By News and Media Relations

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – NOV. 19, 2025 – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley will significantly benefit from increased wildlife conservation efforts, as Las Huellas deepened its commitment this year by contributing an additional $250,000 to the Las Huellas Fund, which supports students in the College of Sciences.

Initially established in 2023 with a $500,000 endowment, this fund supports students pursuing careers in environmental science and conservation, cultivating the next generation of wildlife habitat conservationists. Through scholarships and innovative research initiatives, UTRGV students are empowered to lead in preserving the diverse ecosystems of South Texas.  

Dr. Lucas Macri, dean of the College of Sciences, said that students supported by the fund gain valuable hands-on experience, engage in innovative conservation research and connect with a wider network of professionals. Pictured are Macri, Dr. Teresa Patricia Feria Arroyo, UTRGV School of Integrative Biological and Chemical Sciences director, and Las Huellas board members Dr. Russell Adams and Russell Young. (Courtesy Photo)

“We believe that conservation begins with education, by investing in UTRGV’s students, we’re cultivating lifelong stewards of South Texas,” said Dr. Russell Adams, a Las Huellas board member.

Based in Brownsville, Texas, Las Huellas advocates for South Texas wildlife while supporting wildlife managers, landowners and sportsmen. Its mission is to promote conservation through education, community engagement and the responsible management and restoration of natural habitats. Each year, the organization leads numerous conservation efforts, including youth education programs, hunter safety training, fundraising events and wildlife restoration projects, such as efforts to re-establish the region’s native wild turkey population.

Dr. Lucas Macri, dean of the College of Sciences, said that students supported by the fund gain valuable hands-on experience, participate in innovative conservation research and connect with a broader network of professionals.

“The fund boosts UTRGV’s ability to attract top faculty and researchers, strengthens the College of Sciences and enhances partnerships with local environmental organizations while expanding internship opportunities,” Macri said.

The organization has also supported research on tick-borne diseases affecting outdoorsmen and working dogs, reflecting a broader concern for environmental and public health. These contributions empower UTRGV students and local communities to become stewards of wildlife and habitat conservation, said Adams.

“Our land and wildlife are worth protecting, and supporting UTRGV students ensures that future generations carry forward the values of conservation,” Adams said.

Six UTRGV students were the first recipients of the scholarship – three for FY2025 and three for FY2026 – with additional students to be awarded next year. The scholarship funds are designated for students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 who have current or past involvement in wildlife conservation.

The Rio Grande Valley is one of Texas’s most biodiverse regions, home to wetlands, sand dunes, grasslands and woodlands that support a wide array of wildlife, including critical habitats for migratory birds. Through its continued support, Las Huellas is helping UTRGV develop a skilled, environmentally conscious workforce ready to protect these vital landscapes. 

“Las Huellas is proud to stand with UTRGV in cultivating leaders who understand the delicate balance between nature and community,” Adams said. “Together, we are investing in a legacy of conservation that will endure for decades.” 

Dr. Kelly Nassour, executive vice president for UTRGV Institutional Advancement, said the university is grateful to the association for their ongoing support in shaping the future of conservation and education at UTRGV.

“As the Las Huellas Fund continues to grow, so does its impact, enriching student lives and helping protect the natural world they are preparing to steward.”