2024 Shield Ranch Foundation Impact Report

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SHIELD RANCH FOUNDATION

IMPACT REPORT 2024

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

30 200+ Adults and Youth Served

Our facilities were buzzing with activity as people of all ages enjoyed day and overnight programs.

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.

320 Volunteer Hours Contributed

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.

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 90% 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.

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.

2,743 12 Meals Served

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.

Gallons of Water Per Person Per Day

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 Outdoor Girl Spring Break Camp hosts its second season.

Wild for Good Circle supporters view the total solar eclipse from the Campsite during Wild for Good Day on April 8.

El Ranchito campers and staff make ultraviolet bead bracelets during dark sky education on July 9.

Singer/songwriter Darden Smith collaborates with the Conservation Corps to write the song “Wild Country” to capture the essence of their summer camp experience.

2024 HIGHLIGHTS During the two-night Creative Nature Retreat, participants experience sound bathing.

The annual Fall Reconnect welcomes El Ranchito campers and their families to the Campsite on Oct. 27.

Sold-out Dark Skies at Shield Ranch Star Party on November 9 celebrates Shield Ranch Barton Creek’s DarkSky International designation.

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

FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT We are grateful for community support in the growth of our operations at the sustainable Campsite at Shield Ranch.

Revenue Individual donors 29.6% Foundation grants 59.1% Corporate grants 2% State grants 3.2% Earned revenue 5.7% Other 0.4%

Expenses Program 68.1% Administrative 18.1% Fundraising 13.8%

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 

Marian Casey 

Margaret & Robert Ayres 

Elizabeth Chiles 

Patricia Shield Ayres 

Yoobin Choi & Keaton Lain 

Matthew Barczyk 

Charley Christensen 

Janna Bear 

George & Mary Elizabeth Cofer 

Martha Black 

Sally Whitman Coleman 

Mike & Ginger Blair 

Adam Conner

Nicole Blair 

Joel & Trudy Cunningham 

Karen Blizzard 

Lisa Dirks 

Ann Blocker 

Kristin Dizinno 

Brian & Patricia Borowicz 

Chema Domenech & Elizabeth Ayres Domenech 

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 

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 

Sharlene Leurig

The Haggerty Family Foundation 

Robin & Andrew Logan 

Shelley Hardeman

Lola Wright Foundation 

Skila Harris 

Gene & Linda Lowenthal 

The Harry E. and Eda L. Montandon Charitable Trust 

Juliette Luciano 

Chris Harte 

David & Ana Martin 

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 

Christina & Lucas Martell  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 

Legend  El Ranchito  Wild for Good Circle  Foundation Grant

THANK YOU 2024 SUPPORTERS Jessica Neideffer

Still Water Foundation 

Jean Nelson 

Strake Foundation 

Linda Nenno

MJ Strickland 

Jack & Jill Nokes 

Studio Balcones 

Dermot & Kim-Marie O'Driscoll 

Neal Sutton

Susan Orum

Tom & Judy Taylor 

Philip Theodore Bee Charitable Trust 

Tejemos Foundation 

Powell Foundation 

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department 

Cindy Raab 

David & Wendy Todd 

Meredith Reid 

Tres Grace Family Foundation 

Tara Renaud 

Jennifer Vickers & E. Lee Walker 

Rodriguez Family 

Debra & Robert Vickery 

John & Virginia Rogan 

Paul & Jennifer Vickery 

Ginny & Alex Rouch 

Elizabeth & Cliff Waller 

Pamela Rouse

Bob & Jean Warneke 

Shanti Sattler 

Cheyenne Weaver 

Dan & Caroline Schaefer 

Webber Family Foundation 

Michael Scheinberg 

Tom Wernimont 

Jill Schroeder

Winkler Family Foundation 

Brigid Shea

Roberta & Lawrence Wright 

Shield-Ayres Foundation 

Tracy Wuster 

Darden Smith 

Holly Zafian 

Stephen M. Seay Foundation  Molly Stevens & Sam Householder

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Cover photo: Ashlee Newman Contributing photography: Sandy Carson, Brian Fitzsimmons, and Ashlee Newman