Frates Seeligson

Biography: Frates Seeligson graduated from Duke University in 1992. Upon returning to Texas he studied ranch and range management at Texas Christian University. A fourth generation rancher, he has managed agricultural operations across South Texas for two decades, with a specific focus on native habitat management and restoration. Working with state and federal agencies, he has employed myriad of conservation measures to promote native habitat and wildlife through plans such as: EQUIP, WHIP, CCRP, and GRIP. Additionally, Seeligson has worked with Texas State University, The University of Texas, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Texas Natives program, Quail Unlimited and the National Turkey Federation to further the study of best management practices for agriculture and the positive impact such practices have on native flora and fauna. In 2007, Frates joined the board of the San Antonio River Foundation. Over the past ten years he actively participated in the San Antonio River Improvements Project, the largest urban environmental restoration project in the country, which has culminated in the restoration of fifteen miles of the San Antonio River. Over these years he served as chair of the Art & Architecture Committee, the Executive Committee and as Chairman of the Board. In 2016 Frates joined the staff of the River Foundation as Director of Confluence Park. In this role he has managed the fundraising, construction and programming of Confluence Park, a one of a kind educational venue for environmental education along the banks of the San Antonio River. To Seeligson, the San Antonio River is the cultural and environmental heart of the city, linking the city in a beautiful and unique manner. Its restoration serves as an inspiring example of the importance of preserving our native habitat.