As we navigate this time of uncertainty, facing challenges that test our adaptability, we have a choice — to dwell on what we can’t control or to focus on what matters most.

As a team, we’ve chosen to take this opportunity to reflect. In times of adversity, what keeps us going? What inspires us? How do we remind ourselves of the resilience that has carried us this far? We asked staff to share their thoughts. Their responses capture the heart of who we are — driven by purpose, connected by our work, and committed to pushing forward, no matter the obstacles. You’ll find some of those reflections below.

STORIES OF RESILIENCE

Destruction and Rebirth

For 15 years, a pair of ranchers in northeastern New Mexico have been dedicated to practicing conservation. A number of years ago, they worked with the National Wild Turkey Federation to remove invasive tamarisk (salt cedar) from Ute Creek while preserving native seep willow. Water returned almost overnight.

Then came the flash flood.

Initially, they believed the creek was destroyed. But PLJV staff provided a fresh perspective: the creek was doing what it was designed to do. Two years later, the landscape rebounded — grassed banks, thriving riparian vegetation, and a stronger ecosystem. A testament to nature’s resilience.

The Strength of Rural Communities

Like the New Mexico ranchers above, producers throughout the region exemplify resilience daily, battling drought, wildfires, and market shifts. In February 2024, wildfires swept across Oklahoma and Texas,  scorching over 1 million acres. Among those affected was a PLJV staff member, who saw firsthand the strength of rural communities in the aftermath. Ranchers from across the country showed up to help each other. They rebuilt fences, cared for orphaned calves, and donated hay.

A year later, the land has recovered. New fences stand. The grass has returned. And the same communities that weathered disaster remain ready to help others when the next challenge comes.

STORIES OF REFLECTION

The Power of Steady Progress in Conservation

Conservation often brings with it daunting statistics — declining bird populations, acres of land in need of restoration. At times, the scale of these challenges can seem overwhelming. Yet, despite the magnitude of the task, it’s often the small, steady actions that add up over time, creating meaningful change.

A prime example is the Texas Playa Conservation Initiative, which launched in 2017. Facing an immense restoration need, partners took a simple approach: start somewhere and see what could be done. By the end of this year, the initiative will have restored more than 3,900 acres of playas and 447 acres of saline lakes. While supported by various organizations, much of the on-the-ground work was driven by a single Texas Parks and Wildlife Department position. The initiative’s success is a testament to how consistent, determined action can lead to substantial impact.

Bison Conservation

As we reflect on the power of steady progress, we also look to the example set by bison conservation. Once numbering between 30 million and 60 million across North America, bison were nearly driven to extinction by the late 1880s. Overhunting, habitat loss, and government-led extermination efforts reduced their population to fewer than 1,000.

It took decades of dedicated conservation efforts by both private citizens and national parks to protect the remaining herds. Today, there are roughly 500,000 bison across North America, with 11,000 on public lands managed by the Department of the Interior. Yellowstone National Park alone is home to about 5,000. The recovery of the bison is a reflection of the broader land ethic championed by conservationists like Aldo Leopold, and it highlights how conservation is a long-term journey. The story of the bison reminds us that restoration is a marathon, not a sprint.

Finding Encouragement in Small Wins

The success of bison conservation also brings to light another essential aspect of conservation: the importance of small wins. In this field, victories aren’t always large, and progress doesn’t always appear overnight. Learning to celebrate these smaller achievements is vital for sustaining long-term efforts.

Conservation partnerships, while often working quietly behind the scenes, benefit people, wildlife, and landscapes — sometimes in ways that aren’t immediately visible. Trusting that impact, even when results seem slow, prevents discouragement. Each small win is a step forward, fostering long-term commitment and ensuring that change continues, even when the path forward isn’t always clear.

Embracing Change Through Curiosity

As we reflect on these examples, we’re reminded that change is inevitable, both within conservation organizations and beyond. Shifts in leadership, changes in policies, and evolving strategies provide ample opportunities for growth.

Rather than viewing these changes as setbacks, approaching them with curiosity can lead to greater understanding. This mindset has helped challenge assumptions and uncover new ways of thinking. Conservation, by nature, is a partnership-driven effort, and seeing the community come together during times of transition reinforces the strength of this collective effort. Just as a healthy grassland regenerates after a fire, resilience and collaboration will continue to drive conservation forward, no matter what challenges lie ahead.

STORIES OF INSPIRATION

“We’re Still Here”

Inspiration isn’t just about the land — it’s about the people who shape its future. A few years ago, one of our staff met an elderly couple still living on the farm their family homesteaded generations ago. They reminisced about the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression — times when neighbors packed up and left, chasing the promise of something better. “We didn’t have anywhere to go, so we stayed,” the husband said. Their survival was a daily battle — living on jackrabbits, stretching every resource, finding a way to endure. Yet through it all, he ended with a simple, powerful statement: “We’re still here.”

Their story speaks to the enduring strength of farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. It’s a reminder that the future of the land is in the hands of those who remain, who have weathered storms and challenges to build a lasting legacy. Their survival is not just a testament to the past, but an inspiration for the future. Through conservation, we can help ensure their legacy continues, making way for future generations to carry on the work they began.

The Strength of Partnerships

Inspiration doesn’t just come from individuals — it comes from the collective strength of communities. Conserving the vast landscapes of the western Great Plains may seem like an impossible challenge. But it’s not the scale of the task that inspires. It’s the people who come together to tackle it.

Every day, we are inspired by our co-workers, colleagues, and partners who share this mission. Their dedication is evident in every conversation, every project, and every new opportunity. We see conservationists, landowners, and community leaders working tirelessly, not for recognition, but because they believe in the future of this land. Their commitment to the future of this region proves that when people unite, no challenge is too great to overcome.

These partnerships are a powerful reminder that conservation is not just about preserving the past. It’s about shaping the future, ensuring the land remains healthy and productive for the generations that follow. Through collaboration, we are creating a foundation for the future — one rooted in shared purpose and unwavering commitment.

Carrying Conservation Forward

The future of conservation lies in the hands of those who show up every day, despite the challenges. Change is inevitable. Funding shifts. Positions are lost. But the commitment to carrying conservation forward remains unshaken.

We are dedicated to supporting agricultural producers and communities by helping them steward the landscapes we all depend on. And we know you are, too.

Your perseverance inspires us to keep moving forward. It shows that conservation isn’t just about the work we do today; it’s about ensuring that future generations hold the same connection to these lands. No matter the obstacles, we continue the work together — and that’s what inspires us to look ahead and keep building a better future.

From all of us at PLJV, thank you for your commitment to conservation. Together, we’re making a lasting impact.