Clive Runnells, Jr.

Clive Runnels, Jr., a great-grandson of the iconic Texas rancher, Abel Head “Shanghai” Pierce, transferred large pieces of the Pierce family lands for protection – 5700 acres in 1987, and an additional 3150 acres in 1989. The Nature Conservancy later bought another 3900 acres. The properties are now held within Mad Island Wildlife Management Area, and the Clive Runnels Family Mad Island Marsh Preserve. The protected lands include intermediate, brackish and saline marshlands, and also comprise brush and coastal prairie, providing habitat for geese, ducks, cranes and other wildlife.