James A. “Buddy” Davidson Charitable Foundation awards $1.5 million endowment to HRI, continuing legacy of conservation and research
The James A. “Buddy” Davidson Charitable Foundation has worked for more than 20 years advancing health care, education, the environment and wildlife, and the Midland, Texas-based foundation will continue that legacy with the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies (HRI) at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
On Wednesday it was announced the James A. “Buddy” Davidson Charitable Foundation awarded a $1.5 million endowment for a dedicated chair in Conservation and Biodiversity.
The chair will be named “The James A. “Buddy” Davidson Endowed Chair for Conservation and Biodiversity” and will commemorate Davidson’s commitment to conservation and research while continuing HRI’s tradition of advanced scientific research and conservation efforts in the Gulf of Mexico.
“We are very pleased to provide this chair to Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies,” said Elaine Greenhaw, the Director of Animals, Wildlife, and Conservation at the James A. “Buddy” Davidson Charitable Foundation. “Throughout his life, Buddy Davidson supported wildlife, education, conservation, and the environment. This is a fitting tribute to the memory of his generous spirit.”
The funds will support the activities of Dr. Dale Gawlik, who has led the Conservation and Biodiversity program since 2020. The program provides quantitative tools and new science-based information to guide managers and policy makers on conservation decisions involving waterbirds and coastal ecosystems.
The program’s expertise is strong in waterbird ecology and conservation, ecosystem restoration, and in developing bird monitoring programs for aquatic ecosystem management. Researchers and scientists in the lab have developed innovative techniques using drones to monitor waterbird colonies, including continuing work on the Colony Island Network Design and Implementation (CINDI) project funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s RESTORE Science Program. The CINDI project helps coastal managers prioritize a network of colony islands where colony island rehabilitation and management are cost effective, and waterbird populations can be enhanced.
“This endowment empowers us to advance vital research on waterbirds and coastal ecosystems in the Gulf of Mexico,” Gawlik said, “ensuring that we can protect and sustain these natural resources for generations. We are deeply grateful for their generous support.”
The James A. “Buddy” Davidson Charitable Foundation was founded in 2002 and named after James A. “Buddy” Davidson, an oilman, lawyer, philanthropist, and conservationist who was known for his commitment to environmental preservation, health, and improving the quality of life in Texas.
When Davidson lost his father at 13 years old, he was raised by his mother, a dedicated RN (registered nurse), and learned to appreciate his mother’s profession and the value of saving, consistently setting aside a portion of his earnings throughout his life. Over the years, Davidson contributed significantly to various philanthropic causes, including education, health and conservation.
The Foundation focuses on supporting projects that reflect Davidson’s values, including environmental conservation, medical research, children, higher education, and community development.
“We are profoundly grateful to the James A. “Buddy” Davidson Charitable Foundation for its generous gift,” said Dr. Greg Stunz, HRI’s Senior Executive Director. “This critical support is key to advancing our research on waterbirds and coastal ecosystems across the Gulf of Mexico. Thanks to this endowment, we can deepen our commitment to preserving the Gulf’s unique natural resources for generations to come.”
Among the various projects and organizations Davidson has funded include the Big Bend Conservancy, which is dedicated to supporting, protecting and promoting the natural and cultural resources of Big Bend National Park, El Paso Children’s Hospital (the general pediatric floor is named after Davidson) and the Foundation funded a chair in conservation biology at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas.