SFA student receives Tony Houseman Conservation Legacy Award

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Amber Borel, a sophomore forestry major at Stephen F. Austin State University, was awarded the 2022 Tony Houseman Conservation Legacy Award, recognizing her service to others and dedication to advancing the field of conservation.

The annual award, presented by Higher Calling Wildlife, a conservation-based publication, celebrates the legacy of Tony Houseman, an East Texas businessman known for his philanthropy and wildlife conservation advocacy.  

Houseman was a dedicated conservationist who served as president of the Houston Safari Club and Dallas Safari Club. During his lifetime, he raised significant funds to support conservation initiatives across North America and Africa.

"Tony Houseman was a mentor of mine at a very young age,” said Chester Moore, founder of Higher Calling Wildlife and Kingdom Zoo Wildlife Center located in Orange. “This award honors his long-standing legacy of conservation and supports young people going above and beyond the call of duty.”

Borel, a native of Nederland, completed a summer internship with Kingdom Zoo Wildlife Center, a nonprofit providing wildlife encounters for youth experiencing critical illness or the loss of a family member. 

"I want to make an impact for wildlife and also get young people involved in conservation, hunting and fishing,” Borel said. “It's such an honor and privilege to receive this award.”

During her time with Kingdom Zoo Wildlife Center, Borel contributed to Texas Fish and Game Magazine and developed a children’s book focused on shark conservation.