How Native Landscapes Create Resilient Communities

Recent studies have shown that natural grasslands and the birds they support are the fastest declining large ecosystem in North America. As The Nature Conservancy expands conservation actions to address both climate change and biodiversity, a focus of the work in Texas is to protect and restore native grasslands and promote improved agricultural land practices. As the state continues to experience rapid growth, TNC is promoting the use of nature as infrastructure to maximize the function and benefit of native landscapes to build resilience to improve soil health, increase carbon sequestration, reduce flooding, decrease heat island, and enhance habitat. Scott's presentation will highlight TNC's programs throughout the state to harvest thousands of pounds of native seed every year, promote conservation-friendly ranching techniques and sustainable land management practices while promoting nature-based solutions in urban and coastal communities.
Suzanne Scott joined the Nature Conservancy in Texas as the State Director in November 2020 after a 20-year career with the San Antonio River Authority serving as its General Manager for 13 years. Texas has wide-open spaces, thriving cities, a strong farming and ranching culture, and a rapidly growing population. As State Director for The Nature Conservancy in Texas, Scott establishes conservation strategy and public policy leadership to protect the state’s cherished landscapes and support ecology, economy, public health, and equity. Collaborating closely with a talented staff of dedicated conservationists, scientists, and multi-disciplinary experts, she is focused on promoting resilience through on the ground nature-based projects in rural and urban communities and along coasts while supporting the protection and restoration of connected and diverse habitats and ecosystems throughout Texas. At the River Authority, she steadfastly elevated the agency’s crucial role and impact and implemented more than $600 million in highly visible river and creek improvement and restoration projects. She also guided the development of successful programs to improve flood protection, water quality, habitat restoration, and increase access and use of the river and its tributaries for recreation and public enjoyment. In addition, Scott chaired the South-Central Texas Regional Water Planning Group and the Guadalupe and San Antonio Rivers Bay and Basin Area Stakeholder Group. She also led the first Interregional Planning Council, created by the Texas Water Development Board. Currently, she serves on the State Flood Planning Group for the San Antonio River Basin. Suzanne obtained her undergraduate degree from Texas Tech University and a Master of Science in Urban Administration from Trinity University. She is based at TNC Texas headquarter office in San Antonio.
Presented at the Fall Symposium in New Braunfels, October 2024