Audubon Texas is pleased to announce Barbara Doolin and Josie Gutierrez as the 2024 Texas Women in Conservation Terry Hershey Award Honorees.

Barbara Doolin has spent much of her life supporting conservation work that advances biodiversity, wildlife, and programs that engage the public in birds and nature. An avid birder since 1987, she has a life list of nearly 4,500 species and enjoys seeing birds in their natural habitats all around the world while traveling with her husband, Earl Doolin. Barbara and Earl are members of Audubon’s Founders Circle, whose investment made the Migratory Bird Initiative possible. In addition to her work with the National Audubon Society, Barbara has also served on the National Council of Defenders of Wildlife.

Josie Gutierrez is a prominent environmental advocate, community leader, and storyteller based in San Antonio, where she works as Regional Coordinator for Latino Outdoors, a national nonprofit organization that encourages Latino communities to engage with nature and outdoor activities. Josie plays a vital role in promoting environmental education and conservation within the Latino community in Central and South Texas. Josie also serves on the Advisory Board of the Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, Audubon’s 1200-acre conservation action center located on the South Side of San Antonio. Josie has spent decades connecting to nature and loves nothing more than to share her love for the outdoors with her family, friends, and social media followers.

“We’re incredibly thrilled to honor Barbara and Josie for their contributions to Texas environmental conservation,” said Lisa Gonzalez, Audubon Texas Vice President and Executive Director. “These trailblazers have lent their time and talents to such a worthy cause, opening doors and walking alongside other Texas women who are engaged in this critical work across the state every day. We’re grateful for all they’ve done for Audubon Texas and the other organizations and communities they’ve impacted through their efforts.”

The award was established in 2015 in honor of the late Terry Hershey, who dedicated much of her life to ecological conservation efforts in Houston and throughout Texas. Mrs. Hershey was a former member of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission and a founding board member of Bayou Preservation Association, Houston Audubon Society, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Research Center, The Park People, and Urban Harvest. She was also a past board member for Audubon Texas, the National Audubon Society, National Recreation and Park Association, and The Trust for Public Land.