Executive Overview

In the sprawling and ecologically diverse landscapes of the Lone Star State, the battle to protect natural heritage relies not only on policy and science, but on visionary leadership. For over a decade, Audubon Texas has spotlighted those who answer this call through the Texas Women in Conservation Program. Entering its landmark 11th year, the program has announced its prestigious 2026 Honorees: Pamela Reese, Lydia Saldaña, and Shelly Plante.

These three remarkable leaders have been selected for their extraordinary contributions to protecting Texas’s natural resources, advancing climate solutions, restoring fragile coastal and inland ecosystems, and creating bird-friendly communities. Each honoree will be awarded the esteemed Terry Hershey Award, named in honor of the legendary Texas conservationist whose fierce advocacy and tireless volunteerism laid the groundwork for modern ecological stewardship in Houston and across the state.

The announcement arrives at a critical juncture for Texas. As unprecedented population growth, rapid urban expansion, and climate volatility strain local ecosystems, the work of safeguarding working lands, rivers, coastlines, and wildlife corridors has never been more urgent. By honoring women whose careers span philanthropy, strategic communications, and nature-based tourism, Audubon Texas underscores a fundamental truth of modern conservation: protecting the environment requires a diverse coalition of voices, disciplines, and unwavering community engagement.

Detailed Chronology: A Legacy of Trailblazing Stewardship

To understand the weight and significance of the 2026 awards, one must trace the lineage of the Texas Women in Conservation Program and the formidable figure whose name it carries.

The Spirit of Terry Hershey

The Terry Hershey Award is not merely a token of recognition; it is a continuation of a legacy. Terry Hershey, who passed away in 2017, was a Houston-based conservation icon. During an era when environmental protection was rarely prioritized in corporate boardrooms or municipal planning offices, Hershey was a trailblazer. She famously fought to protect the Buffalo Bayou from being channelized into a concrete ditch, spearheaded efforts to establish the Katy Prairie Conservancy, and served on the board of the National Audubon Society. Known for her persuasive grace, relentless tenacity, and collaborative spirit, Hershey believed that ordinary citizens could alter the trajectory of conservation if they were willing to speak up for the land and wildlife.

The Evolution of the Texas Women in Conservation Program

Founded 11 years ago, the Texas Women in Conservation Program was established to address a historical oversight: while women have long formed the backbone of grassroots environmentalism, education, and community advocacy, their leadership roles have frequently been underrepresented in mainstream historical accounts.

Through an open, rigorous nomination process reviewed by a distinguished steering committee of state conservation leaders, the program annually identifies women whose work has left an indelible mark on the Texas landscape. Over the past decade, the program has inducted a pantheon of scientists, landowners, policy experts, and philanthropists.

The selection of Pamela Reese, Lydia Saldaña, and Shelly Plante for the 2026 cohort continues this tradition of excellence, highlighting three distinct avenues through which conservation is achieved: philanthropic institution-building, public storytelling and media campaigns, and community-based nature tourism.

Supporting Context & Metrics: The Impact of the 2026 Honorees

The profiles of the 2026 honorees reveal a mosaic of dedication, touching virtually every corner of Texas’s ecological map—from the limestone hills of Central Texas to the vast wildlife corridors and bird-rich coastal trails.

Pamela Reese: Institutionalizing Conservation and Land Philanthropy

Pamela Reese is a titan of Texas conservation philanthropy and institutional development. Her decades of service have fundamentally shaped the conservation movement across the state, most notably as the founding president of the Hill Country Alliance Board of Directors. Under her stewardship, the Alliance evolved into one of the most authoritative and influential voices for protecting the fragile Texas Hill Country—safeguarding its land, water, wildlife, dark skies, and rural heritage against the pressures of rapid development.

Reese’s impact is magnified through her personal philanthropy and leadership of the Reese Foundation, which has provided vital financial lifelines to a sprawling network of environmental organizations. Her beneficiaries and partners include:

• The Nature Conservancy
• Texas Land Conservancy
• Westcave Preserve
• Colorado River Alliance
• Shoal Creek Conservancy
• Wimberley Valley Watershed Association
• Trinity Edwards Springs Protection Association
• National Wildlife Federation
• Austin Parks Foundation
• Austin Trail Foundation
• Cibolo Nature Center

Crucially, Reese’s commitment extends far beyond boardrooms and checkbooks. Alongside her husband, Mike, she placed their own Hill Country ranch under a conservation easement with The Nature Conservancy. This permanent legal agreement ensures that ecologically significant land will be shielded from future commercial or residential subdivision, preserving vital habitat for native wildlife in perpetuity.

