The Big Bend Conservancy
The Big Bend Conservancy aims to support, promote, and raise funds for Big Bend National Park and the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River in partnership with the National Park Service. In addition, they work to preserve the natural beauty and unique resources of the park and river for future generations.
Established in 1996 as the "Friends of Big Bend National Park," the Big Bend Conservancy has raised over $4 million to date. The organization's Annual Fund provides support for its operating budget, allowing them to advocate for national park funding, advertise park programs, and host events for the park across the state and country.
The Big Bend Conservancy is governed by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors that reside across Texas. The Board decides the organization's priorities for funding, projects, and partnerships in collaboration with park staff. The diverse group has collectively served on multiple boards across the state. In addition, they have visited the park for decades and bring a determined focus of creating a legacy of fundraising for Big Bend.
With support from generous donors, park visitation increases every year, creating increased opportunities for park improvements. In addition, donations provide ongoing stewardship of park initiatives and educational programs. Finally, donors help to sustain Big Bend National Park and the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River's conservation efforts, ensuring these vital resources are available for generations to come.
Big Bend Conservancy’s mission is to preserve, enrich, and conserve the unique resources of Big Bend National Park and the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River through philanthropic efforts and in partnership with the National Park Service
Big Bend Conservancy's Work
The following are a couple highlights of the impactful work of the Big Bend Conservancy.
Terlingua Creek Project
The Terlingua Creek Project is a legacy project for the Conservancy and a unique opportunity to protect more than 6,000 acres of land along the western boundary of the park.
Private lands on Terlingua Creek adjacent and upstream of the Big Bend National Park boundary represent ecologically significant stream segments, and the potential for designation as such in the Texas Water Plan. Downstream and just inside the park boundary a rare, permanently flowing reach of creek supports primary natural cottonwood bosque within the park. The private property along Terlingua Creek, particularly the rare creek and riparian habitat at the confluence of Terlingua and Rough Run creeks, are important for ensuring protection of resources within the current park boundary, and supporting and increasing the scope and effectiveness of these restoration projects. Through acquisition of these properties for donation to the park following a congressional park boundary adjustment, this vital riparian habitat will be conserved for decades to come.
For ten years, the Conservancy worked with the park to restore over 55 acres of wetlands in the Rio Grande Village area of the park and then to rehabilitate the visitor center into a showcase for the area's wetlands, world-class birding, and rich cross-border history.
This project's goal was to restore a disturbed riparian bird habitat near the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park. Agricultural-era earthen berms constructed prior to park establishment that alter natural surface and groundwater conditions were removed, natural soil contours were reestablished, and native riparian vegetation, including cottonwoods and willows, were established on the five-acre site. Riparian bird species native to the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico found valuable habitat at the site following restoration.
Rio Grande Village Renovation & Wetlands Restoration
Join us in supporting Big Bend Conservancy
75% of this month's donations will go towards our partner, the Big Bend Conservancy.
This month and every month, Wild Boyz Photography will be partnering with one nonprofit. 75% of any donations that we receive during the month will go to the nonprofit. Help the Big Bend Conservancy continue their mission to preserve, enrich, and conserve the unique resources of Big Bend National Park and Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River.