Urban Wildlife Program

Big City Biologists

As Texas becomes increasingly urban, the need for nature in our cities becomes more and more critical. Over 86% of the Texas population live in urban areas. The six largest metropolitan areas (Metropolitan Statistical Areas including Houston, San Antonio, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, El Paso, and the lower Rio Grande Valley) combined total over 70% of the state's population. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Urban Wildlife Program has Urban Biologists stationed in the top six areas to provide urban communities with professional planning guidance, management recommendations, research and public outreach associated with wildlife, habitat and natural resource management. Each Urban Wildlife Program office offers public assistance including:

Urban Wildlife Offices and Staff

Vacant
Conservation Outreach Program Leader

        Austin         Dallas/Fort Worth El Paso
Vacant
Rachel Richter
rachel.richter@tpwd.texas.gov
(972) 293-3841

Sam Kieschnick
sam.kieschnick@tpwd.texas.gov
(972) 293-3841

Lois Balin
lois.balin@tpwd.texas.gov
(915) 774-9603
Houston Lower Rio Grande Valley San Antonio
Diana Foss
diana.foss@tpwd.texas.gov
(281) 456-7029

Kelly Norrid
kelly.norrid@tpwd.texas.gov
(281) 456-7029

Ernesto Garcia-Ortega
ernesto.garcia-ortega@tpwd.texas.gov
(956) 532-3009
Judit Green
judit.green@tpwd.texas.gov
(210) 688-6444

Jessica Alderson
jessica.alderson@tpwd.texas.gov
(210) 688-6444