This year at the 2025 EarthX conference in Dallas, I had the distinct honor of stepping onto the TV Stage to share the mission and work of the Rolling Plains Quail Research Foundation (RPQRF). EarthX, the largest green gathering in the world, provided an incredible platform—not just for traditional conservationists, but for a truly diverse and passionate audience that went far beyond the wildlife circles I’m used to addressing.
At most wildlife-focused conferences, I usually find myself speaking to familiar faces: biologists, ranchers, and hunting enthusiasts who already have a deep connection to the natural world. But EarthX was something entirely different. In front of me sat a sea of individuals from all walks of life—students, tech innovators, climate activists, entrepreneurs, artists, and urban planners. It was immediately clear that the message of conservation was resonating far beyond the usual community, and I found that both thrilling and inspiring.
On the TV Stage, I spoke about the work we do at RPQRF, where we are committed to understanding, conserving, and enhancing the wild quail populations across the Rolling Plains of Texas. I shared the history of the Foundation and our mission in preserving quail and our quail hunting heritage. I shared some of our data on the decline of bobwhite and scaled quail over the past decades and followed up with how our research, ranging from habitat management to GPS tracking and parasite studies, is helping us unravel the complex factors affecting quail survival and offering solutions to restore these iconic birds to their rightful place in our ecosystem.
I made a point to connect our work to broader environmental themes. Conserving quail isn’t just about protecting a single species; it’s about maintaining healthy, functioning ecosystems. I wanted the audience to see how issues like climate and habitat fragmentation impact the fate of the quail—and, ultimately, our own well-being.
The feedback from the audience was hugely positive. I could see people connecting the dots in real time—realizing that the story of the quail is a microcosm of the broader environmental challenges we face. After my talk, several attendees approached me to say they had come expecting to hear about energy policy or reforestation projects, but had left with a deeper appreciation for how all parts of nature, big and small, are interconnected.
I ended my presentation with a message that is deeply important to me: wildlife conservation isn’t just the responsibility of hunters, ranchers, or scientists. It belongs to all of us. If we care about the planet, we must care about its most vulnerable species too.
Being part of EarthX 2025 was a humbling experience. It reminded me that the future of conservation will depend on building bridges across different sectors, reaching new audiences, and inspiring unexpected champions for the cause. I’m proud that the Rolling Plains Quail Research Foundation could be part of that momentum—and I’m more energized than ever to continue this vital work. – by Dr. Ryan O’Shaughnessy
