OVERVIEW 

Celebrating its 10th year in 2025, the Texas Women in Conservation, Terry Hershey Award honors the remarkable achievements of women in conservation and highlights their role as champions driving positive change for wildlife and habitats. These women exemplify leadership, resilience, and creativity, inspiring future generations of Texans to engage in environmental stewardship. 

By showcasing the success stories of women in conservation, the award encourages aspiring conservationists to see themselves in similar roles. It also highlights the collaborative spirit that drives impactful conservation efforts, emphasizing the importance of collective action. 

Honoring the legacy of Terry Hershey, a Houston conservationist dedicated to habitat preservation and public advocacy, the award celebrates her empowering influence, particularly on women in the field. Recipients of the award promote inclusivity, breaking barriers and inspiring others to protect Texas’s natural heritage. 

Ultimately, the award not only recognizes individual accomplishments but also fosters a ripple effect, encouraging more women to become leaders and advocates for conservation, reinforcing the value of diverse voices in shaping the future of our planet.  

A steering committee composed of past honorees, Audubon Texas advisory board members, community partners, and Audubon staff selects applicants, ensuring a thoughtful and inclusive process. Two to three honorees will be announced in Spring 2025. 

Please click HERE to nominate a deserving honoree for the 2025 Audubon Texas Women in Conservation Terry Hershey Award! Nomination deadline is Friday, December 6, 2024. 

AWARD NOMINATION CRITERIA  

In evaluating applications for the Texas Women in Conservation Terry Hershey Award, special consideration will be given to candidates who exhibit the following:  

• A deep and enduring passion for nature that fosters a sense of belonging and connection within communities to the outdoors. 
• A strong emphasis on conservation and conservation education that invites everyone to participate in protecting our environment. 
• Exceptional dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment that inspires and empowers future leaders from all backgrounds. 
• Unwavering persistence in achieving conservation outcomes, encouraging collective action and shared success. 
• A commitment to initiatives focused on habitat preservation, restoration, environmental education and outreach, and enhancement of our natural world, enriching the quality of life for all members of the community. 
• The development of innovative initiatives in habitat preservation, restoration, environmental education and outreach, and enhancement of our natural world, that create positive, inclusive impacts on the community, ensuring that everyone feels connected to and invested in our shared environment. 

2025 AWARD CATEGORIES

As we consider potential nominees, we invite you to reflect on the following categories of achievement that celebrate diverse contributions to conservation: 

Pioneer 

This category honors individuals who have demonstrated persistence, innovation, and extraordinary commitment to conservation, significantly advancing conservation science, practices, or community engagement. Potential nominees may embody one or more of the following qualities: 

• Innovation in research or conservation practices that inspire and include a broad range of voices. 
• Success in social engagement and community education that brings people together. 
• Long-term commitment and persistence in advancing conservation efforts across Texas, fostering a sense of shared responsibility. 
• Outstanding achievement in policy or public advocacy that creates equitable opportunities for all. 
• Representation of the next generation of conservation leadership, ensuring diverse perspectives are valued and heard. 

Professional 

This category recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a strong commitment to conservation through their profession. Potential nominees may come from a variety of fields, including, but not limited to: 

• Academics/researchers 
• Educators 
• Industry professionals 
• Journalists/communications specialists 
• Land/natural resource managers/landowners 
• Legal and policy experts 
• Local municipalities, state and federal government agencies 
• NGO/non-profit leaders 

Philanthropist 

This category celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to conservation through their philanthropic actions or support. Potential nominees may have demonstrated their commitment through: 

• Organization building that enhances conservation efforts and fosters community involvement. 
• Strategic investments that drive meaningful change in conservation practices. 
• Long-term support that empowers diverse conservation initiatives. 
• Next-generation leadership that inspires inclusivity and collective action in conservation efforts. 

We encourage you to nominate individuals who embody these qualities and demonstrate a commitment to fostering belonging and inclusivity in the conservation community. Together, we can amplify our impact and create a brighter future for our natural world.