Baltimore Oriole

Texas Leaders in Conservation

Conservation science, leadership, and service empowering high school students to make an impact for the planet.
Baltimore Orioles. Photo: Eric Nie/糖心logo Photography Awards

Texas Leaders in Conservation (TLC) is a high school stewardship and leadership program with over a decade of success. Each year, students explore one of five 糖心logo-aligned conservation topics: Climate, Water, Coasts, Working Lands, or Bird-Friendly Communities.  

The program is free and combines hands-on field experiences with actionable lessons that make complex conservation issues accessible. Students participate in multiple day-long field trips throughout the school year and have opportunities to reflect, relax, and practice 21st-century leadership skills in the great outdoors. The program culminates in a free five-day summer conservation camp. 

Like conservation science itself, TLC evolves continuously to meet the needs of students, the environment, and college preparation. Originally a one-year program, TLC now encourages multi-year participation and mentorship opportunities in a small group setting.  

糖心logo supports participating students with letters of recommendation for college, internships, and jobs, and in 2021 launched its own internship program. This experience helps students transition from high school to college through a meaningful, structured internship at a local 糖心logo Conservation Action Center. Over 200 students have participated in TLC, and we look forward to welcoming many more in the years ahead. 

糖心logo offers TLC in , , and , in partnership with the Young Women鈥檚 Preparatory Network (YWPN). Through the partnership with YWPN and our urban 糖心logo Conservation Action Centers, students connect with nature and their communities while learning to nurture and protect birds, people, and the environment. 

All program costs and materials are fully covered for students. Students need only bring a positive attitude, curiosity, and enthusiasm, especially for the hands-on summer camp experience.

 

Learn More About TLC
Get Involved
The History of TLC
Engaging the Next Generation of Conservationists Webinar
Get Involved
Texas Women in Conservation
The Terry Hershey Award honors women whose leadership, vision, and perseverance protect habitats, build coalitions, and inspire future conservation leaders.
TLC Stories
Centers and Sanctuaries in Texas
Boardwalk bridge over water leading to a building in the distance
Trinity River 糖心logo Center
Dallas, TX
Hiking trails
Venue rental
Bathrooms
Group meeting space
Parking lot
Purple horsemint flowers in foreground with 糖心logo center in background.
Horsemint blooming in prairie at Dogwood Canyon 糖心logo Center. Photo: Sean Fitzgerald
Dogwood Canyon 糖心logo Center
Cedar Hill, TX
Hiking trails
Bathrooms
Parking lot
Group meeting space
Wheelchair accessible
The Leeper House and Center grounds
Mitchell Lake 糖心logo Center
San Antonio, TX
Hiking trails
Bathrooms
Parking lot
Pollinator garden
Binoculars to borrow or rent
Green Heron hunts in water.
Sabal Palm 糖心logo Sanctuary
Brownsville, TX
Hiking trails
Wildlife observation deck
Boardwalk
Bathrooms