February 22, 2008
Contact:
Vanessa Vaughan, The Conservation Fund, 703.908.5809
Nacogdoches, TX – The Conservation Fund, a national non-profit, recently named Betty Russo the new project coordinator for its Texas Pineywoods Experience initiative. Russo will be based in the southern Pineywoods.
Russo plans to promote the Pineywoods’ rich natural and cultural legacy, in partnership with regional economic development and tourism leaders. Together, the Fund and its partners already have coordinated successful events and activities that celebrate this colorful corner of East Texas.
“I’m very excited to take on this challenge and very optimistic about our ability to work together to bring East Texas to the forefront and to maintain the uniqueness and beauty of our region,” said Russo.
“The Fund is building its presence in East Texas, and we welcome Betty Russo to our team,” said Julie Shackelford, Texas programs director for The Conservation Fund. “She will help us put East Texas on the map as a tourist destination that offers a bounty of cultural, historic and outdoor experiences.” Russo brings valuable experience, having served in leadership positions with the Shepherd Economic Development Corporation and the Coldspring/San Jacinto County Chamber of Commerce.
Tucked between urban centers Dallas and Houston, the Pineywoods region faces encroaching development. But Texans and visitors alike escape to its forests, azalea trails and meandering rivers.
In 2006, The Conservation Fund launched the Texas Pineywoods Experience, a large-scale initiative to boost the region’s economy and protect its environment. In partnership with local leaders, the Fund is both preserving Pineywoods property and urging city dwellers to rediscover this wild swatch of Texas just outside their doors.
“I’m looking forward to working with area leaders to make a positive difference in East Texas,” said Russo.
Visit the Fund’s recently launched Pineywoods website – www.TexasPineywoodsExperience.org – to learn more about this initiative and to plan your next trip to the Pineywoods region. Use the interactive map to build an itinerary based on your interests, or explore one of the themed itineraries that groups together activities related to nature & outdoors, arts & culture and history & heritage. Check back often for new interactive features that will bring you closer to the Pineywoods.
Your backyard is bigger than you think. From the park down the street, through distant forests and fields, and all the way past the water’s edge, America’s outdoors is yours.
Powered by: Phase2 TechnologyThe Conservation Fund National Office
1655 N. Fort Myer Drive, Suite 1300
Arlington, Virginia 22209-2156
Phone: 703-525-6300
Fax: 703-525-4610
Email: postmaster@conservationfund.org
