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Texas Conservation Alliance

Saving Texas Wildlife

By on Jul 27, 2023 in Giving

In 2022, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will bring you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities.

Let’s travel to Dallas, Texas and introduce you to the Texas Conservation Alliance (TCA), founded in 1972. Since they were founded, TCA has had a remarkable record of protecting Texas state forests, prairies and rivers.

“Through grassroots advocacy and community coalitions, TCA protects and preserves wildlife habitats for the future benefit for all Texans,” said John DeFillipo, executive director of TCA.

TCA incorporates community engagement and advocacy, conservation education and outdoor recreation elements to help inform people and protect Texas wildlife habitats. The community engagements include:

  • habitat restoration with native plants
  • river and stream clean-ups
  • encouraging decreased light pollution in major Texas cities
  • invasive species removal
  • wildlife habitat surveys
  • Forest and prairie hikes

Funding from Yardi has supported various programs for the Texas Conservation Alliance. Such programs include supplying resources for native plants and sustaining its Texas Conservation Action Team (TXCAT). TCA plans to increase staff members and diversify its community volunteer base, interns and anybody interested in the restoration, conservation and preservation of Texas wildlife habitat. TCA plans to conduct several environmental education activities in outdoor settings for over 900 participants in North Texas this year. And hopes to plant 250 trees, 2,500 native plants and restore 100 acres of wildlife habitat.

“Thank you, Yardi, for being a solid and committed supporter of TCA for the past several years. Your company’s commitment to the environment and conservation is a great example to other colleagues in the DFW area,” shared DeFillipo.

An Ally for Wildlife

Skyler, a student at Texas A&M University, reflects on an incredible internship experience at Texas Conservation Alliance. This was Skyler’s second semester interning with TCA, and he was offered an opportunity to frame and pilot the campus Lights Out, College Station (LOCS) collision survey program.

“Looking back, I’m amazed by how much experience and knowledge I’ve gained in such a short time and the opportunity I’ve had to contribute to wildlife-saving efforts in my city,” shared Skyler.

TCA’s internship program offers many potential projects— aspiring conservationists in Texas are encouraged to apply for the upcoming fall semester internships. The remote-style program allows for a better balance between academics and other responsibilities.

“All in all, I have found myself an ally for all wildlife- to be an unexpected bird enthusiast and, more than all, a leader in my community,” Skyler shares.

Volunteer Opportunities

“Conservation of wildlife habitat can be done within your home or business. Plant native species to create habitat, conserve water this summer, turn off lights when leaving your office or home and engage with a community conservation group,” shares DeFillipo.

TCA currently does not have any summer events, but in August, they will have events posted for the Fall. Private conservation events for Yardi employees or community groups can be directed to Mei Ling, community conservation director, at [email protected].

Find future non-profit profiles at https://www.yardi.com/blog/category/giving.