Lydia Saldaña: Shaping Public Consciousness Through Communications

While land acquisition and policy are essential, public will dictates the long-term success of conservation. Lydia Saldaña has spent her career mastering the art and science of conservation communications. Serving as the Communications Director for both the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, Saldaña played a pivotal role in shaping public engagement regarding Texas wildlife, public lands, and delicate habitats.

Saldaña engineered and directed statewide multimedia campaigns that elevated public awareness of habitat stewardship, drove critical fundraising initiatives, and forged strategic partnerships between private entities and public agencies. Her expert storytelling has translated complex biological data and environmental challenges into compelling narratives that resonate with everyday Texans.

In addition to her foundational work with state agencies, Saldaña has lent her expertise as a consultant for organizations such as the Borderlands Research Institute. Furthermore, her creative output includes producing numerous video projects celebrating the very individuals featured in the Texas Women in Conservation series, multiplying the reach and cultural impact of statewide environmental initiatives.

Shelly Plante: Bridging Communities, Economics, and Ecology

Conservation is most enduring when local communities recognize its economic and intrinsic value. As the Nature Tourism Manager for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Shelly Plante has dedicated her career to connecting people with nature and advancing community-based conservation initiatives.

Plante is the driving force behind some of Texas’s most successful public engagement and eco-tourism programs:

• The Great Texas Wildlife Trails: Connecting travelers to premier wildlife viewing sites across the state.
• The Great Texas Birding Classic: A premier annual bird-watching tournament that has successfully raised over $1.34 million in conservation grants for habitat restoration and land protection.
• Texas Paddling Trails: Opening up waterways for low-impact recreation and fostering a personal stewardship ethic among paddlers.
• The Texas Pollinator BioBlitz: Engaging students and communities in citizen science to document and protect declining pollinator species.

Plante’s influence extends into higher education as an adjunct professor at Texas State University, where she mentors the next generation of environmental professionals. Known for her collaborative ethos, she has also been a vocal advocate for federal legislative measures, including her instrumental support for the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA), cementing her status as a pillar of modern conservation advocacy.

Official Statements and Visionary Leadership

The selection of the 2026 honorees reflects Audubon’s broader organizational mission: halting habitat loss, addressing climate change, and ensuring that birds and people can thrive in a shared environment.

Commenting on the announcement, Audubon Texas Vice President and Executive Director Lisa Gonzalez emphasized the profound ripple effects of female leadership in the environmental sector:

"We are so thrilled to honor these incredible women who have dedicated themselves to conservation and environmental stewardship. True leadership in conservation is measured not just by the habitats restored or policies shaped, but by the generations inspired. These honorees embody the courage, commitment, and vision needed to protect Texas’s natural legacy—and to light the way for those who will follow."

Gonzalez’s remarks capture the core philosophy of the Texas Women in Conservation Program: that environmental milestones are built on a foundation of mentorship, community resilience, and generational foresight. By uniting communities around a shared purpose, honorees like Reese, Saldaña, and Plante operationalize Audubon’s vision of a healthier, more climate-resilient future.

Future Outlook: The Road Ahead for Texas Conservation

As Texas looks toward the mid-21st century, the ecological challenges facing the state are immense. Rapid urbanization along the Interstate 35 corridor, pressures on aquifer levels in the Edwards Plateau, coastal erosion along the Gulf of Mexico, and shifting migration patterns for millions of migratory birds demand innovative, adaptive responses.

Yet, the legacy of Terry Hershey—carried forward by leaders like Pamela Reese, Lydia Saldaña, and Shelly Plante—offers profound reassurance. Their collective achievements prove that through private land stewardship, effective public communications, and community-centric nature tourism, Texans can successfully balance growth with ecological preservation.

Call to Action: Nominations Open for 2027

The impact of the Texas Women in Conservation Program continues to grow, and the search for the next generation of leaders is already underway.

Audubon Texas has officially opened nominations for the 2027 Texas Women in Conservation Terry Hershey Award. Organizers are calling on the public, environmental organizations, and community leaders to identify women who are making a significant, measurable impact in protecting and restoring the natural world.

• Deadline for Submissions: January 18, 2027.
• How to Apply: Nomination applications and guidelines are available online via the Audubon Texas Official Portal.

By lifting up these voices and celebrating those who defend our natural resources, Texas reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the wild spaces, rivers, and skies that define the state’s unique identity for decades to come.