NewsDrop-Aug_Sept-2025

EAC OUTREACH

By: Nikki Young EAA Senior Community Engagement Administrator

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A Legacy in Bloom PLANTING THE SEEDS OF CONSERVATION FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

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In Her Own Words A CONVERSATION WITH DR. LINDA WELSH REFLECTIONS ON CONSERVATION, COMMITMENT, AND HONORING A LIFE OF SERVICE

Dr. Linda Welsh recently made a legacy gift to the Edwards Aquifer Conservancy (EAC) in memory of her husband, James Allen Welsh, who passed away on April 12, 2025, at the age of 70. Born and raised in Loves Park, Illinois, Mr. Welsh led a remarkable life filled with curiosity, advocacy, and adventure — from cross-continental road trips to two decades of service with the City of Austin’s Engineering Services Department. He was especially proud of his work on Barton Springs Road and his long-standing dedication to pro tecting the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. A self-taught engineer, environmental advocate, inventor, and family man, Mr. Welsh left behind not only a legacy of service — but also a legacy of love. In the conversation below, Dr. Welsh shares why honoring his memory through this gift was a natural extension of the life they built together. NY: Your family’s legacy gift in honor of your hus band, James Allen Welsh, is deeply appreciated. What moved you to support the Edwards Aquifer Conservancy in this way? LW: Jim and I moved to Austin in 1978 after nine months of travel through Central and South Amer ica. Our education and travel both informed our belief in the importance of protecting the Earth and its natural resources, especially life-giving water. We were a part of the environmental fight to save Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone in the ’80s and ’90s. We had a strong belief in the importance of protecting these areas that were so vulnerable to unchecked development. t

LW: Together we can make a difference through gifts of our time, treasure, and talent. Over the years, our family has benefited from opportuni ties that enabled us to integrate philanthropy into our lives and the causes we cherish. Our natural resources are the foundation for life on Earth. What better way to give back to that which has allowed a wonderful life. NY: This gift continues the work you and Mr. Welsh shared during your life together. If he could see the lives touched by it—whether through scientific research conducted at our Field Research Park, hands-on learning at our Education Outreach Cen ter, or community outreach like our Texas Native Plants Giveaway—what do you think he would hope people carry forward? LW: Mr. Welsh was a scientist at heart. His favorite magazine was Science News ; it kept him informed on all the latest research across a wide range of topics. Through his work at the City of Austin in the Engineering Design Department, he addressed concerns related to water and wastewater through out his career. He had great belief in the power of research and education to change the trajectory of our future. He would be thrilled at how this con tribution in his memory added to our knowledge and understanding about how to best protect our natural resources. The Edwards Aquifer was special to him and he would be proud to know that the Edwards Aquifer Conservancy is helping carry that mission forward.

NY: When you think about the word “legacy” in the context of protecting the environment, what does it mean to you personally? LW: Stewardship of the Earth is a responsibility of all of us. A legacy is a way to continue respon sible stewardship into the future for our children, grandchildren, and beyond—as well as for the rich diversity that comprises our ecosystem and all life. It is a promise to the future to share our gifts with those whose mission is to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Edwards Aquifer. NY: You and Mr. Welsh were advocates for the Edwards Aquifer as far back as the 1980s. How did that early activism shape your long-term com mitment to conservation? LW: We were young parents in the 1980s. The environmental activism of the ’70s and ’80s spoke to our concerns about the environmental threats our world faced in many arenas. We felt the need to do what we could to protect the planet for our children and future generations. Although we didn’t have financial resources at the time, we gave of our time and energy to educate the public and support a variety of conservation efforts in whatever way we could. NY: What would you say to others who are consider ing a similar legacy gift—especially those who care deeply about protecting natural resources like the Edwards Aquifer?

When Dr. Linda Welsh made the decision to include the Edwards Aquifer Conservancy in her late husband’s estate plans, she wasn’t simply writing a check — she was investing in a future still being written. The $10,000 legacy gift, made in memory of James Allen Welsh, is more than generous. It’s generational.

That’s the kind of legacy that inspires action. Legacy also takes root — quite literally — at the upcoming Rooted In Texas: Drive Thru Plant Pick-Up, happening this time on September 27th in celebration of National Public Lands Day. The festive drive-thru event at the EAA headquar ters will provide thousands of water-wise native plants to local residents for FREE, each chosen to thrive in Texas conditions while conserving resources. Educational materials and conservation tips will also be included — helping individuals make a meaningful impact right in their own backyard. “We want people to walk away with more than just a plant, we want them to walk away feeling empowered—knowing they’re part of something lasting.” — Gonzalez And that’s what legacy looks like. It’s the Welsh family’s generous contribution, helping fund the educational experiences of tomorrow’s environmental stewards. It’s a resident capturing a winning photo of a rain barrel or pollinator garden. It’s a parent planting a Texas native pollinator plant with their child, knowing it will return each spring — bringing color, life, and a connection to something bigger than themselves. Legacy isn’t only what we leave behind. It’s what we share, nurture, and grow—together.

At the Edwards Aquifer Authority, legacy doesn’t always take the form of an endow ment. Sometimes, it begins with a photograph — or even a plant.

This year, the EAA launched Rooted in Saving Water, a brand-new initiative that invites community members to document their personal conservation efforts through the lens of photography. The inaugural photo contest encourages individu als and families to creatively showcase how they save, protect, and honor our most precious natural resource. Selected photos will be featured in the 2026 calendar and showcased in future public displays — transforming everyday stewardship into a lasting tribute. “It’s a way to preserve not just water, but memory. Each image tells a story. Each story represents a commitment to something bigger than ourselves.” — Ann-Margaret Gonzalez, Public Affairs Lead

To learn more about the life of James Allen Welsh , please visit his obituary at austinnaturalfunerals.com . To learn more about how you can leave a legacy to protect the Edwards Aquifer for generations to come, please visit www.EAConservancy.org . s

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