The natural landscapes of Texas are full of variety, from deserts and canyons to forests and prairies. For the last century, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has championed the responsible management of these iconic environments, which help conserve water resources, spark local economic growth and enrich the lives of millions of Texans. The Apache Corporation Tree Grant Program, founded in 2005, has partnered with TPWD for the last 15 years to jointly conserve the environmental heritage and biodiversity of the state. Trees serve as a focal point throughout the Texas State Parks system and other TPWD sites including wildlife management areas and fish hatcheries. These trees provide the habitat for a wide range of plants and animals native to Texas.
“Partnerships with organizations such as Apache Corporation provide opportunities to leverage public investments, broaden visitor experiences, develop infrastructure, restore landscapes and capitalize on constantly evolving business opportunities in parks,” said Catherine McClendon, TPWD sustainability manager. “We are grateful for the collaboration and support of key stakeholders that allow us to conserve natural and cultural resources for future generations of Texans.”
To enhance the recreational opportunities that define the Lone Star State, TPWD began implementing a new development plan in 2024 to restore native landscapes to historical conditions. Plans to open six new state parks are currently underway, underlining the critical nature of public-private partnerships to bring these projects to fruition.
“The work being done by TPWD exemplifies the impact and importance of environmental stewardship in our communities and aligns with our longstanding commitment to conserve and enhance green spaces across Texas,” said Castlen Kennedy, senior vice president of Corporate Affairs and Marketing. “As the state’s population continues to grow, our aim is to help meet the rising energy demand that will come with it. At the same time, we are working to ensure that the natural landscapes we derive benefit from remain as breathtaking and sustainable as they were a century ago.”
To learn more about the Apache Corporation Tree Grant Program, visit www.apachelovestrees.com.
July 2024