December 13, 2022 (Kingsville, TX)–In a unique arrangement, the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Foundation is pleased to announce the affiliation of Images for Conservation Fund (ICF) in the Foundation’s efforts to support for the university’s Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute.
The agreement, signed Nov. 30 by representatives from CKWRI, ICF and the university, transfers the whole organization to Texas A&M-Kingsville Foundation, where it will benefit the university’s Wildlife Photography program.
Images for Conservation Fund is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization created in 2003 for the purpose of conserving wildlife habitat. Founders John Martin and his wife Audrey have long been passionate about protecting natural treasures for generations to come. Their work has taken many forms, from eco-tourism to national photography competitions. ICF is founded on the belief that high-quality photographs lead to a greater understanding, and therefore greater appreciation, of local flora and fauna.
Having found like-minded conservationists at A&M-Kingsville, the Martins hope to help train current and future photographers through donating ICF to the university Foundation.
“My goal is to make it the single greatest nature photography program in the country. And the best conservation tool for wildlife that there is,” John Martin said. “This is the first program of its kind. I know we’re going to be copied one of these days, but I want it to stay number one in the country, forever.”
Currently, students of all majors can pursue a certificate or minor in Wildlife Photography through the Range and Wildlife Sciences department, within the Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Acknowledging the tremendous impact this donation will have on the University’s programs and research units, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute Director, Dr. David Hewitt, commented, “Being able to take high-quality pictures helps our students and our scientists tell people about our research and the impact of it and the value of it.”
“We are excited to have the support of the Wildlife Photography program. It will help our students be better biologists, and help us tell the public about the natural resources we have around this area that means so much to all of us,” Hewitt said.
Brad Walker, Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Foundation CEO, reiterated this expression of gratitude, stating, “We applaud John and Audrey and the ICF board for their vision and innovation to make this gift a reality. The Texas A&M-Kingsville Foundation Board of Trustees has taken great steps to preserve the legacy of the Images for Conservation Fund, and our students will benefit from this tremendous Wildlife Photography program.”