Molly Morgan Named New Trust for Public Land Texas State Director

This week, leaders from national nonprofit Trust for Public Land announced that Molly Morgan has been chosen to lead the organization's efforts in Texas.

"In choosing Molly to lead our work in Texas, Trust for Public Land will continue along our strong trajectory without missing a beat," said Trust for Public Land Mountain West Region Vice President, Jim Petterson. "Molly's extensive experience and knowledge of land conservation, park design and development and effective community engagement make her the right choice for the Lone Star State."

Morgan has been on Trust for Public Land's Texas team for nearly seven years, during which time she has held numerous roles and directed successful initiatives in and around Dallas. Her visionary work led to the formation of the Five Mile Creek Greenbelt, a transformational project that will include 17 miles of new trails connecting three signature parks across Dallas' Oak Cliff community. Her unique ability to combine her skills in landscape architecture, experience as a program director, and a deep commitment to the communities she works with make her the right fit to lead the Texas program.

"Everyone deserves access to nature and the outdoors, and there's never been a more exciting or impactful time to be a parks leader in Texas," Morgan said. "Our work is helping to connect more people to the benefits of the outdoors and provide spaces that match the communitys' visions for their greenspaces, especially those in historically underserved communities who need access to the health, community, and wellness benefits of close-to-home nature. I'm honored to lead the Texas team in continuing this work and I look forward to fulfilling our vision of a greener and greater Texas."

Among her notable accomplishments, Morgan is credited with identifying that Dallas City planners had called for a greenbelt across the Oak Cliff community as far back as 1944. This greenbelt, however, was never realized. Because of this, Morgan began the process of picking up the torch to fulfill this vision and worked directly with hundreds of community members to craft the plans for the Five Mile Creek Greenbelt. The project is now underway, with the first park, South Oak Cliff Renaissance Park, open and operational, the Judge Charles R. Rose Community Park on track for a 2025 opening, and Woody Branch Park, an 80+ acre park in the planning and design phase. In 2022, she led the federal funding initiatives that led to over $28 million in federal grants for 17 miles of trails. Funding for the design, engineering and construction of the new trail system continues to grow.

Morgan will also oversee the ongoing work of the Dallas Greening Initiative, a project that is transforming vacant, unused, city-owned properties into neighborhood greenspaces. The first five locations are currently in progress, and Morgan and her team are currently working to identify the next cohort. A critical component of this work is the careful community outreach to neighbors and key stakeholders to ensure these greenspaces fit the profile of the community, something that supporters say Molly excels at doing.

Beyond Dallas, Morgan is playing a key role in expanding Trust for Public Land's reach across the state, advocating for increased access to parks and working to connect all Texans to the joys and wonders of the outdoors. Still, more than 9 million Texans still lack access to a close-to-home park. Born and raised in Texas, she's up for the challenge.

"Molly combines a strong, technical skill set with the type of high emotional intelligence needed to engage with communities to ensure their unique concerns are listened to and addressed," said Dallas Greening Czar Garrett Boone. "Having seen Molly in action at community meetings and at city hall, I am confident that she has the ability to lead Trust for Public Land to a bright future in Texas. She is absolutely the right person!"

Trust for Public Land Texas Advisory Board leaders echoed Boone's confidence in the selection.

"We are excited to select and welcome Molly into this pivotal leadership role, where her passion, expertise, and hands-on experience are exactly what we need to advance our work in Dallas and across the state," said Asheya Warren, Trust for Public Land Texas Advisory Board Chair and founder/CEO of PRAXIS, a strategic consulting firm specializing in the built environment. "After a rigorous nationwide search, Molly emerged as the clear choice. Her exceptional background as a project manager, architectural professional, and community advocate makes her uniquely qualified to advance TPL's mission throughout Texas. As someone who understands the strategic importance of representation and inclusion, I am confident that Molly's leadership will not only enhance our work but also strengthen our commitment to creating vibrant, equitable spaces that serve all communities."

Communities Foundation of Texas Philanthropy Director and former Trust for Public Land Texas Director Robert Kent also praised the decision.

"Molly Morgan is a dedicated parks advocate and visionary leader with a deep commitment to making sure everyone in our community can enjoy the benefits of parks and the outdoors." Kent said. "I am thrilled to see Molly take on this new role and for the leadership she will bring to grow Trust for Public Land's work in Dallas and beyond."

Community leaders also expressed excitement upon hearing the announcement.

"I'm elated that Molly Morgan will serve as Texas State Director," said For Oak Cliff Executive Director and Trust for Public Land National Board Member Taylor Toynes. "Molly is the ideal candidate to progress and sustain our work throughout Texas. I've worked with Molly, and know she has a passion for public land and a heart for community and I'm excited to work alongside her."

Morgan is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder and holds a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Texas at Arlington. She and her family live in East Dallas where they frequent local parks.

About Trust for Public Land

Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors. As a leader in equitable access to the outdoors, TPL works with communities to create parks and protect public land where they are needed most. Since 1972, TPL has protected more than 4 million acres of public land, created more than 5,420 parks, trails, schoolyards, and iconic outdoor places, raised $94 billion in public funding for parks and public lands, and connected nearly 9.7 million people to the outdoors. To learn more, visit tpl.org.

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