Colin Shackelford

Colin Shackelford serves as the Associate Director of Texas Native Seeds at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute (CKWRI), Texas A&M University-Kingsville, a position he has held since 2011. A seventh-generation Texan raised in Houston, Shackelford brings extensive field experience in ecological restoration across diverse Texas ecosystems.

His educational background includes a B.A. in psychology from Austin College and an M.S. in rangeland ecology from Texas A&M University, where he studied perennial grass responses to drought, herbivory, and topographic variation under Dr. Fred Smeins. His research portfolio spans:

• Coastal tallgrass prairie restoration in southeast Texas
• Ponderosa pine forest and pinyon-juniper savanna restoration in west Texas
• Wetland rehabilitation projects
• Native seed source development for arid ecosystems

Shackelford's current work focuses on creating regionally adapted native seed resources for west Texas, addressing critical gaps in ecological restoration materials. His field methodology emphasizes long-term ecosystem monitoring and practical application of restoration techniques in challenging environments.

Prior to his current role, he managed conservation grants at the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute and directed stewardship operations for The Nature Conservancy’s Davis Mountains Project. His professional approach integrates scientific research with on-the-ground land management, prioritizing locally sourced genetic materials for habitat recovery.

As leader of the Texas Native Seeds program, Shackelford oversees seed collection initiatives, germplasm preservation, and partnership development with land managers across Texas. The program serves as a critical resource for landowners and agencies seeking ecologically appropriate restoration materials for native habitats.