Margaret Martin grew up on a South Texas ranch near Laredo, and that experience connected her to nature in a way that inspired her lifelong commitment to conservation. She served on many local agriculture-focused boards before Governor Rick Perry tapped her to serve on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission in 2007, where she served until 2015.
“That changed my life,” she said. “I thought I had a good idea of what Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) did, but I really had no idea of the vast scope of the Department’s purview until I served on the Commission. The incredible variety of things that TPWD does is amazing. From the network of state parks and wildlife management areas to the wildlife and fisheries biologists who help conserve our precious natural resources, and the wonderful men and women who serve as Texas Game Wardens, TPWD touches so many things that Texans hold dear.”

Martin has been a lifelong supporter of Texas Game Wardens, and in 2012, Martin led the charge on the Commission to support a K-9 unit in TPWD’s Law Enforcement Division.
“I was all in and thought it was a great idea,” said Martin. “What a great partner for the men and women who serve the people of Texas. These K-9s have abilities that humans don’t, and I was pleased to support the establishment of the first-ever K-9 team for Texas Game Wardens.”
Martin not only supported the concept, she also made a personal donation to TPWF to help make it happen. As the official nonprofit partner of TPWD, TPWF was instrumental in raising the private funds that turned the concept of a Texas Game Warden K-9 team into a reality.

In 2016, Martin joined TPWF’s board of trustees, where she is happy to continue supporting Texas Game Wardens and TPWD.
“Being a Texas Parks and Wildlife Commissioner before coming onto the TPWF board has given me a unique perspective in understanding how important Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation is to the Department,” she said. “It’s a great partnership.”

In the first few years of the K-9 program, TPWF funds helped purchase dogs and paid for the necessary equipment and training for the dogs and their handlers. In 2017, TPWF launched the S. Reed Morian Gear Up for Game Wardens program, where funds raised keep the K-9 team running. In 2020, Gear Up established a dedicated fund to replace K-9s when they retire, which provides a seamless transition for the K-9 team. Martin has been a steadfast supporter of the K-9 program every step of the way.
“These amazing K-9s play a critical role in search and rescue operations that have literally saved lives, and they lead the way in a variety of missions across the state. They can do anything their handlers ask of them, and they are a great asset to the people of Texas. Plus, they’ve stolen my heart! I hope other Texans will join me in supporting Texas Game Wardens and their K-9 partners.”