Background

The Texas Markers Project recognizes 300 individuals, groups, technologies, and events that have shaped conservation in the state.

These markers highlight a wide range of contributors whose actions helped protect Texas’ natural heritage. The examples include scientists, landowners, educators, artists, naturalists, policy-makers, agencies, and community groups spread across nearly 110 counties in the state.

The archive focuses on the formative years in the Texas conservation movement, reminding us of its long and complex history. The collection ends with events that occurred over 30 years ago, and closes with individuals who passed away more than 10 years ago (following the approach of the Texas Historical Commission’s marker program). Many of the entries date to 100 years ago or earlier.

Each marker profile includes descriptions of a local conservation story, the location affected, and the dates involved. The marker entries also provide supporting files, such as field notes, correspondence, paintings, photographs, patents, and more.

These background materials also include 111 audio records excerpted from oral history interviews with participants, witnesses and students of these events. The audios are posted as a group on our YouTube channel.

The overall goal of this site is simple: to make it easier for Texans to learn about the history of conservation, to explore these places, and to understand how past efforts continue to influence the stewardship of natural resources and public health today. We hope you find the site interesting and helpful.

The Marker project is sponsored by the Conservation History Association of Texas, an Austin-based nonprofit formed in 1998. The Association also manages several other programs, including the Texas Fauna, Texas Landscape, Texas Legacy, and Texas Notebook Projects.