"Wild Women for Good" - Stories of Conservation in Texas

Come join Austin Woman's Club at Chateau Bellevue to learn about Jennifer L. Bristol’s latest book, Wild Women for Good: Stories of Conservation in Texas, which chronicles the remarkable women who have shaped the Texas landscape over the last 150 years. Through more than 60 compelling profiles, Bristol highlights their tireless efforts to protect wildlife, preserve natural landscapes, influence environmental policy, and safeguard the state’s natural heritage for future generations. During her presentation, Bristol will focus on foundational figures who were instrumental in preserving Central Texas. Among them is Mamie Powell, an Austin resident who played a pivotal role in establishing the Texas state park system in the 1920s. Few groups demonstrated more tenacity—or had more fun—than the seven women who fought to protect the 300-acre Wild Basin Preserve. In 1975, the Committee for Wild Basin Wilderness, famously known as "the seven little old ladies in tennis shoes," (see center picture in photo collage) launched a grassroots fundraising campaign ranging from community garage sales to fashion show benefits. Their dedication paid off. Over the following three years, they raised $284,000 in cash and secured more than $370,000 in donated land for Travis County. These efforts were bolstered by $654,000 in federal matching funds to complete the purchase. Today, Wild Basin Preserve stands as a premier example of urban wilderness and a testament to their legacy. Bio: In addition to Wild Women for Good, Jennifer Bristol is the author of Parking Lot Birding: A Fun Guide to Discovering Birds in Texas and Cemetery Birding: An Unexpected Guide to Discovering Birds in Texas.A dedicated advocate for the Texas landscape and its future stewards, Jennifer serves on the City of Austin Environmental Commission. She also directs the Victor Emanuel Nature Scholarship Fund, which provides underserved youth with life-changing opportunities for outdoor immersion.