Theodore Roosevelt’s prophetic words, “There can be no greater issue than that of conservation in this Country,” still ring true some 101 years later.
Growing up in the river bottoms of the East Fork of the Trinity, in Kaufman County, Texas, I was fortunate to be introduced to the splendors of our outdoor world at an early age. My maternal grandfather, Eugene Gilliam, was a true outdoorsman. He was responsible for cultivating my father’s interest in hunting. And although my grandfather passed away at a relatively early age, when I was 7 years old, I was imprinted with his love for all things wild. My father continued to nurture this interest throughout my childhood.
Though I longed to be in the bigger, wilder areas of South or West Texas as an adolescent, the reality of growing up in what quickly became a suburban area was that it created awareness for me of the fragility of open spaces, as well as an understanding that our natural world is not inexhaustible. It was during my college days at Texas A&M University, while studying wildlife sciences, that these childhood observations came more into focus. And, these academic studies also provided me with a cognitive perspective of the ecological intricacies of how man is inextricably tied to this whole process. It also became apparent to me that conservation of our natural resources and sustainability of the integrity of wild things and wild places would only come about as a consequence of the intervention of man. It was those revelations that led me on a life-long quest to be a part of something that is much bigger than me and something that can make a difference for Advancing Conservation Value in our society.
We often associate increased urbanization with evaporation of literacy for things that are wild, and for good reason. Indeed, there is certainly correlation between our city cousins that grow up inside the confines of the concrete jungle, relative to their aptitude and appreciation for wild things and wild places.
I believe, however, that there are many teachable opportunities for kids and adults, using wildlife props that are already squarely within the urban neighborhood. City wildlife is not simply for grackles and mice. When you peel back the layers, you’ll find a plethora of critters of diverse species within various classes, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects. You have a complex urban wildlife ecological wonder-land that unfolds daily, but to most casual observers, few appreciate the extent of wild critters that are camouflaged by the masquerade of other sights, sounds, and hustle and bustle.
As increased urbanization continues to shape the lifestyles of most Texans, society will be tasked with doing a better job of placing more emphasis on utilizing “green spaces” in cities as classrooms. We must celebrate the diverse opportunities to enjoy our urban wildlife. Fundamentally, relevance for wildlife is what will keep them with us, and relevance will only be ensured through creative and enterprising approaches.
Archery deer season has kicked-off in Texas, as have the deer programs that are on those properties under a Managed Lands Deer Permit, not to mention our Texas pronghorn season is underway, as well.
The fall fest is here. Life’s good in the outdoors, so get out and enjoy, and remember, you don’t always have to go to the country to enjoy wildlife; take it in whenever and wherever those opportunities present themselves, whether that be in your backyard, or whether it be along the back sendero!
Greg Simons is the President of the Texas Wildlife Association, a statewide membership organization of landowners, hunters, anglers, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts. Simons is a certified wildlife biologist and owner of Wildlife Systems, Inc., in San Angelo.
