International Crane Foundation Texas Program selected as Texan by Nature Conservation Wrangle
CONTACT: Ryan Michalesko, Communications & Advocacy Specialist, 608-356-9462 ext. 113,
April 1, 2025 – Rockport, Texas – The International Crane Foundation is pleased to announce the selection of our Texas Program as a 2025 Texan by Nature (TxN) Conservation Wrangler. Conservation Wrangler is an accelerator program that catalyzes the very best Texan-led conservation projects occurring in the state. Selected projects are science-based and demonstrate positive Return on Conservation™ benefits for people, prosperity, and natural resources.
“The story of the Whooping Crane is very much a Texas story. For many decades all of the wild population wintered in Texas. Even today, the majority of the Whooping Cranes on earth call Texas home,” said Dr. Carter Crouch, Director of Gulf Coast Programs at the International Crane Foundation. “We are honored to have been selected as a 2025 Conservation Wrangler. As we continue our work to save one of the continent’s most endangered species, we are grateful for the support this important program will provide in advancing that mission.”
The International Crane Foundation’s Texas Program is dedicated to protecting the Aransas-Wood Buffalo Population of Whooping Cranes, the last naturally occurring population of Whooping Cranes. Once reduced to 15/16 birds in 1941/1942 the population has rebounded to 550 individuals in Texas today. However, threats like habitat loss, power line collisions, poaching, and water scarcity persist. The Texas Program safeguards the wintering grounds, ensures freshwater availability, and promotes human-wildlife coexistence through research, habitat management, policy, and outreach. By collaborating with landowners, policymakers, and local communities, the Foundation drives conservation action and fosters pride in these iconic birds. Their work strengthens crane populations and ensures sustainable conservation, securing a future where Whooping Cranes continue to thrive.
The Texan by Nature team will work with the 2025 Conservation Wranglers and provide 12-18 months of tailored support in program management, strategic planning, marketing strategy, metrics capture and analysis including the production of Return on Conservation™ Index for select projects, professional content creation, and partnership development – whatever is needed to accelerate the project.
“Congratulations to our 2025 Conservation Wranglers!” said Texan by Nature Founder and former First Lady, Mrs. Laura Bush. “I am thrilled to see your conservation innovations taking place in Texas. Thank you for leading the way and taking care of our people, our prosperity, and our natural resources. You are setting a fine example for our state.”
“This year’s Conservation Wrangler applications highlighted the impressive breadth of conservation action and leadership across Texas,” said Joni Carswell, President and CEO of TxN. “The selected Conservation Wranglers embody the solution-driven mindset of Texans, delivering tangible benefits for natural resources and innovative strategies for addressing global conservation challenges. TxN’s collaboration with these projects will expand conservation efforts and impact statewide. We look forward to sharing key insights, engagement opportunities, and scalable solutions that drive lasting conservation success and measurable returns.”
Texan by Nature will recognize the 2025 Conservation Wranglers at the annual Conservation Summit on October 21, 2025, in Dallas, TX at the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
Photo: Whooping Cranes in flight at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Texas. Ciming Mei
