Contest Coordinators Corner

We are a full month into shooting by now and I hope everyone has been able to get a couple of good photographs on your properties. I have heard from some of you, some with good news and some sharing their difficulties. I enjoy both types of calls because it keeps me in touch with what is happening outside of the office on the various properties. I always learn something when you call and I consider learning one of the keys to a rich life. The annual bird migration should be coming through soon so set up your blinds, perches and water features and help make Wildlife in Focus V the best book yet.

Becky Johnson

Schedule your Presentation Soon

"Gateways to Conservation": a colorful view of Coastal Bend wildlife and habitat through the lens of our photographers and landowners. A powerful photographic show that is sure to excite the group about the true beauty of our area. If your group orders 10 or more books we will give you a discount of 37.5% on each order. Call to schedule your meeting with us today 361-881-9316

We have multiple presentations please tell us which one you would like to see:

Gateways to Conservation

Kritters 4 Kids

Photographer: Fred LaBounty; Landowner: Jan Wheelis, Rio Vista Bluff Ranch

Wildlife in Focus IV Get your Copy Now

Wildlife In Focus IV is the fourth volume in a series displaying the winning photographs from one of the richest wildlife photo contests in the world, The Coastal Bend Wildlife Photo Contest. Wildlife In Focus IV features over 175 award winning wildlife photographs of scenic landscapes, breath taking bird photos and incredible macro photography of the Coastal Bend. More th

County and north to Victoria County opened their ranch gates to some of the most talented and dedicated photographers in the world to capture the images in Wildlife In Focus IV. It is our hope that these photographs will allow you to see beyond the ranch gate and into the private lands of Texas where our precious wildlife and habitat co-exist. Please order Wildlife in Focus IV and help spread the word on wildlife habitat and conservation.

an 50 Local landowners stretching from Live Oak County south to Kleberg

Kritter Kamp is a fun and exciting way for kids to get out and explore the world of wildlife and conservation.

Kritter Kamp is rounding up Kampers for Summer 2009

It's time to plan for your little ones summer. We are actively planning at least 1 Kritter Kamp this summer to be held at the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center the week of June 22-26, 2009.

Kritter Kamp is a fun and exciting way for kids to get out and explore the world of wildlife and conservation. We are finding that many of our children have no idea that bobcats, deer, turkeys, and spoonbills call the Coastal Bend home. By educating youth about the importance of protecting our precious resources such as wildlife and their habitat, we are creating a more environmentally conscience individual who we hope will grow up taking care of our earth, our community and our future. The Kritter Programs teach children at an early age about the importance of being a good steward to our lands, water, and wildlife.

Kampers will learn through an entertaining environmental education experience inspired by Science and Art. Kamps are limited to the first 20 students (ages 7-10) who have pre-registered.

We are seeking Sponsorships for this years summer kamp, so that children of all socioeconomic backgrounds may attend, if you are interested in sponsoring a child or kamp, please call (361)881-9316 for more information.

We offer multiple child discounts, military discounts as well as a 10% discount to our members at the Charter level or higher. If youre interested in attending this Kamp please call (361)881-9316 for information.

Ruth Hoyt & John Pickles, photographer team - Fennessey Ranch, Brien O'Connor Dunn, landowner

Charter Membership

Our charter members contribute in so many ways by supporting our Kritters 4 Kids environmental education program, Coastal Bend Wildlife Photo Contest, Traveling Benefactors' Photo Exhibit, and Wildlife in Focus books. Your donation helps us to continue our mission of spreading public awareness about the need for wildlife and habitat conservation in the Coastal Bend of Texas!
For just $100 look at all the fabulous BENEFITS you will receive as a Charter Member:
*10x15 Award Winning Wildflower Print(featured at the top of this article) Photo by: Ruth Hoyt/John Pickles on Fennessey Ranch
*Discounts on Wildlife in Focus Books
*10% discount on Kritter Kamp Registration
*One set of eight Wild Cards featuring award winning photographs
*Subscription to monthly E-Newsletter
*Name and recognition in the E-Newsletter and on the Website
*Membership Card
*Invitation to Special Members' Only Events
*Calendar
*Customized return address labels
*Subscription to In Focus Magazine
*Five Postcards featuring award winning photographs
To sign up online go to

