SHIELD RANCH FOUNDATION AT A GLANCE
The Shield Ranch Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2008 with a mission to steward and share Shield Ranch in ways that educate, inspire, and transform.
Located just 20 miles from downtown Austin, Shield Ranch Barton Creek spans 6,600 acres of protected wildlands. The Foundation stewards 131 of these acres and operates the Campsite at Shield Ranch, an award-winning, sustainably designed facility that embodies our commitment to conservation.
It’s home to Camp El Ranchito, a scholarship-based overnight camp. The Campsite also offers public programs and welcomes community groups of all ages for day and overnight retreats and outdoor experiences that inspire creativity, promote wellness, and deepen connections to the natural world.
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear friends,
Reflecting on the positive ways the Shield Ranch Foundation shared the Campsite, built community, and encouraged conservation in 2024 fills me with immense gratitude. I am deeply thankful for the board, staff, campers, community organizations, volunteers and supporters who helped us fulfill our mission. This 2024 Impact Report celebrates a proud year developing both our audience and organization.
El Ranchito welcomed more youth to nature camp than ever in the program’s 18-year history. Thanks to contributions toward scholarships, we registered 163 youth for spring break and summer camps. Campers thrived as they discovered new skills, built independence, swam in natural creeks and found joy in nature. The Foundation’s resourceful staff increased capacity with the hiring of new registration and administrative coordinators, one of whom was a former camper.
Year-round the Campsite at Shield Ranch exceeded growth goals, hosting more than 1,300 people of all ages from a wide range of businesses, schools, churches, civic agencies, and nonprofits. These groups convened in nature for environmental education and wellness, writing, spiritual, and strategic teambuilding retreats. Seasonal public programs engaged more than 200 people of all ages through themed hikes, forest bathing, star parties, and a two-night Creative Nature Retreat. Volunteers contributed 320 hours of their valuable time helping with native plant and habitat restoration and El Ranchito preparations.
Generous foundations and individual supporters made impactful nature-immersion programming possible and increased access by subsidizing camp scholarships and small nonprofits' use of the Campsite. Wild For Good Circle supporters — individuals and businesses who value nature and want to protect and share it with the community — witnessed an awesome total solar eclipse over Shield Ranch.
Shield Ranch received notable recognition for its sustainability and conservation efforts in 2024. The Texas Water Development Board honored the innovative Campsite with a Texas Rain Catcher Award in the educational category. Architects Andersson / Wise received an AIA Austin Design Excellence Award for the off-grid Campsite. Additionally, DarkSky International officially certified Shield Ranch Barton Creek as Texas’ first Urban Night Sky Place, acknowledging our commitment to reducing light pollution and preserving the natural beauty of our night skies.
We appreciated the opportunity to share this remarkable protected wildland with more than 2,000 people and to offer positive mental, physical, and emotional benefits of time immersed in nature. Our vision for 2025 is to welcome even more campers, community members, and businesses to the Campsite. I hope to see you outside at Shield Ranch!
Warmly,
Andrea Mellard
Executive Director
OUR IMPACT IN 2024
The Campsite at Shield Ranch: Building a More Sustainable Future
This year, the Campsite at Shield Ranch has been a vibrant hub of community, connection, and conservation. Thanks to your support, we’ve expanded our reach and deepened our impact, touching the lives of thousands through transformative outdoor experiences.
2,000
Adults and Youth Served
Our facilities were buzzing with activity as people of all ages enjoyed day and overnight programs.
200+
Program Participants
Guests joined us for public programs like the Creative Nature Retreat, Dark Skies at Shield Ranch Star Party, a guided hiking series, and forest bathing.
30
Community Groups
Hosted
From nonprofits to businesses, the Campsite welcomed a diverse range of groups, creating space for connection and growth. Two-thirds of the groups (20 out of 30) accessed the subsidized rate for smaller nonprofit organizations.
Volunteer Hours Contributed
Dedicated volunteers supported native plant and habitat restoration, Camp El Ranchito preparation, and kitchen operations.
"I left very much at peace. Loved the design of the facility, the nature restoration, the minimal footprint, as well as the off-grid solar and water collection." - CAMPSITE GUEST
OUR IMPACT IN 2024
Camp El Ranchito: Inspiring the Next Generation
Camp El Ranchito continues to be the heart of the Shield Ranch Foundation’s mission. It increases access to transformative outdoor experiences for youth who otherwise may not attend residential camp while fostering environmental stewardship. Campers formed new friendships, embraced the outdoors, and discovered new skills — all while growing as future conservationists.
163
Campers Served
It was a record-breaking year for our program with more campers served than ever before in the program's 18-year history. Of those campers, 80% were youth of color and 60% were female.
2,743
90%
of Campers Benefited from Full or Partial Scholarships
Families who qualify for the school free and reduced lunch program and other social services received scholarships thanks to generous donors, ensuring accessibility for all campers.
12 Meals Served Gallons of Water Per Person Per Day
Prepared with care by Chef Addie and her team, camp meals are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From hearty dishes to campfire treats, our food fuels the body and creates lasting memories in the kitchen.
Time in Nature
Nature Discovery campers spent an average of 144 hours outside, Conservation Corps participants logged 310 hours, and Outdoor Girl Spring Break campers experienced 52 hours in nature.
Our campers and staff continue to model sustainable practices, using significantly less water than the average Texan’s 90 gallons per person per day.
Expanding Community Partnerships and Staff Support
This year, we built stronger connections with El Buen Samaritano, People’s Community Clinic (reinstating office hours), Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, and Dell Children’s Health Plan to better serve families.
