Nyle Maxwell Named 2026 West Texas Conservationist of the Year
Key Points:
- Nyle Maxwell has been named the 2026 West Texas Conservationist of the Year by the Borderlands Research Foundation in recognition of his leadership in land stewardship and wildlife conservation.
- The Maxwell Family of Ranches spans more than 125,000 acres across the Hill Country, Trans-Pecos and Far West Texas, where conservation-focused management supports healthy wildlife habitat and working landscapes.
- Maxwell’s conservation leadership extends beyond the ranch gate through his service as president of the Texas Wildlife Association and decades of philanthropic and community leadership across Texas.
ALPINE, Texas — The Borderlands Research Foundation has named Nyle Maxwell as the 2026 West Texas Conservationist of the Year, recognizing his long-standing commitment to land stewardship, wildlife conservation and service to Texas communities.
A native of Austin and Texas Longhorn, Maxwell built a successful 40-year career in the automotive industry and now serves as CEO of the Nyle Maxwell Family of Dealerships. Over time, that success evolved into steadfast commitment to the stewardship of Texas land and wildlife.
Though he did not grow up ranching, Maxwell developed a passion for conservation after purchasing his first ranch near Kerrville more than 25 years ago. What began as an investment soon became a hands-on dedication to habitat restoration, water management and science-based wildlife stewardship.
Today, the Maxwell Family of Ranches includes more than 125,000 acres across three distinct Texas landscapes: High Lonesome Ranch in the Hill Country near Brady; El Cielo Ranch on the Escondido Rim between Alpine and Marfa; and the Double M and Sweetwater ranches in Hudspeth County east of El Paso.
Across those properties, conservation serves as the guiding priority. Native rangelands are managed to improve habitat quality and sustain healthy populations of pronghorn, elk, mule deer, quail and whitetail deer. Water resources are protected and enhanced, while grazing practices are implemented with long-term land health in mind.
“Nyle Maxwell represents the very best of conservation leadership in Texas,” said Dr. Louis Harveson, the Dan Allen Hughes, Jr., Endowed Director of the Borderlands Research Institute. “He understands that stewardship requires intentional management, investment and a willingness to think beyond your own lifetime. Through his work across multiple regions of Texas, Nyle has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to conserving working lands, wildlife habitat and the values that make Texas unique.”
Maxwell’s conservation leadership extends well beyond his ranches. A member of the Texas Wildlife Association since 2008, he currently serves as president of the organization, advocating for private land stewardship, hunting heritage and sound wildlife management policies across the state.
His broader record of service reflects the same long-term approach. Maxwell served as mayor of Round Rock from 2002 to 2008 and founded the Central Texas Community Foundation, which has awarded more than $35 million in grants since 2004. He also served as founding chair of the Dell Children’s Medical Center Foundation and remains active in philanthropic efforts supporting healthcare and veterans.
Alongside his wife, Nancy, Maxwell has helped strengthen both communities and landscapes across Texas through sustained investment, advocacy and hands-on stewardship.
The West Texas Conservationist of the Year award honors visionary conservationists whose leadership and stewardship leave a lasting impact on the lands, waters and wildlife of West Texas for generations to come.
To learn more about the Borderlands Research Foundation and its mission to support conservation in the Chihuahuan Desert Borderlands, visit Borderlands Research Foundation.
Since 2007, the Borderlands Research Institute has encouraged effective land stewardship of the Chihuahuan Desert. Housed at Sul Ross State University, the Borderlands Research Institute builds on a long-lasting partnership with private landowners, the university’s natural resource program, cooperating state, federal, and non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders. Through research, education, and outreach, the Borderlands Research Institute is helping to conserve the last frontier of Texas and the Southwest.
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Group photo cutline: Dr. Louis Harveson, Nyle Maxwell, and Dan Allen Hughes, Jr – Photo credit: Ron Parks
Maxwell photo by David Wellborn
