We’d like to introduce you to one of our Alumni Sustainability Champions: Don Cox ’69! Don has been playing a major role in land conservation in and around Austin since graduating from St. Edward’s. He was involved in the early stages of the Balcones Canyonlands Project with the sale and purchase of what is known as the Reicher Ranch in Austin. At the time, he was representing the Diocese of Austin in the sale of a property, which was originally the home of Bishop Reicher (the first Bishop of the Diocese of Austin). After Bishop Reicher’s death, the property was repurposed as a retreat center for the Diocese. For several reasons, the property was not destined to be a retreat space, so the Diocese decided to sell it. It was at this time that the Golden-cheeked Warbler was listed on the Endangered Species List, and since the property was prime habitat for these special birds, Don and his team were compelled to preserve it. With the help of the Nature Conservancy, they were able to sell the land to the City of Austin in order to create what’s now known as the Balcones Canyonlands. At the time, this was one of the city’s only nature preserves and clocked in at 820 acres off of highway 620 and Lake Austin.
We treasure sharing the stories of our graduates who are making a difference in the lives of so many people and invite you too to send us your story. To submit a nomination, please email the Sustainability Coordinator with the nominee’s name, graduation year, and a few green accomplishments.