For Jonathan Worbington, the Texas outdoors has always been more than just a backdrop—it’s been a way of life. Growing up in McAllen as one of three children, he found solace and adventure in the outdoors, thanks to his father and family friends who introduced him to hunting and conservation at an early age.
“Getting out to hunt and fish with my dad was a way for us to bond as father and son—and escape the house full of women,” Jonathan laughs.
Though his family didn’t own land, like many in South Texas, they joined a deer lease, where Jonathan learned about wildlife management and conservation firsthand. Those early experiences left a lasting impression.
“Ever since, I’ve been really passionate about being outside—whether it’s hunting, fishing, or just enjoying the outdoors.”
That passion carried through his college years at the University of Texas, where he took on leadership roles in conservation organizations, including serving as chairman of UT’s Ducks Unlimited chapter. Even as he pursued a law degree and built a career in the energy industry, his commitment to conservation never wavered. It was this steadfast dedication that led him to Stewards of the Wild, a program of Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF) designed to cultivate Texas’ next generation of conservation leaders.
Jonathan stumbled upon Stewards in its early years through a social media post and decided to attend a Houston Chapter event.
“It was completely random,” he admits. “But when I got there, I realized it was all like-minded people who shared my passion for the outdoors.”
He quickly became an integral part of the organization, rising through the ranks as an advisory council member and eventually serving as co-chair of the Houston Chapter. Along the way, his wife, Bobbi, joined him in the mission, and together they helped introduce friends and colleagues to the Stewards community.
For Jonathan, Stewards has been about more than just social gatherings and networking. It has provided an opportunity to connect people to the outdoors in meaningful ways.
“We’ve hosted fishing trips, sporting clays, duck hunts, and dove hunts,” he says. “The most rewarding part is seeing first-time hunters come out and experience it. It’s about passing down that legacy.
His involvement in Stewards also opened the door to something he had long aspired to—becoming more engaged with TPWF at a higher level. In early 2024, he was selected as a board fellow, a prestigious position that allows him to attend board meetings and contribute to discussions shaping the future of conservation in Texas.
Beyond Stewards, Jonathan has taken on an even larger role in conservation through his work with the newly formed Statewide Conservation Committee, serving as the board fellow liaison. He sees the committee as a crucial next step in the evolution of Stewards.
“During COVID, we lost some of the educational components of the program,” he explains. “Now, with the conservation committee, we’re refocusing on education and ensuring that members have access to expert speakers, field trips, and other opportunities to deepen their understanding of conservation issues.”
Jonathan is also a firm believer in expanding access to the outdoors. He recognizes that Texas, with its 95% privately owned land, presents unique challenges for those who didn’t grow up with family ranches or hunting traditions.
“Some people are interested in the outdoors but just don’t know how to get involved or where to start,” he says. “Stewards provides that access. It opens up opportunities for people to explore, learn, and connect in ways they might not have known were possible.”
As he looks to the future, Jonathan hopes to see Stewards continue to grow, with more chapters, more conservation education, and a greater emphasis on including those who are new to Texas’ outdoor traditions. Ultimately, he dreams of taking an even greater role in shaping the state’s conservation policies.
“I’ve met with representatives in the governor’s office to discuss potential appointments, and it’s something I’m very interested in,” he acknowledges. “I want to show people that you don’t have to come from a wealthy background or own a ranch to make a difference in conservation. Anyone with passion and dedication can get involved.”
For now, Jonathan remains focused on the work ahead—mentoring new Stewards members and continuing to be an advocate for keeping Texas wild. His journey is proof that a childhood love of the outdoors can grow into a lifelong commitment to conservation leadership.