www.wildlifephotocontest.com

Meet More of our Members

Charter Member
Richard & Patricia Phillips - In Honor of Michelle Horine
Iris Cantu
Gordon Porter
Mr. Turner Moller, Jr.
Kyle & Jodi McManus
Phil Cole
John Mark Camp
F. B. Rooke & Son's, LTD.
Darlene & Bob Hamilton
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Phillips
Jimmy Jackson
Helen Hough - In Memory of Stephen Foster Hough
Hopi Farms & Minerals, LTD
Mark & Teresa Montgomery
John Wood
Holt Ranch
Corrigan Benefits, LLP
Joel & Lina Hall
Lucy Hill - In Memory of Walter M. Lewright
George & Sandy Taylor
Bill & Nicki Lockett
Mack Ray
Marsha & Charles DeCou
Wing Walker Public Relations
Carol Bailey
Bill & Sandy Horine
Charlie & Linda Zahn
The Reverend Ram & Kendra Lopez
Cristalinas Ptn., Ltd
Robin Carter
Mr. & Mrs. Don Orcutt
Dr. & Mrs. William W. Ishee, Jr.
John & Audrey Martin
Suzel Mendieta
Bill & Barbara Blackburn
Amy Roper
Jim & Mary Jochen - In Memory of Scott Alan Jochen
R.N. Conolly
Tony Gallagher
John D. McKeever
Gus & Gail Cargile
Gregg & Marsha Robertson
Bob & Becky Grimes
The Vaughan Family
William O. Harrison, Jr.

Kritters 4 Kids

Kritters 4 Kids brings awareness to youth about the vastness and variety of habitat in the Coastal Bend that are being threatened by urbanization. Wildlife in Focus photo books are combined with a fun and educational curriculum resource guide that lead the students thru the varied species of plants and animals native to the Coastal

Bend. Kritters 4 Kids provides a classroom set of 25 books to participating elementary and middle schools. The resource guide meets the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Guidelines (TEKS) and is developed by a teacher, for teachers. Be an Angel, become a Kritters 4 Kids Sponsor.

Meet More of our Members

Family Membership
Clyde Allen
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Denman
David & Katie Sikes
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Ayoub

Supporter
Kent & Linda Savage
Samuel Swah
Betty C. Wright - In Memory of Mary Margaret Miller
Jim Ermis
Melissa Sterling
Mrs. Gilbert J. McGloin
Diana D. Braly

Student Membership
Mike Sloat
Betty Hartley - In Memory of Arthur Hartley

Paula Kennedy
Helen Holdsworth
Betty C. Wright
Carmen Hagopian
Candice Mottet
Chesley Swann
Renee Drybread
Brenda Carter

Learn more about US!

The mission of the Coastal Bend Wildlife Photo Contest (CBWPC), a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, is to create an atmosphere of cooperation among businesses, private landowners, and wildlife photographers, where all participants benefit while promoting the conservation and protection of wildlife and habitat. This unique collaboration promotes awareness of the need for conservation and protection of the wildlife and habitat in the newly expanded sixteen counties surrounding Corpus Christi, Texas. Funding is made possible by individuals, foundations, and businesses that want to preserve the beauty of their community through sponsorships.

Landowners and Photographers compete as teams and share equally in the significant prize money. Additionally, they promote wildlife conservation while participating in the most challenging wildlife photo contest in the world.

Businesses benefit through advertising sponsorships that offer years of positive exposure.

Wildlife prospers as private landowners play a crucial role in the conservation of wildlife by providing diverse and well-managed habitat.

