In 1987, John Martin, Tom Koeneke, Carol Rausch and other concerned citizens of South Texas founded The Valley Land Fund (VLF) to preserve the Rio Grande Valley's remaining wildlife habitat. To accomplish this mission, VLF uses all tools common to land trusts; what distinguishes VLF is their use of wildlife photo competitions for conservation. The Valley Land Fund is now the leading land trust south of Corpus Christi, Texas, and a successful prototype for similar conservation efforts.

Throughout its epic ten-year history, The Valley Land Fund's Wildlife Photo Contest has introduced hundreds of South Texas ranchers to the beauty and value of their land's wildlife, and has inspired a generation of amateur and professional photographers to push their talents to the limit.

This exciting event, including the gala Awards Ceremony and popular coffee table books, has become a cornerstone for local habitat conservation and the model for the Images for Conservation Fund (ICF) and the world's first Pro-Tour of Nature Photography.

Most importantly, it has established a local industry of nature photo-tourism with South Texas Lens & Land. Private landowners have discovered a new source of revenue by constructing professionally planned photographic areas and leasing ranch access to wildlife photographers. So far, seven Texas ranches are involved, representing 15,000 acres. With the Pro-Tour and Open Legacy tournaments motivating amateurs and pros alike, ICF is dedicated to growing this industry across North America for long-term, profitable conservation on private lands.