Daniel Thomas embarked on his conservation journey when his research revealed the need for regular litter clean-ups, particularly due to the proximity of parks in the area to creeks, with an estimated 75% of waterway waste originating from land. The Trinity River, ranked as Texas' third most polluted river in Texas. Understanding the detrimental impact of litter on marine life, he worked to advocate for Trinity River's Alligator Snapping turtle and Texasfawns Foot mussel to identify them as threatened species.
Daniel’s movement has kept 34,000lbs of trash from Texas waterways, cleaned 675 miles of roads, and cleared 450 miles waterways.
Grand Opening
Introducing Next Generation Diplomacy
Next Generation Diplomacy seeks to promote the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of clean water and sanitation, climate action, and life below water by connecting young community role models to other role models in communities around the world to share environmental cleanup ideas and environmental education resources.
The Fight for Carpenter Park
"Every season presented a different challenge. In the summer, I removed the endless tendrils of porcelain berry from the shade of the trees, while in the winter, removing the wisteria before the weather started getting warm again was the goal. To adapt, my eyes became alert to the most elusive invading plants, sneaking up in the brush, while my hands became more adept with the tools."