I was aware of the Rob & Bessie Welder Wildlife Conservation Foundation for a decade prior to working with it to help develop the infrastructure for a capital campaign. I had visited the site and met the staff, and always had a marvelous experience during these visits.
In 2008, I worked for a few months to help the staff develop the infrastructure for a capital campaign for a new educational facility.
Highlights:
>Staff members are highly intelligent, committed to science-based environmental education, and they are exceedingly gracious.
>Other, more aggressive nonprofit organizations in the field seem to get more public attention, but this nonprofit is certainly among the most deserving (albeit quieter).
>Their educational work - especially in the K-12 realm - should be expanded. The need for science-based environmental education for this age group is critical. There is simply not enough of it, and WWCF provides this in exceptional quality.
>WWCF facilities are noteworthy from an historic standpoint. It is my hope they will opt for National Register status, and also secure funds for restoration of the now-historic campus.
>WWCF has its own well-managed ranch endowment fund that provides for basic ongoing needs. With a little extra outside support, even more work could be accomplished. I cannot think of a more worthy and safe place to invest your money, if conservation and natural resource education is your area of interest.