Byron Black: Making Long-Term Plans for the Future of Our Parks & Wildlife

Byron Black has lived an adventurous life.

He was born in Georgia, and when he was but an infant, his parents would load him up in their Volkswagen Bug for outdoor adventures in Georgia State Parks. When he was eight, his family moved overseas for his father’s oil business work.

“We lived overseas for more than a decade and it seemed that everybody else from America was either from Louisiana or Texas. When my dad was transferred back to the States, we ended up in Ohio, and we missed being around people from the South.”

The pull of Texas led Byron to College Station, where he graduated from Texas A&M in 1986 with a mechanical engineering degree. His first job took him back to Ohio, but the training took place in Texas and when he had an opportunity to move to the Lone Star State for good, he jumped at the chance. He’s been in Texas with the same company ever since.

“That’s when I really discovered the incredible state parks and wildlife management areas operated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). I enjoy hunting, kayak fishing, camping and hiking. By enjoying these activities and taking advantage of the programs and locations offered by TPWD, I get to see and experience places in Texas I probably never would otherwise.”

Byron has hunted alligators at J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area (WMA), dove and hogs at Justin Hurst WMA, and deer and quail at Chapparal WMA. He has been kayak fishing at Galveston Island State Park and has camped and hiked at more Texas State Parks than he can count.

“I’ve made memories in TPWD sites all over the state. Probably the most spectacular memory was an archery hunt that was held at Devils River State Natural Area. That was a different part of Texas I had not seen before and I was awestruck by the beauty and vastness of that wonderful place.”

Byron learned about Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation through the email communication he receives from TPWD.

“I get a lot of emails from TPWD, and I read about what the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF) does to support our parks and wildlife management areas. I hadn’t really thought about giving to the foundation until I started doing some estate planning.”

Byron had already made plans to give to the Texas A&M Foundation through his will and decided he wanted to give to TPWF, too.

“Texas Parks and Wildlife and Texas A&M have been a huge part of my life here in Texas. I wanted to give back to what has given me such pleasure and satisfaction in my life.”

That’s why he is making long-term plans to ensure that the parks and wildlife management areas he loves are protected, even after he is gone. Byron recently made a planned gift to Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation.

“It is critical for Texas Parks and Wildlife to have the financial resources it needs to expand the opportunities it offers to future generations of Texans. As the population of our state increases, so will the stress on our environment and the stress on our current parks system.”

He encourages all who enjoy the parks and wildlife of Texas to consider a gift to Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation.

“Of the many options we have to donate to various causes, this can have a direct impact on your life and the lives of future generations of Texans. No matter how small the gift may be, it will make a difference!”

Find out more about how you can make a planned gift to TPWF.