Congratulations to our 2024 Harvey Weil Honorees!
Conservationist of the Year – A. C. “Dick” Jones Family
The Jones family’s decades of tireless efforts toward wildlife conservation have been pivotal. At the heart of this legacy lie A.C. ‘Dick’ Jones and his son W.W. ‘Whit’ Jones.
Dick Jones journey began bypassing college to embrace the family’s cattle operation at 21 years old. His vision and resilience propelled the ranch’s expansion, amassing a lease of 200K acres within five years. His commitment to making the ranch profitable, managing it for cattle and hunting, has been integral to the family’s success.
Dick’s influence extends beyond ranching, reflecting his holistic dedication to community and environment. He served on the CKWRI advisory board for 35 years and now holds an esteemed emeritus position. His directorships with financial institutions like the First National Bank of Hebbronville and the First National Bank of Beeville, coupled with his role at Mesteña Operations, Ltd. in Corpus Christi, demonstrate his strategic leadership approach. Currently, he serves as a director for the Texas Wildlife Association and the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and is also an active member of the Gulf Coast Conservation Association.
W.W. ‘Whit’ Jones, equally passionate, is actively engaged with the Texas Wildlife Association, having served as a director for several years. Fostering conservation efforts in South Texas, Whit also serves as chairman of South Texas Property Rights Association promoting fair land use policies and supporting private landowners’ initiatives.
The Jones Family Ranch which traces back to the late 1800s, is now the sixth-largest private ranch in Texas. Their focus on native species, particularly bobwhite quail, embodies their exceptional ability to harmonize commercial cattle production with wildlife management. Their careful stewardship has not only nurtured game species but also sustained diverse wildlife communities in the Wild Horse Desert. These rangelands, vital for endangered grassland ecosystems, serve as a sanctuary for North America’s birds and wildlife.
In a remarkable tribute to their unwavering dedication, The Rotary Club of Corpus Christi honors the Jones Family as the 2024 Conservationist of the Year.
Professional Conservationist of the Year – Tina Buford
Tina Buford, a devotee of South Texas conservation, stands as an unwavering champion of land stewardship. Her dedication to conserving the region’s unique habitat and fostering a profound understanding of wildlife among the younger generation is exceptional.
A sixth-generation rancher, Buford brings a wealth of knowledge to her position as the Director of Education at the East Foundation, enriching programs that pass on crucial leadership skills and appreciation of working lands to the youth of South Texas.
Buford received a B.S. in Rangeland Ecology and Management from Texas A&M University, complemented by a Certificate in Ranch Management from Texas Christian University. Her academic background blends seamlessly with her practical experience. Prior to her role at the East Foundation, Buford spent 15 years working alongside her sister, father and uncle at the H. Yturria ranch managing both cattle and wildlife to ensure economic viability.
Actively engaged in key conservation organizations such as Texan by Nature, Texas Wildlife Association, Sand County Foundation, and serving as a Texas State Soil and Water Conservation board member, she amplifies her commitment to the region’s natural resources.
The Rotary Club of Corpus Christi acknowledges Tina Buford’s outstanding dedication to conserving South Texas’s natural heritage and nurturing a generation of informed conservationists.
Living Legacy – Steve Russell
Steve Russell, a native of Rockport, Texas, embodies an artist’s lifelong dedication to capturing nature’s essence. Born in 1946, his journey began along the coastal shores, painting scenes inspired by sailing and family fishing trips. A chance encounter with Kit Dinger ignited his artistic spark, leading him from basic painting techniques to the delicate strokes of oil.
His quest for artistic refinement took him to Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, enriching him with art history and design. The call to serve led Russell to the Navy during the Vietnam War where he tended to the wounded as a Corpsman attached to the Marine Corps. Amidst his service, he actively pursued opportunities to learn from acclaimed watercolorists such as Fredrick Whitaker and Robert Landry.
Post-war, Russell apprenticed under William Brigl and honed his skills in marine and landscape painting. Later influenced by acclaimed mentors like Wolf Kahn and the Northwest Rendezvous Group, he further enriched his palette, shaping his portrayal of Texas landscapes and Gulf Coast relics.
Russell’s artistic legacy spans accolades such as Texas State Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year and guest artist appearances at festivals nationwide.
In recent times, he’s engaged in creating a large mural for Waco, Texas and a sculpture for Rockport’s waterfront. Beyond painting, his life echoes with eclectic passions—crafting glass, sculpting from recycled copper and bronze and even constructing sailboats with family, cruising coastal ports.
The Rotary Club of Corpus Christi acknowledges Steve Russell’s commitment to capturing the irresistible beauty of coastal life and ensuring the preservation of its sanctuaries.