The community becomes more educated about the unique and beautiful wildlife in our region. Winning photographs are showcased in books, magazines, and our traveling Benefactor’s Photo Exhibit displayed in sponsor’s businesses, museums, art centers, and special events.

The Coastal Bend Wildlife Photo Contest supports four programs:

Wildlife Photo Contest - Private landowners team up with photographers to capture winning photographs of wildlife and habitat in the Coastal Bend. The sponsor funded $90,000 photo contest awards landowners and photographers who share equally in the winnings. The images create appreciation and public awareness about the importance of conserving our amazing and precious wildlife and habitat in the Coastal Bend. The contest is open to any landowner in the 14 county area of the Coastal Bend.

Wildlife in Focus I, II, III, & IV Photography books - These books showcase over 150 winning images from the previous photo contests. The books capture an intimate and artistic view of Coastal Bend Wildlife as seen thru the eyes of the landowner and photographer.

Become a book patron today to receive a 37% discount on your book purchase. Proceeds benefit and contribute to our conservation mission.

Kritters 4 Kids - This program brings awareness to youth about the vastness and variety of habitat in the Coastal Bend that are being threatened by urbanization. Wildlife in Focus photo books are combined with a fun and educational activity guide that leads the student thru the varied species of plants and animals native to the Coastal Bend. Kritters 4 Kids provides a classroom set of 25 books to participating elementary and middle schools. The resource guide meets the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Guidelines (TEKS) and is developed by a teacher, for teachers. Be an Angel, become a Kritters 4 Kids Sponsor.

Traveling Benefactors Photo Exhibit - The sponsor funded traveling exhibit showcases the winning images and our proud sponsors. The exhibit travels throughout 14 counties of the Coastal Bend. To date, our exhibit has visited more than 100 venues including libraries, museums, banks, schools, and art centers.

Check out our Traveling Exhibit

March 2 - March 27, 2009 Exhibit is in the lobby of Tower II, 555 N. Carancahua

March 27 - April 30, 2009 Exhibit is at the Omni Hotel

Contact our office for To display our traveling exhibit in your business, contact our office to check on scheduling availability. (361)881-9316

Kent Savage

Photo Workshops

Basic Photography II will be held March 19 and Basic Photography III on April 16.

These classes are held in the evening from 6:30 - 9:00 pm. Please note the new location at Covenant Baptist Church 7001 Williams Drive

Cost for these classes is $49 per class. See the website for more details and discounts. http://www.wildlifephotocontest.com

Kent Savage, photographer; Knolle Jersey Farms - John & Louise Pettigrove, Landowners

Did You Know???

You can purchase prints of any of our prize winning photographs. Call our office (361)881-9316 for details on pricing and size availability.

Greg Pierson, Photographer; Twin Oaks Ranch, The Cartwright Family, Landowner

Become a Member Today

October 2007 my then 7 year old son asked me “Mom what is membership?” I replied that being a member of something means you support what they do for the community or for people. I guess he wanted to think on that response and came back to me in March and said “Mom, I have $20 will you give me $20 so I can become a Roseate Spoonbill Supporter for the Photo Contest?” I was so touched and moved that of course I helped him.

A year went by, he received a renewal letter from the Photo Contest, and he came up to me and said, “Mom, take me to the bank so I can buy a money order to pay for my membership.” I took him to the bank, to my surprise he asked the teller for a $100 money order, he gave it to me and said “Can you renew my membership as a Charter Member, I really want that picture.”

Today I ask you, "What are you proud of?" I am proud to say son saw the importance of being a member of the Coastal Bend Wildlife Photo Contest.

Come experience the beauty of the Coastal Bend and become a member. You will receive many benefits, including a discounted price on the Wildlife in Focus III and IV books.

By becoming a member you can help educate our landowners, photographers and the community about the importance of protecting our native habitat.

http://www.wildlifephotocontest.com/membership

July

July is the Meet the Judges Party.

You can read all about the judges for the 2009 Contest, and you will have the opportunity to meet them in July.

Watch for more information to come!!

