Are the beautiful state parks and waterscapes of Texas equally welcoming to all people? What might make people hesitate to head outdoors? What barriers do Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous Texans face when trying to hike, camp, or swim? How are these dynamics changing and who is leading the change?

We explore these questions and more in this wide-ranging interview with David Buggs, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. David focuses on developing and managing the execution of the Parks and Wildlife diversity and inclusion strategy. He has decades of experience with both the Texas outdoors and spearheading diversity and inclusion initiatives including as a former Chief Diversity Officer for FedEx.