Texas Women in Conservation

The Texas Women in Conservation award supports conservation education, notably Audubon’s Conservation Leaders Program, which provides opportunities for high school students to become more involved in environmental science.

Great Blue Heron Photo: Kenneth Lassman / Audubon Photography Awards

Audubon Texas Announces 2024 Terry Hershey Award Winners

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 Texas Women in Conservation award supports conservation education, notably Audubon’s Conservation Leaders Program, which provides opportunities for high school students to become more involved in environmental science. Each year, students participate in hands-on nature-based programs at Audubon’s three nature centers in Texas, as well as conduct extensive field research in nearby natural resource areas. Program costs and materials are 100% subsidized by Audubon's generous donors and grants. 

Legacy of Excellence: Celebrating Past Terry Hershey Award Honorees

Terry Hershey Photo: Audubon Texas
Barbara Doolin - 2024 Honoree Photo: Audubon Texas
Josie Gutierrez - 2024 Honoree Photo: Audubon Texas
Helen Drummond - 2023 Honoree Photo: Audubon Texas
Virginia Rose - 2023 Honoree
Betty Bueche - 2022 Honoree Photo: Audubon Texas
Jeanette Honermann - 2022 Honoree Photo: Audubon Texas
Anne Brown - 2020 Honoree Photo: Audubon Texas
Janette Monear - 2020 Honoree Photo: Audubon Texas
Julie Shackelford - 2020 Honoree Photo: Audubon Texas
Gail Thomas - 2020 Honoree Photo: Audubon Texas
Valerie Bristol - 2019 Honoree Photo: Audubon Texas
Carolyn Chipman - 2019 Honoree Photo: Audubon Texas
Susan Kaderka - 2019 Honoree Photo: Audubon Texas
Dianne Wassenich - 2019 Honoree Photo: Audubon Texas
Claire Peterson Caudill - 2018 Honoree Photo: Audubon Texas
Maxine Johnston - 2018 Honoree Photo: Audubon Texas
Linda Shead - 2018 Honoree Photo: Audubon Texas
Blair Fitzsimmons - 2017 Honoree Photo: Audubon Texas
Karen Hixon - 2017 Honoree Photo: Audubon Texas
Susan Hughes - 2017 Honoree Photo: Audubon Texas
Ruth Lofgren - 2017 Honoree Photo: Audubon Texas
Janice Bezanson - 2016 Honoree Photo: Audubon Texas
Deborah Clark - 2016 Honoree Photo: Audubon Texas
Ann Hamilton - 2016 Honoree Photo: Audubon Texas
Marty Leonard - 2016 Honoree Photo: Audubon Texas
Carol Dinkins - 2015 Honoree Photo: Audubon Texas
Mary Anne Piacentini - 2015 Honoree Photo: Audubon Texas
Susan Rieff - 2015 Honoree Photo: Audubon Texas
Ellen Temple - 2015 Honoree Photo: Audubon Texas

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News & Updates

Audubon Texas Announces 2023 Terry Hershey Award Winners
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Audubon Texas Announces 2023 Terry Hershey Award Winners

— Conservation organization celebrates 100-year legacy of women leaders; provides environmental science opportunities for high school students.
Texas Leaders in Conservation - TLC
Women In Conservation

Texas Leaders in Conservation

Career-focused conservation science and service for high school students. TLC for the Planet.

Lessons Shared
Women In Conservation

Lessons Shared

Audubon Conservation Leaders

Audubon Texas Names 2022 Terry Hershey Award Honorees
Women In Conservation

Celebrating Our 2022 Texas Women in Conservation Honorees! Learn more about these two amazing women...

Audubon Texas Names 2022 Terry Hershey Award Nominees. The Texas Women in Conservation Luncheon was held on April 19, 2022 in San Antonio. Honorees were presented with the Terry Hershey Award honoring the role that Texas women have played in conservation.

Video: Audubon Texas Women in Conservation Virtual Event, featuring the 2020 Terry Hershey Awards
Women In Conservation

Video: Audubon Texas Women in Conservation Virtual Event, featuring the 2020 Terry Hershey Awards

"Needless to say, we're celebrating a bit differently than we have in past years!"

Video: 2020 Terry Hershey Award Honorees Preview
Women In Conservation

Video: 2020 Terry Hershey Award Honorees Preview

Congratulations to Anne Brown, Janette Monear, Julie Shackelford, and Gail Thomas

2020 Terry Hershey Award Honorees
Women In Conservation

2020 Terry Hershey Award Honorees

Congratulations to Anne Brown, Janette Monear, Julie Shackelford, and Gail Thomas

Four Honored with the 2019 Terry Hershey Award
Women In Conservation

Four Honored with the 2019 Terry Hershey Award

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2019 Terry Hershey Award Honorees
Women In Conservation

2019 Terry Hershey Award Honorees

Congratulations to Valarie Bristol, Carolyn Chipman Evans, Susan Kaderka, and Dianne Wassenich

Audubon Texas Announces Winners of the 2019 Women in Conservation Awards
Women In Conservation

Audubon Texas Announces Winners of the 2019 Women in Conservation Awards

These women lead the way in protecting the rich lands, waters and wildlife of Texas.

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