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.

Extension Faculty

Extension Program Specialists

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

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	Facebook	Instagram	Twitter	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.

Learn how to manage fish in ponds during June 20 webinar

Pond owners can learn effective, science-based methods to manage fish in ponds during an online Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service webinar from 6-7:30 p.m. June 20.

The cost is $35. Register at https://tx.ag/FishManagementProgram.

A brown recluse spider crawls along the ground.

Brown recluse spider: Fact vs. fiction and tips for prevention

Wizzie Brown, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service integrated pest management specialist for Travis County, said many concerns about the brown recluse spider have been mythologized, but there are ways to prevent bites and reduce their numbers.

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

Visit our Research and Extension Centers

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.