The Welder Wildlife Foundation’s mission is to conduct research and provide education in wildlife science and management in the context of a working Texas cattle ranch.
Since 1954, their unwavering focus has been to provide fellowships for Masters and Ph.D. students in the fields of wildlife science, conservation, and management. Since then, they have supported more than 360 Welder Fellows, many of whom are now leaders in these professional fields.
While not precisely within the boundaries of the South Texas Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists, the Rob and Bessie Welder Foundation is a core nature partner and vital in our initial training. The Welder Wildlife Foundation or WWF is located north of Sinton, Texas, along the Aransas River in San Patricio County. The preserve hosts a variety of riparian landscapes from obligate uplands through obligate wetland along the edge of the floodplain of the river. The Foundation offices are a wonderland of architecture and museum, classroom, and laboratory, with a full-time administrative and research staff.
Visits and tours of the WWF are best facilitated by Texas Master Naturalists Chapters, like the South Texas Chapter or Mid-Coast Chapter. The area is not open to the public, so arrangements must be made for any visit or field research.
Contact the Education and Volunteer Program Coordinator aarredondo@welderwildlife.org or call the Main Office: 361-364-2643
The WWF Website: https://welderwildlife.org/
The WWF Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/WelderWildlifeFoundation
The WWF Landscape Essay: Landscape of the WWF
Map to the location of the Rob and Bessie Welder Wildlife Foundation.