Nicholas M. Murphy, Photographer; Huseman/McKibben Ranch - Van Huseman & Jim McKibben, Landowners

“In photography is the preservation of the world”

.....Elliot Porter

Robert Benson & Gary Geer, Photographer Team; Carson/Edwards Ranch - David Edwards, Landowner

Become a Sponsor

Become a memeber today and do something that will have a great and positive impact on the future in South Texas

We believe this is a unique opportunity and worthy of your consideration

and support. Texas is changing rapidly, its population is growing, and landowners are under increasing pressure to convert wildlife habitat and productive farm and ranch land to other uses. Due to the threat of urbanization, our children are growing up with fewer opportunities to get

a glimpse of our beautiful wildlife and habitat native to the Coastal Bend

of Texas.

Our programs introduce young and old to new opportunities and hobbies. We are finding it essential to continue to educate our community about

the importance of conserving wildlife and habitat before we have nothing

left to protect.

The Coastal Bend Wildlife Habitat Education Program is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all donations are tax deductible. We offer many ways

to become a sponsor and to have your name listed as such in our many publications, events, and on our displays. Please take the time to review

the newsletter pages to see a few examples of ways to sponsor or

support our organization.

Your support is integral to our success. Please feel free to call

(361)881-9316 or visit http://www.wildlifephotocontest.com/ if additional information would be helpful to your determination. Thank you for your

time and consideration of this important project.

R. Dean Johnstone, Photographer; Louis J. Foester III Ranches - John, Dawn, Marc & Shirley Foester, Landowners

Meet our Benefactors and Sponsors

Platinum

Roger A. Zessin

Dot Buckley

Linda Price-May In memory of David May

Rachel Blancas

Gold

Jacqui Hyden In memory of Larry Hyden

H-E-B

Silver

Devon Energy Corporation

Dr. John and Louise Pettigrove

Will Martens In memory of Sarah Martens

Pat Suter

Fennessey Ranch

Bronze

Carol Bailey, Attorney at Law

Backstrom Family Foundation

Allen & Debbie Morris

Valero Bill Greehey Refinery, Corpus Christi

In Kind Sponsors

Jerry Spence- Gowland, Strealy, Morales, & Company

Juan Bahamon, M.D.

Grunwald Printing Company

A. G. Edwards & Sons

Czech-Mex Bakery

Allen Samuels Chevrolet

The Frame Up

Corpus Christi Museum of Science & History

TAMUCC-Center for Coastal Studies

Texas A&M University Kingsville-

Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute

Rob & Bessie Welder Wildlife Refuge

Ken Bridges Audio & Video

Flour Bluff Independent School District

Carol Bailey, Attorney at Law

Wachovia Securitites, LLC

American Bank Plaza

Students go "WILD" at Kritters 4 Kids book donation at the Student & Learning Guidance Center thanks to their sponsor, The Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program.

WHAT IS KRITTERS 4 KIDS?

Over the past four years, we have successfully received funding to provide Kritters 4 Kids in over 150 classrooms across the Coastal Bend with the help of the community. Kritters 4 Kids is underwritten by conscientious charitable organizations, grandparents, aunts and uncles, they all find value in educating school children about preserving our environment and protecting our wildlife and habitat.

We have schools across our 16 county area on the waiting list to receive the Kritters 4 Kids program.

This is only a partial list of those interested in Kritters 4 Kids:

Allen Elementary School
Annaville Elementary School
Calallen East Elementary School
Central Park Elementary School
Chula Vista Elementary School
Odem Elementary School
Driscoll Elementary School
Taft Junior High School
Calallen Middle School
Ingleside Primary School
Yorktown Christian Academy

Tom Browne Middle School

Lexington Elementary

If you are interested in sponsoring a school or even co-sponsoring a school, please call (361)881-9316 for a complete list of school awaiting this wonderful program.

Our goal is to plant seeds of appreciation and passion for a new generation of naturalists, biologists, and nature lovers to protect and preserve our Coastal Bend.