Each year the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) and the Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts (ATSWCD) recognize and celebrate individuals that dedicate themselves to the conservation and management of renewable natural resources.
A former Kountze pharmacist was recognized during an awards luncheon on Oct. 25 at the Moody Gardens Convention Center in Galveston.
Kenny Bailey was selected as the 2022 Wildlife Conservationist winner. Bailey has transformed his 215 acres into a fish and wildlife habitat sanctuary and thriving forest. A portion of his pine timber, which was planted under an Environmental Quality Incentives Program contract, can be seen at the entrance to the property.
“Kenny’s love of wildlife is demonstrated by the enhancements he chose to include in the contract: Forest Wildlife Structures (bluebird boxes, bat towers, brush piles), Forest Stand Improvement for Wildlife Habitat (snags and den trees) and establishing pollinator habitat and ponds. The Baileys love the outdoors and have always enjoyed doing things to enhance wildlife,” according to a press release by TSSWCB.
“With the help of the Lower Neches Soil and Water Conservation District, USDA-NRCS, Texas Forest Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife, friends and others, today this land has become exactly what I was looking for at the beginning of my search,” said Bailey.
He stated his ultimate goal is to pass on what he has learned about conservation and become a mentor to the next generation.