TEXAS CONSERVATION ALLIANCE

What TEXAS CONSERVATION ALLIANCE does

Texas Conservation Alliance (TCA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1971 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, operating as the State Affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. The organization protects Texas rivers, forests, wildlife, and natural heritage through a four-pillar model: (1) advocacy and policy work, including testified engagement at TCEQ, TPW Commission, and the Texas Legislature (Proposition 14, HB 2109); (2) Texas Conservation Action Team (TXCAT), which bundles the Lights Out for Wildlife building-collision campaign (currently operating in Dallas, Fort Worth, and College Station), the Native Plant Propagation Center at the Dallas Zoo (10,000+ seedlings/year across 100+ native species), and community volunteer habitat restoration; (3) the Lights Out Education Program with TEKS-aligned K-8 curriculum and a digital game developed with Maritimus Magazine; and (4) certification and workforce programs (Wildlife Habitat Certification via NWF partnership, Careers in Conservation 10-12 week internships, TCA 50 Support Circle founding-membership tier). TCA's revenue is generated through donations and memberships, a small e-commerce shop selling branded apparel, bird-collision prevention products (ABC BirdTape, Feather Friendly), and symbolic animal adoptions ($21.99-$24.99), and grants (e.g., Amon G. Carter Foundation). The organization is small (1-10 employees), governed by a Board chaired by Justin Lannen, and led since December 2024 by Executive Director Grahame Jones (former TPWD Director of Law Enforcement). TCA's historical footprint includes co-establishing the 7,000-acre Neches River National Wildlife Refuge in 2006 (authorized to grow to 25,000 acres) and opposing the proposed 66,000-acre Marvin Nichols Reservoir and 16,000-acre Lake Ringgold through litigation and legislative channels.

Name

TEXAS CONSERVATION ALLIANCE

Legal name

Texas Conservation Alliance

Website

https://tcatexas.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1971

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Texas Conservation Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1971 and the State Affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation, protecting Texas wildlife and habitats through policy advocacy, the Lights Out for Wildlife building-collision program, native plant propagation, and K-8 conservation education.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Conservation Nonprofit Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Biodiversity & Habitat Conservation (BPAGAGAA)

Keywords

• Wildlife conservation advocacy
• Habitat protection programs
• Conservation education
• Bird migration monitoring
• Native plant propagation

Headquarters

HQ city

Dallas

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Memberships: TCA relies on member donations and contributions to fund conservation programs. The organization runs fundraising campaigns including the TCA 50 Support Circle requiring $1,000+ donations to support internship programs.
2. Merchandise Sales: TCA operates an e-commerce shop selling branded merchandise including apparel, accessories, and conservation products. Items include T-shirts, visors, Yeti tumblers, bird tape products, and more.
3. Symbolic Animal Adoptions: TCA offers symbolic animal adoptions for wildlife species including frogs, beavers, rattlesnakes, alligators, eagles, and more, with prices ranging from $21.99 to $24.99.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Texas Conservation Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that protects Texas wildlife and natural habitats through advocacy, policy work, education, and on-the-ground conservation programs. Its core offerings include the Texas Conservation Action Team (TXCAT), Lights Out for Wildlife initiative, Native Plant Propagation Center, Wildlife Habitat Certification, TEKS-aligned education curriculum, internships, and a gift shop selling bird collision prevention products and symbolic animal adoptions.

Product overview

Texas Conservation Alliance (TCA) is a non-profit organization offering conservation programs rather than a unified technology product. Its core programs include Advocacy & Policy work, the Texas Conservation Action Team (TXCAT) combining Lights Out for Wildlife initiatives with native plant propagation, and wildlife habitat certification. Educational offerings include the Lights Out Education Program with TEKS-aligned curriculum. TCA operates a gift shop selling bird collision prevention products (ABC BirdTape, Feather Friendly markers), branded merchandise, and symbolic wildlife adoptions. The Careers in Conservation Internship Program provides workforce development. Native plant sales are facilitated through partner organizations. These programs collectively support TCA's mission to protect Texas rivers, forests, wildlife, and natural heritage through grassroots outreach, policy advocacy, and community engagement.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• TXCAT: Texas Conservation Action Team - a core conservation program which includes Lights Out for Wildlife, Native Plant Propagation and Sales, and Community-Driven Volunteer Engagement.
• Lights Out for Wildlife
• Texas Alliance for America's Fish and Wildlife (TAAFW)