"Thanks for an amazing first overnight camp experience for my kiddo! As a single mom who has recently returned to school to get a degree, this was not something that I could afford until I found El Ranchito. It has boosted his confidence incredibly and he can't wait to return next year for more adventures! " - EL RANCHITO PARENT
2024 HIGHLIGHTS
Wild for Good Circle supporters view the total solar eclipse from the Campsite during Wild for Good Day on April 8.
Singer/songwriter Darden Smith collaborates with the Conservation Corps to write the song “Wild Country” to capture the essence of their summer camp experience.
Outdoor Girl Spring Break Camp hosts its second season.
El Ranchito campers and staff make ultraviolet bead bracelets during dark sky education on July 9.
2024 HIGHLIGHTS
During the two-night Creative Nature Retreat, participants experience sound bathing.
Sold-out Dark Skies at Shield Ranch Star Party on November 9 celebrates Shield Ranch Barton Creek’s DarkSky International designation.
The annual Fall Reconnect welcomes El Ranchito campers and their families to the Campsite on Oct. 27.
AWARD RECOGNITIONS
Andersson / Wise receives AIA Austin Design Award of Excellence for Campsite
First Urban Night Sky Place in Texas designated by DarkSky International Rain Catcher Award in the educational category from the Texas Water Development Board
We are grateful for community support in the growth of our operations at the sustainable Campsite at Shield Ranch.
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
• Attend a public program
• Become a Wild for Good Circle Supporter
• Connect (follow us on social media)
• Volunteer (conservation, kitchen, and camp preparation)
• Host a group at the Campsite
• Partner/Sponsor a public program
• Donate
• Sign up for our newsletter
THANK YOU 2024 SUPPORTERS
Natalie Amoroso
Margaret & Robert Ayres
Patricia Shield Ayres
Matthew Barczyk
Janna Bear
Martha Black
Mike & Ginger Blair
Nicole Blair
Karen Blizzard
Ann Blocker
Brian & Patricia Borowicz
Gayle Borst
Madison & Marshall Bowen
Vera Ayres Bowen
Nancy Brimberry
Broadway Bank
Vaughn & Jeri Brock
Brookline Wealth
Jeanne Broussard
Dustin Brownlow
Annette Carlozzi & Dan Bullock
Marion Burson
Mary E. Candee & Jeffrey R. Weigel
Karlen Cantu
Marian Casey
Elizabeth Chiles
Yoobin Choi & Keaton Lain
Charley Christensen
George & Mary Elizabeth Cofer
Sally Whitman Coleman
Adam Conner
Joel & Trudy Cunningham
Lisa Dirks
Kristin Dizinno
Chema Domenech & Elizabeth Ayres Domenech
Kendall Duncan
Joseph Dunne
ECG Foundation
ECR
Fayruz Benyousef Consulting
Kayla Abuda Galang
Omar & Esther Murguia Garcia
Tammy Goforth
Pete & Betty Golde
Jana Sterling Graber
Karen & Mark Greiner
Dale & Nancy Grimes
THANK YOU 2024 SUPPORTERS
Francisco Guajardo
The Haggerty Family Foundation
Shelley Hardeman
Skila Harris
The Harry E. and Eda L. Montandon Charitable Trust
Chris Harte
Candace Head-Dylla
H-E-B Tournament of Champions Charitable Trust
Clarke & Catherine Heidrick
Hill & Wilkinson Construction Group
Analise Hollingshead
Corie Humble
Lindsay Hutchens
Jackson & McElhaney Architects
Jampo Fund
Jules Buck Jones
Nate Jones
Jody Karr & Andrew Webster
Randy & Julie Kies
Cameron Kokes
Madeline Kokes
Jim & Leighton Krips
Murray Legge
Sharlene Leurig
Robin & Andrew Logan
Lola Wright Foundation
Gene & Linda Lowenthal
Juliette Luciano
Christina & Lucas Martell
David & Ana Martin
Mattsson Ranch
Susan McGough
Andrea & Jason Mellard
Jason & Mary Mendiola
Tory & Karen Meyer
Camille & Bill Miller
Kevin Miller
Palmer & Judy Moe
Lisette Montoto
Shannon Murphy & Leslie Sachanowicz
El Ranchito
Wild for Good Circle
Foundation Grant
THANK YOU 2024 SUPPORTERS
Jessica Neideffer
Jean Nelson
Linda Nenno
Jack & Jill Nokes
Dermot & Kim-Marie O'Driscoll
Susan Orum
Philip Theodore Bee Charitable Trust
Powell Foundation
Cindy Raab
Meredith Reid
Tara Renaud
Rodriguez Family
John & Virginia Rogan
Ginny & Alex Rouch
Pamela Rouse
Shanti Sattler
Dan & Caroline Schaefer
Michael Scheinberg
Jill Schroeder
Brigid Shea
Shield-Ayres Foundation
Darden Smith
Stephen M. Seay Foundation
Molly Stevens & Sam Householder
Still Water Foundation
Strake Foundation
MJ Strickland
Studio Balcones
Neal Sutton
Tom & Judy Taylor
Tejemos Foundation
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
David & Wendy Todd
Tres Grace Family Foundation
Jennifer Vickers & E. Lee Walker
Debra & Robert Vickery
Paul & Jennifer Vickery
Elizabeth & Cliff Waller
Bob & Jean Warneke
Cheyenne Weaver
Webber Family Foundation
Tom Wernimont
Winkler Family Foundation
Roberta & Lawrence Wright
Tracy Wuster
Holly Zafian
SHIELDRANCH.COM
ELRANCHITO.ORG
Cover photo: Ashlee Newman
Contributing photography: Sandy Carson, Brian Fitzsimmons, and Ashlee Newman