How do I get more involved with SOTW?
We encourage every SOTW member to attend local chapter and statewide events, get to know other SOTW members and leaders, stay up to date on SOTW and TPWF happenings by reading the monthly SOTW newsletter and signing up for TPWF communications, and volunteer when possible. If you are interested in serving as a chapter advisory council member or a co-chair, reach out to your local chapter via email.
- Abilene: abilene@stewardsofthewild.org
- Austin: austin@stewardsofthewild.org
- Bryan-College Station: bcs@stewardsofthewild.org
- Dallas: dallas@stewardsofthewild.org
- Fort Worth: fortworth@stewardsofthewild.org
- Houston: houston@stewardsofthewild.org
- Midland: midland@stewardsofthewild.org
- San Antonio: sanantonio@stewardsofthewild.org
Other ways to get involved with SOTW include our Mentored Hunting and Fishing, Board Fellows, and Statewide Conservation Committee Initiatives. For more information about these initiatives, navigate to the "initiatives" menu on stewardsofthewild.org.
Which Texas cities have established SOTW chapters?
We currently have chapters in Abilene, Austin, Bryan-College Station, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Midland, and San Antonio.
If I don't live in a city with an established chapter, how can I get involved?
Join the Statewide chapter and enjoy the benefits of a SOTW membership. We believe location should not be a barrier to conservation involvement and resources. Gain access to all chapter and statewide events, and opportunities to network with SOTW members and TPWD experts across the state.
How do I establish a new local chapter?
If you are interested in helping establish and lead a new SOTW chapter, please contact us at sotw@stewardsofthewild.org.
