The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) and the Association of Texas Soil & Water Conservation Districts (ATSWCD) have partnered to highlight Texas Soil and Water Stewardship Week and the importance of voluntary land stewardship in Texas. The statewide campaign is April 27 through May 4, 2025, and the focus this year is “Home Is Where the Habitat Is."
Native habitats are vital for maintaining Texas's rich biodiversity. They serve as homes for countless species while playing a critical role in storing carbon, filtering pollutants, and preventing soil erosion. Preserving these habitats is essential to ensuring that the ecosystems we rely on remain strong and resilient for generations to come.
Texas’s native habitats and landscapes are not just the foundation of our natural environment—they are also deeply intertwined with our cultural heritage and future prosperity. From prairies and wetlands to forests and rivers, each habitat contributes to the health and vitality of our state. These habitats sustain wildlife but also provide critical ecosystem services that benefit people directly, such as clean water, fertile soil, and recreational opportunities. The preservation of these habitats is a shared responsibility that supports both environmental and human well-being.
Healthy habitats contribute to many things, including:
- Clean Air and Water: Native plants and habitats filter pollutants, ensuring cleaner air and water for all.
- Ecosystem Stability: Biodiverse habitats provide a balanced environment, reducing the impact of natural disasters.
- Carbon Storage: Habitats act as natural carbon sinks, helping to maintain ecosystem balance.
- Enhanced Natural Beauty: Native landscapes enrich the aesthetic value of our state, attracting tourism and boosting local economies.
- Resilient Environments: Strong ecosystems support sustainable agriculture and forestry, safeguarding Texas’s economy and quality of life.
Since 1939, the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) and Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) have championed responsible natural resource management across the state. By partnering with private landowners, agricultural producers, and conservation organizations, they help implement strategies that protect our precious soil, water, and habitats. The success of conservation efforts relies on active community involvement and shared commitment, as collective actions play a vital role in protecting and preserving our natural heritage for future generations.
This year's theme, "Home Is Where the Habitat Is," invites us to celebrate and protect these critical habitats. By prioritizing habitat preservation, we can ensure that the ecosystems supporting Texas’s vibrant biodiversity and abundant natural resources continue to thrive. Let us renew our commitment to protecting these habitats and honor their role in shaping a sustainable and resilient future for all Texans.
This campaign aims to bring more awareness and support to voluntary land stewardship because the way we manage our resources on private lands directly impacts our natural resources. Partnering organizations in the “Home Is Where the Habitat Is,” campaign includes Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas, Ducks Unlimited, Holistic Management International, Lower Colorado River Authority, Plains Cotton Growers, Texan By Nature, Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council, Texas Association of Dairymen, Texas Conservation Association for Soil and Water, Texas Farm Bureau, Texas Forestry Association, Texas Seed Trade Association, Texas Hemp Coalition, Texas Poultry Federation, Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association, Texas Water Resources Institute, Texas Watershed Steward Program, Texas Wildlife Association, Upper Trinity Conservation Trust, and USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Water Grows.
For more information on “Home Is Where the Habitat Is,” please visit www.tsswcb.texas.gov.