Alpine, Texas, January 9, 2026
The Meadows Foundation has pledged $2.75 million to create the Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. This initiative aims to tackle significant water challenges in the arid region through applied research, education, and community support. The institute will focus on groundwater recharge, watershed dynamics, and sustainable water management practices, ensuring long-term solutions for the area’s water scarcity issues.
Alpine, Texas – The Meadows Foundation has committed $2.75 million to establish the Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water at Sul Ross State University in Alpine. This significant donation aims to address the pressing water challenges in one of the state’s driest regions by advancing collaborative water solutions through applied research, education, and technical expertise.
The institute’s primary focus will be on applied research, education and workforce development, and technical assistance and community support. Initial efforts will concentrate on groundwater recharge and flow paths, groundwater-surface water interactions, desert spring systems such as San Solomon Springs and Independence Creek, watershed dynamics, and the impacts of land management and climate variability.
Water scarcity is a growing concern in Far West Texas, where limited aquifer recharge, stressed spring systems, aging infrastructure, and increasing demands are straining the region’s water supplies. The establishment of this institute is a response to these challenges, aiming to strengthen understanding of desert water systems and expand the tools, workforce, and partnerships necessary for sustainable water stewardship.
Eric R. Meadows, president and CEO of The Meadows Foundation, emphasized the importance of science-based stewardship in sustaining vital water resources and the communities that depend on them. The institute’s work will inform water stewardship across other arid landscapes facing similar challenges, with the goal of ensuring a resilient water future for people, land, and wildlife in Far West Texas.
The Meadows Foundation, based in Dallas, has a history of supporting initiatives that improve the quality of life for Texans. This donation is part of their ongoing commitment to environmental conservation and community development in the state.
### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water?
The Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water is a new institute established at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas, funded by a $2.75 million donation from The Meadows Foundation. Its mission is to address water challenges in Far West Texas through applied research, education, and technical expertise.
What will the institute focus on?
The institute will focus on applied research, education and workforce development, and technical assistance and community support. Initial efforts will concentrate on groundwater recharge and flow paths, groundwater-surface water interactions, desert spring systems, watershed dynamics, and the impacts of land management and climate variability.
Why is this institute being established?
Water scarcity is a growing concern in Far West Texas due to limited aquifer recharge, stressed spring systems, aging infrastructure, and increasing demands. The institute aims to strengthen understanding of desert water systems and expand the tools, workforce, and partnerships necessary for sustainable water stewardship in the region.
Who is funding the institute?
The institute is funded by a $2.75 million donation from The Meadows Foundation, a private philanthropic organization based in Dallas, Texas. The foundation has a history of supporting initiatives that improve the quality of life for Texans, including environmental conservation and community development projects.
### Key Features of the Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Establishment | Funded by a $2.75 million donation from The Meadows Foundation at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. |
| Mission | Address water challenges in Far West Texas through applied research, education, and technical expertise. |
| Focus Areas | Applied research, education and workforce development, technical assistance, and community support. |
| Initial Efforts | Groundwater recharge and flow paths, groundwater-surface water interactions, desert spring systems, watershed dynamics, and impacts of land management and climate variability. |
| Funding Organization | The Meadows Foundation, a private philanthropic organization based in Dallas, Texas, with a history of supporting initiatives that improve the quality of life for Texans. |
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