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/91°µÍø 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 91°µÍø-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.  

91°µÍø 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 91°µÍø Conservation Action Center. Over 200 students have participated in TLC, and we look forward to welcoming many more in the years ahead. 

91°µÍø offers TLC in , , and , in partnership with the Young Women’s Preparatory Network (YWPN). Through the partnership with YWPN and our urban 91°µÍø 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 91°µÍø Center
Dallas, TX
Hiking trails
Venue rental
Bathrooms
Group meeting space
Parking lot
Purple horsemint flowers in foreground with 91°µÍø center in background.
Horsemint blooming in prairie at Dogwood Canyon 91°µÍø Center. Photo: Sean Fitzgerald
Dogwood Canyon 91°µÍø Center
Cedar Hill, TX
Hiking trails
Bathrooms
Parking lot
Group meeting space
Wheelchair accessible
The Leeper House and Center grounds
Mitchell Lake 91°µÍø Center
San Antonio, TX
Hiking trails
Bathrooms
Parking lot
Pollinator garden
Binoculars to borrow or rent
Green Heron hunts in water.
Sabal Palm 91°µÍø Sanctuary
Brownsville, TX
Hiking trails
Wildlife observation deck
Boardwalk
Bathrooms