Nelson Grimes grew up in Midland and has fond memories of outdoor adventures with his dad.
“My dad was interested in all things related to the outdoors and I can remember getting the Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine every month while I was growing up,” said Nelson. “He bought a hunting and fishing license every year.”
As an adult, Nelson is now following in his father’s footsteps, and he, too, supports conservation by buying a hunting and fishing license annually.
Nelson earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin, worked as a fly-fishing guide in Colorado for a couple of years, and then returned to Texas for the Ranch Management program at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth.
Now he’s back in Midland, working as a landman for an oil and gas company. When he first got back to Midland in 2018, some of his friends encouraged him to join the local chapter of Stewards of the Wild (SOTW), Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation’s (TPWF) conservation leadership program.
“I didn’t know much about the Foundation until I joined the Stewards, and it’s been great learning more about how TPWF supports conservation efforts across Texas. Plus, it’s fun! The social activities are great. I was fortunate to be able to join a waterfowl hunting trip to Bucksnag in Southeast Texas earlier this year that was open to all chapters. That was an absolute blast.”
When SOTW’s Midland Chapter first formed, it attracted hundreds of young people and quickly became the largest chapter in the state. Members enjoyed social activities and outdoor outings organized by an engaged, energetic group of members.
But it all came to a screeching halt during COVID.
“We’re really working on our chapter locally to kick it back into gear. We had a really strong chapter presence out here ‘til the pandemic. We’re working on it, and I think we’ll be going strong again soon.”
Nelson has been involved in other Texas conservation efforts, including working with the Texas Bighorn Society on a variety of projects in far West Texas. He has also recently stepped up to chair SOTW’s Midland Chapter. With a baby on the way later this year, Nelson has his mind on the future and the next generation of Texans.
“I think it’s really important for people our age to get involved at this level and to share experiences with other young people who may not be aware of what Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation is doing to support conservation. The more people we can engage, the better our future will be.”
