Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management Extension
As part of Texas A&M University’s land-grant heritage, our department provides an Extension unit to serve constituents statewide. Our Extension Specialists, Program Specialists and Staff disseminate research-based applied science associated with management aspects of rangelands wildlife and fisheries to landowners, managers, industry professionals, state and federal agencies, and policy makers. These specialists are dedicated to identifying, solving and communicating solutions for natural resources management problems affecting Texans. The reputation and reach of our Extension program has broad impacts across the state, our nation and the world.
Program Areas
Fisheries and Aquaculture Science
Our applied research results are translated into practical extension programs that benefit landowners, industry and government agencies in the management of aquaculture, private fisheries and private waters across Texas. Extension programs include workshops and field-based assessments to improve aquaculture operations and private fishery management.
Rangeland Science and Management
We implement extension programs to improve grazing lands through the engagement of landowners, industry and land-focused government agencies. Core areas include use of prescribed fire, herbicide applications, grazing strategies, native species restoration, soil health and emerging ecosystems services related to rangelands.
Wildlife Conservation Management
Wildlife extension programs serve to improve wildlife populations and their associated habitat ranging from invasive species, population management, and improvement of wildlife habitat. Workshops and on-demand resources are used to translate and provide information to various stakeholders.
Find an Extension Expert
Our Extension faculty are at the forefront of helping landowner communities understand the latest science-based natural resource management techniques and practices that will impact them directly.
ERM-1466: Chemical Weed and Brush Control Reference Guide for Rangelands
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service herbicide use committee documents past and current research related to the effectiveness of herbicides on potentially unwanted weed and brush species. These assessments are compiled in ERM-1466: Chemical Weed and Brush Control Reference Guide for Rangelands, which is often referred to as ERM-1466 or the 1466.
Outreach Efforts and Flagship Programs
Texas Master Naturalist
In partnership with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, we develop well-informed volunteers who bring natural resource education, outreach, and service to their communities to implement youth outreach programs, help operate parks, nature centers, natural areas and lead local natural resource conservation efforts.
Learn more: Texas Master Naturalist
Birding the Border
Birding the Border takes place each spring in Val Verde and Kinney counties. Located in the middle of the Central Flyway and at the intersection of three different ecoregions, Birding the Border provides participants with the opportunity to see a wide variety of birds in the borderlands of southwest Texas. The event features expert guides from across the U.S. and is appropriate for all levels of birding experience – from beginner to expert.
Learn more: Birding the Border
Generation Next: Our Turn to Ranch
This online educational series targets new landowners, those who are inheriting land, or those who are looking to start a new agricultural operation on an existing ranch. Participants work towards developing a business plan through a series of classes that cover topics such as understanding business taxes, evaluating land resources, setting up grazing or wildlife management leases, basic ranch laws, tracking finances and land management techniques, to name a few.
Learn more: Generation Next: Our Turn to Ranch
Small Acreage Big Opportunity (SABO)
In joint effort with the Texas Wildlife Association, our Extension experts teach intensive, one-day workshops for small-acreage landowners, to learn how to evaluate their property’s wildlife habitat and what options are available for wildlife management, including cost-share programs. These opportunities also connect landowners with local professionals who can walk alongside them as they steward and learn about their lands.
Learn more: Small Acreage Big Opportunity (SABO)
Aquaculture, Fisheries and Pond Management Resources
Our Extension experts provide technical assistance to help maintain private waters, lakes and ponds, and offer disease and parasite diagnostics and water quality testing through the department’s Aquatic Diagnostics Laboratory. To assist with common aquatic issues, we also host a public website that contains resources on topics ranging from sportfish management, aquaculture, fish species and production, ponds, aeration, water quality, aquaponics, aquatic vegetation and more.
Learn more: Aquaculture, Fisheries and Pond Management Resources
Connect with Us
| Unit | Youtube | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Master Naturalist | @TexasMasterNaturalistProgram | texasmasternaturalist | @TexasMasterNat | Texas Master Naturalist Program |
| Texas Range Extension | @TxRange | Megan Clayton | ||
| West Texas Rangelands | @westtexasrangelands | @motreadwell | West Texas Rangelands | |
| SW Texas Wildlife Extension | @agrilife.wildlife | |||
| Birding with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service | @agrilife.birding | @agrilife.birding | Birding with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service | |
Extension News
On AgriLife Today, the online archive for Texas A&M AgriLife and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, we provide news relating new and innovative research, academic programs, student experience, and Extension programming and outreach. We share news to improve lives, environments, scientific rigor and the Texas Economy. Read more department news on AgriLife Today.
Options for buffering, clearing ponds subject of May 20 webinar
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will host a webinar on May 20, focusing on the latest research assessing traditional agricultural lime versus commercially available liquid lime products for buffering and clearing ponds.
AgriLife Extension hosts wildlife Habitat at Home workshops
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will hold a series of workshops across the state teaching landowners of all acreage sizes how to improve wildlife habitat on their property and within the community.
Research and Extension Centers
Our centers conduct innovative research to contribute information relating to key agribusiness market issues.
- Center for Grazinglands and Ranch management
- Center for Natural Resource Technology (CNRIT)
- Rangeland Decision-Support Laboratory (RSDL)
- Grazingland Animal Nutrition Laboratory (GAN Lab)
- Texas AgriLife Extension Service Aquatic Diagnostics Laboratory
Browse our Resources on AgriLife Learn
We develop top-tier educational content, materials, and multimedia including online courses and publications to help our stakeholders make informed decisions.