Conservation for Future Generations …

We believe the term conservation means the wise, sustainable, and ethical use of our natural resources. Rob H. Welder entrusted the Foundation to conserve and manage a unique 7,800-acre piece of private property situated along 17 miles of the Aransas River. The Welder Wildlife Refuge, located approximately 40 miles north of Corpus Christi, Texas, is home to hundreds of species of plants, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, insects and resident and migratory birds. There are 16 different vegetation communities on the Refuge that are supported by 22 different soil types. This property is where the Rob & Bessie Welder Wildlife Foundation Headquarters are located. 

We know that much of our understanding about conservation of wildlife populations and habitats cannot be accomplished through short-term research projects. Therefore, Foundation directors and staff continue to conduct ongoing, long-term research on Refuge wildlife and their habitats. Often these projects incorporate the shorter-term research conducted by graduate students.

The term conservation is often extended to resources other than land and wildlife. The Foundation has also been entrusted to conserve a number of other special items including an extensive research library and collection of scientific specimens.