Products and services

• Advocacy and Policy Program Grassroots outreach and policy advocacy program to protect Texas wildlife, forests, rivers, and natural habitats through legislative engagement and public education, including opposition to proposed reservoirs such as Marvin Nichols and Lake Ringgold.
• Texas Conservation Action Team (TXCAT) Community-driven conservation program including Lights Out for Wildlife, Native Plant Propagation Center, volunteer habitat restoration events, and environmental education initiatives for Texas residents.
• Lights Out for Wildlife Program Campaign to reduce bird collisions with buildings by encouraging turning off non-essential lighting during peak migration seasons (11 PM to 6 AM, Sept-Nov and Mar-May). Includes free certification for homes, businesses, schools, and municipal buildings.
• Lights Out Education Program TEKS-aligned curriculum modules for grades 3-5 and 6-8 exploring bird migration, light pollution, and urban ecology through inquiry-based lessons, real-world data, and the For The Birds interactive digital game.
• Native Plant Propagation Center Partnership with Dallas Zoo cultivating over 10,000 seedlings annually across 100+ species of native grasses, shrubs, and forbs for prairie conservation and statewide native plant sales.
• Wildlife Habitat Certification Program to certify backyards, balconies, schools, and office spaces as wildlife sanctuaries through the National Wildlife Federation partnership.
• Careers in Conservation Internship Program 10-week and 12-week internship program training future conservation leaders through hands-on experience in habitat restoration, native plant propagation, and Lights Out wildlife monitoring.
• TCA Gift Shop Online shop selling wildlife-themed merchandise including bird collision prevention tapes (ABC BirdTape, Feather Friendly), branded apparel, symbolic animal adoptions, and Lights Out yard signs.
• Symbolic Wildlife Adoptions Virtual animal adoption program offering symbolic adoptions of Texas wildlife including frogs, beavers, rattlesnakes, American alligators, American bumble bees, stone crabs, and bald eagles to support conservation.
• Feather-Friendly Bird Collision Prevention Products Bird collision prevention tapes and markers (ABC BirdTape, Feather Friendly DIY) designed to make glass visible to birds and reduce window collisions.
• Lights Out for Wildlife Outdoor Yard Sign Two-sided 18"x24" outdoor yard sign displaying spring and fall migration dates to show support for migratory bird protection, with metal stake included.

