Rice students work to save state parks

On July 11, Environment Texas teamed up with Rice University’s Civic Immersion Program to train students on basic organizing skills while building support for the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, which will allocate $1 billion for state parks. The measure was recently designated as Proposition 14 by the Secretary of State. 

“It’s really important for Texas to have state parks, because a lot of the state is privately owned,” Rice student Erica Takang told Axios. “We are dealing with rapid suburban sprawl and urban sprawl, and I feel that state parks really are at risk. It’s important to conserve nature.”

Rice’s Civic Immersion Program encourages students to advocate for their community, be proactive and practice civic leadership. On campus, students were briefed on the importance of our parks fund, and then went through a series of action stations. There, they created social media content, designed posters for a honk and wave, and wrote letters to the editor of local newspapers.

Here’s a selection of what the students wrote about our state parks:

“Parks are a pleasure to all, whether that is as a first-time visitor or a born and raised native. Let us come together to protect this landscape and wildlife that makes Texas what it is.” – Angela Chen

“Visit your nearest state park today, relish in its presence, and remember that places like this are where children play.” – Eman Fayyaz

“Children need spaces to play and explore friendships outside of video games and school activities. Texas voters, you must vote for bills/amendments in support of state park funding for our youth.” – Asianna Junge

“Being out in the wide open, breathing in the same air that the butterflies do, makes art pour out of me. This November 7th, I’m not voting for some random Texas amendment that doesn’t interest me. I’m voting in support of the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund.” -Anjali Sivasothy

And finally this poem by Bidushee Khan:

“In the heart of the Lone Star State, so grand
Lie Texas State parks, enchanted at hand.

Through Canyons deep and forests lush and green,
The beauty of this land is ever seen.

From Palo Duro Canyon’s walls so steep
To Enchanted Rock, where ancient wonders creep

Oh, Texas State parks, where memories are made.
In the shade of towering trees, we played.

Those family trips with laughter in the air
Bonding moments that time cannot impair.

And now I write to all of you today.
To ask for your support, in a humble way

For the Centennial Park Fund, it’s time to take a stance.
To enrich Texas beauty, enhance its expanse.”

Political ad paid for by Environment Texas, a project of Environment America, Inc.