Texans are being called to recognize the vital role of native ecosystems in shaping a healthier, more sustainable future during Texas Soil and Water Stewardship Week, observed statewide from April 27 to May 4, 2025. This year’s theme, “Home Is Where the Habitat Is,” highlights the essential connection between thriving habitats and the well-being of both people and the environment.
Spearheaded by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) and the Association of Texas Soil & Water Conservation Districts (ATSWCD), the annual campaign emphasizes the importance of voluntary land stewardship and its role in preserving Texas’s diverse landscapes—from prairies and wetlands to forests and river systems.
“Native habitats aren’t just where wildlife lives—they are where we find clean water, healthy soil, and the balance that supports our communities,” said a TSSWCB spokesperson. “They’re critical to our economy, our culture, and our future.”
Why Habitats Matter
Healthy habitats provide a wide range of environmental and economic benefits:
- Clean Air and Water: Native plants naturally filter pollutants, improving the quality of life for all Texans.
- Ecosystem Resilience: Biodiverse ecosystems are more stable and better able to withstand droughts, floods, and other natural challenges.
- Carbon Storage: Natural habitats act as carbon sinks, playing a role in climate stability.
- Natural Beauty and Recreation: These landscapes draw millions for hunting, hiking, and tourism.
- Sustainable Agriculture: Healthy soils and water systems directly support farming and ranching across the state.
Since its founding in 1939, the TSSWCB has partnered with landowners, farmers, ranchers, and local Soil and Water Conservation Districts to implement voluntary conservation practices. These efforts not only safeguard natural resources but also strengthen rural communities and ensure that Texas’s natural legacy endures.
A Community-Wide Commitment
This year’s campaign is supported by a broad coalition of partners, including Texan By Nature, Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas Farm Bureau, Texas Wildlife Association, and USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, among many others. These organizations are working together to raise awareness of the value of native ecosystems and promote practical actions that support conservation.
Texans are encouraged to get involved by supporting local conservation districts, planting native species, reducing runoff, and learning more about how everyday choices impact soil and water health.
“Our ecosystems do so much for us quietly in the background,” said one campaign advocate. “Stewardship Week is a chance to say thank you—and to step up to protect what makes Texas special.”
To learn more about the “Home Is Where the Habitat Is” campaign and find ways to get involved, visit www.tsswcb.texas.gov.
