As a kid, Allen Schwind would go with his father to a deer lease, and like many people, those times became some of his best memories.
Throughout his life, his enjoyment of hunting, fishing and nature walks just grew. Then it grew into a mission.
Allen “A.J.” and Emilie Schwind, who reside in the North Houston area, both work as teachers while volunteering their time in many areas.
Succinctly put on their website — aeconservation.com — both have family members in military service and based on that, the Schwinds saw a need.
Their mission is to provide a way for those currently in uniform – veterans, first responders and their families – to enjoy nature away from the stress related to their work, social movements, and politics surrounding their service. Their current plan includes nature walks, fishing, and hunting.
The events are done at no charge, but donations always are welcome.
A.J. said hunting corresponds with the particular seasons, but feral hunts can be done year-round.
For fishing, the Schwinds have friends who have boats, and clients are taken to Lake Livingston or Lake Conroe.
“We go for a day and do what we call the three C’s — catch, clean and cook,” he said. “We do all three that same day. A&E has some equipment to provide, as long as there is enough advance notice.”
Nature walking will be done, preferably on leased land, at areas that can provide the necessary stress relief, he said.
“We determine where and when; we’ll set a date, determine the place and then inform people that it’s available,” he said. “The only stipulation is that the crowd size must be manageable, since at this time there is not a lot of volunteers.”
Through those services, they hope to provide valuable experiences for active military, veterans, first responders, and their families.
“We prayed about this, and we continue to pray, that we will be successful,” A.J. said.
While mainly geared to help veterans, the other groups were added because of their line of work.
“We focus on that population because those people have given me the opportunity to live freely, and I want to give back a token of what they’ve given me, to show them what I’ve done with that freedom,” he said.
At one point, they considered adding correctional officers, because they have been through a lot of traumatic experiences as well, a plan that still may happen. At some point in the future, those plans also include other people taking the lead and growing the mission.
A.J. and Emilie also look toward conservation of land, animals and other resources.
“Everywhere you go in this area, there are developments going up,” A.J. said. “There’s a landfill going up. What opportunities will there be for my son, who’s 3 years old right now, when he is 18-19 and wants to go out and buy a rifle to hunt? There’s not going to be any.”
He said he would like to secure a piece of property, either through lease or donation, to have a place to for his events, and even established a non-profit to help in that endeavor.
A.J. said leases would serve his targeted clientele better; state parks and national forests are overrun and there’s not enough opportunity to hunt because of overcrowding, and some landowners are beginning to require insurance for liability concerns.
“We’re trying to service a cause, not using and abusing land and resources,” he said. “We want to conserve, and we want to help manage areas. That’s the foundation of A&E.”
Currently, A.J. and Emilie are trying to raise funds to find areas to use year-round — without stipulations — to help with their plans.
Donations are accepted through their website, and 100% of donations go toward serving their chosen clients. Donations will pay for the property, facilities, and necessary supplies it takes to provide a meaningful experience to those who have served our nation and community. And as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, donations are tax-deductible.
Sponsorships also are available, and also are tax-deductible; and as well as funds, A&E seeks the help of volunteers.
A&E Conservation can be contacted at aeconservation.com, aeconservationinc2019@gmail.com, on Facebook aeconservationinc or at (281) 806-5071.
Operating Hours are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sunday from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. n
