Join us for an evening celebrating the people and partnerships that make conservation happen across Southeast Texas.

2026 Gala Overview

The Coastal Prairie Conservancy’s 2026 Gala, Boots on the Ground: Where Conservation Happens, honors the legacy of stewardship that has shaped Southeast Texas — from hunting and agriculture to working lands conservation and habitat restoration.

The evening will begin with a cocktail reception, where guests can reconnect, enjoy signature drinks, and participate in our online auction. At 7:00 PM, guests will be seated for dinner, followed by a program featuring honoree tributes, remarks from conservation leaders, and stories from the field that illustrate how conservation truly happens on the ground. The online auction will close at 9:00 PM.

Today, CPC protects more than 34,000 acres of coastal prairies, wetlands, farms, and ranches across Southeast Texas. In 2026 alone, 3,807 additional acres are slated for permanent protection.

Your support of this year’s gala directly advances that work. More than a celebration, this evening is an investment in the land, wildlife, and communities that depend on healthy, connected landscapes.

2026 Honorees

The McAnelly Family

JJ McAnelly
Kathryn McAnelly Schwartz
Melissa McAnelly
W. J. McAnelly Jr. (posthumously)

For more than 20 years, the McAnelly family has been a cornerstone in building the Katy Prairie Preserve. Beginning with the leadership and guidance of W. J. McAnelly Jr., and continuing with his children, the family has helped conserve more than 1,080 acres of land over the past decade.

Their enduring commitment reflects what Boots on the Ground represents: conservation driven by values, legacy, and long-term vision.

C. W. Henderson Electric Inc.

C. W. Henderson Electric, Inc., a family-owned business, and its owners, Scott and Dean Henderson, has demonstrated a deep and ongoing commitment to the Katy Prairie. The company’s hunting club holds a lease on Warren Ranch and regularly undertakes restoration work, exemplifying how working partnerships play a direct role in conservation success. Their stewardship reflects the spirit of responsible land use and active conservation that defines this year’s theme.