Quantifiable outcome

• TCA has conducted Lights Out surveys in downtown Dallas since 2020, with expansion to Fort Worth and College Station, contributing to research on nearly one billion bird deaths from window collisions annually.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Fort Worth Museum of Science and HistoryminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Lights Out Fort Worth partner supporting the bird collision monitoring program in downtown Fort Worth.
• Tarrant County College Trinity River CampusminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Educational partner providing parking facilities and support for Lights Out Fort Worth survey activities.
• Downtown Fort Worth Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Local partner supporting Lights Out Fort Worth program and working with downtown buildings to encourage lighting reduction.
• Cornell Lab of OrnithologycoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2020Partner in Lights Out Texas program, providing survey protocol design and research support. Also launched the Lights Out Fort Worth campaign in 2020.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2006Long-standing partner in establishing and managing the 7,000-acre Neches River National Wildlife Refuge, working to protect bottomland hardwood forests.
• National Wildlife FederationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTCA is the official State Affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation, working together on wildlife conservation programs, habitat certification, and advocacy efforts statewide.
• Dallas ZoocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for the Native Plant Propagation Center located at the Dallas Zoo, which cultivates over 10,000 seedlings annually across 100+ native species for prairie conservation.
• Redenta's Garden ShopcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal partner in Dallas providing retail access to native plants grown in the area, located at 2001 Skillman St, Dallas, TX 75206.
• Garden for Wildlife, Inc.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner providing statewide delivery of native plants for Texans who want to garden for wildlife conservation.
• Audubon TexascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide partner in the Lights Out Texas campaign, collaborating on advocacy, education, and monitoring to protect migratory birds.
• Trinity River Audubon CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLights Out Dallas partner organization providing support for bird collision monitoring and community engagement.
• Perot MuseumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLights Out Dallas partner providing support for bird conservation and monitoring efforts in the DFW area.
• Texas A&M University (Biodiversity Research and Teaching Collections)coreTechnology or IntegrationResearch partner receiving birds from collision surveys for study of bird migration patterns in Texas.
• Travis AuduboncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in developing Lights Out education curriculum for grades 3-5, providing age-appropriate conservation education content.
• Defenders of WildlifecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in developing Lights Out education curriculum for grades 3-5, contributing to conservation education materials.
• Maritimus MagazineminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in developing 'For The Birds' interactive digital game for students to learn about light pollution impacts on migrating birds.
• North Texas and Blackland Prairie Master NaturalistsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVolunteer organization partner supporting Lights Out Dallas program activities and community engagement.
• Friends of the Neches River / Friends of the Neches River RefugecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organizations working with TCA and USFWS to establish trails, support refuge operations, and promote outdoor recreation at Neches River NWR.
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency partner for wildlife conservation, State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), and collaborative conservation initiatives. TCA testified before TPW Commission on mountain lion regulations.
• Armand Bayou Nature CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for TCA's 2024 Annual Meeting and Nature Activities Event, providing educational programming and nature tours.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Cornell University's ornithology research center that co-developed TCA's Lights Out Texas survey protocol and provides research support. Comparable focus on migratory bird conservation and citizen science monitoring.

Direct peers

• Sierra Club (Lone Star Chapter): Texas chapter of national environmental organization running parallel advocacy on Texas land, water, and wildlife issues, including opposition to reservoirs and forest protection. Directly comparable in advocacy model and Texas constituency.
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation: Texas-based nonprofit supporting TPWD through fundraising for state parks, wildlife, and conservation programs. Closely aligned mission with TCA on Texas wildlife and wild places, with stronger ties to the state agency.
• Defenders of Wildlife: National wildlife advocacy nonprofit that partners with TCA on Lights Out education curriculum and shared advocacy on wildlife species protections (mountain lions, predators). Comparable mission and overlapping education programs.
• Audubon Texas: State-level Audubon chapter that is a core TCA partner on the Lights Out Texas campaign and broader migratory bird advocacy. Directly comparable as a Texas-focused bird conservation nonprofit with policy and education programs.

Broad incumbents

• The Nature Conservancy (Texas): Global conservation organization with a major Texas chapter operating land conservation, habitat protection, and policy advocacy. Comparable mission and overlapping Texas habitat focus, with materially larger scale and endowment.
• National Wildlife Federation: National umbrella organization of which TCA is the official Texas State Affiliate. Operates the largest US wildlife advocacy network with overlapping habitat certification, policy advocacy, and education programs at national scale.

Emerging players

• Dallas Zoo: Major Texas zoological institution that hosts TCA's Native Plant Propagation Center and participates in Lights Out Dallas. Comparable in conservation and education mission with adjacent wildlife focus.
• Travis Audubon Society: Central Texas Audubon chapter that partnered with TCA to develop the Lights Out education curriculum for grades 3-5. Comparable as a Texas bird conservation nonprofit with overlapping education and Lights Out programming.

Regional players

• Ducks Unlimited (Texas): Texas operations of national waterfowl and wetlands conservation nonprofit, with overlapping focus on bottomland hardwood forest conservation in East Texas (including Neches River watershed). Comparable habitat mission with different species focus.

Market position

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/tcatexas
• Facebookfacebook.com/Texas-Conservation-Alliance-225366448093
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tcatexas
• Instagraminstagram.com/tcatexas

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about TEXAS CONSERVATION ALLIANCE