Texas Leaders in Conservation (formerly known as Audubon's Conservation Leaders Program for Young Women or ACL for short) is excited to be kicking off our eleventh year of programming. We continue to work with Young Women’s Preparatory Network. Audubon’s work, both nationally and in Texas, is known to be focused on protecting birds and the places they need to survive. In order to meet these goals, we approach our work through the lens of five major conservation focuses; Climate Change, Water, Coasts, Working Lands, and Bird-friendly Communities. Each year, the Texas Leaders in Conservation (TLC) program tackles the science, conservation, and the broad career options within these strategies. 

As with all aspects of the world post the COVID-19 pandemic, our program has gone through substantial change over the last few years. Traditionally, students meet with leading female scientists, explore Texas’s diverse ecosystems, and learn about career paths in various conservation fields. When the pandemic hit, we learned so much about creating relevant, engaging virtual programs. Now, in the post pandemic world, we are delighted to move the Texas Leaders program into the future with a hybrid program. Students will gather in-person with their school cohorts for field trips but also interact with experts and participants from other cities through Zoom meetings.  Additionally, we are delighted to announce we reestablished our overnight capstone camp experience, in partnership with the Welder Wildlife Foundation!

Our topic this year is Climate Change; understanding how living on a warmer planet stresses our biomes, as well as our human communities, and what actions we can take to mitigate the impacts of our carbon emissions. Past and new participants alike will build knowledge on how to strategically move from scientific facts and storytelling to local, state, and federal action. Students can expect to learn about college and career opportunities for sustainable careers as well as conservation science.

Both in-person and virtual programs will help students develop leadership and communication expertise, to help them to become the very best leaders in their academic and professional careers once they graduate from High School.

Audubon Texas is offering the program in Dallas, and San Antonio. Austin's program will be lead by our partners at Travis Audubon Society. Program costs and materials are 100% subsidized by Audubon's generous donors and grants. In return, participants are expected to come prepared to each virtual or in-person session and bring a positive, enthusiastic attitude to each experience, especially the intensive camp portion. 

2025-2026 Applications are now open! Apply here!

Enjoy these articles by TLC participants...

• Dylan's Post: The History of Trinity River Audubon Center
• Jacky's Blog: Cruz's Corner
• Camp Blog: Eight Year Splash
• Houston Blog: Lessons Shared

Quotes & Photos from Texas Leaders in Conservation, Past Years

"I decided to return to the program because I had so much fun in the outings that we would have and I learned so much about various career fields." Alina F. Dallas Senior, 2nd year participant

"I decided to return because this program is a relief for me. It gives me an outlet to explore nature when I don't get to do it much anymore. The games and the exercises have made me into a more receptive and engaging person. I have a lot of positive things to say about the program." Blue M. Returning Dallas Senior, 3rd year participant.

Welder Camp Conservation project - replanting native garden for bird viewing area.

Participants remove Johnson Grass and plant native prairie grasses at our Trinity River Audubon Center, July 2021

"Camp was super fun and enriching. I loved our group. We shared so many laughs together." Lyla A, San Antonio, returning Junior.

Community Puzzle - each piece drawn by 2023 campers

Beach clean up and crazy finds with Sharia J., program graduate, summer 2022.

Houston students learn how to test water quality, February 2022

Moving Firewood for Team Night, December 2021

Houston students conquer their fear of heights to climb the Brazos Bend State Park Observation Tower, July 2021

San Antonio 2019-2020 participants learning about the benefits of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, February 2020

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Texas Leaders in Conservation is a part of a greater effort to raise the stature of women’s roles in conservation, support young women and gender non-conforming students in environmental sciences, and engage women in important conservation issues in Texas. And it can’t be done without your support.