Private philanthropy was critical to the successful acquisition of the stunning 17,351-acre Powderhorn Ranch along the Texas coast, the most important coastal land initiative in decades. The property will one day become a state park and wildlife management area, forever conserving habitat for hundreds of species, including the endangered whooping crane.

Created by TPWF, the Texas Coastal Conservation Initiative leverages private investment to maximize conservation of Texas’ coastal resources following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. TPWF established the Gulf Coast Conservation Loan Fund to provide interim financing for time-sensitive land conservation projects along the coast. The effort will amplify the impact of $800 million in Deepwater Horizon settlement funds available to Texas during this unique moment in history.

In 2010, a pristine stretch of the Devils River was saved from development forever after a private fundraising effort brought in $10 million, which was leveraged with $4 million in state and federal funds. This private/public partnership conserved nearly 18,000 acres of biologically diverse and culturally significant land in Val Verde County and included 10 miles of frontage along the crystal-clear Devils River.