Fredericksburg, Texas · October 17, 2026
On October 17, 2026, the Rhinory Foundation held its Catalyst for Conservation Gala in Fredericksburg, Texas. By the end of the evening it had raised more than $100,000 for Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the International Rhino Foundation and Care for Wild.
A community in Fredericksburg
Craig and Chesney founded Rhinory, a winery and ranch in Fredericksburg built around rhino conservation. Guests ate outdoors under string lights as the sky darkened behind the stage, and a rhino took shape on a canvas at the edge of the evening. The money raised went to three organizations: Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya, the International Rhino Foundation and Care for Wild.
It was an honor to be the inaugural recipient of this award. What Craig and Chesney have done is remarkable. They have built a community in Fredericksburg.
My thanks to Craig, Chesney, Chris, Nicole and the entire Rhinory team.
The Catalyst for Conservation Award
The Rhinory Foundation presented the first Catalyst for Conservation Award at the gala, and I was its first recipient. Victoria from Ol Pejeta said a few words and helped present it, and I was honored to have her there. I began by donating art to a conservation gala. In Fredericksburg, I stood at one as the honoree.
States of Nature
My book, States of Nature, published by Hirmer, launched at the same event: 224 pages, 180 photographs, eleven years of work. One of the printing plates from Italy, the one used to print the page with Najin and Fatu, went to auction in the room. Najin and Fatu are the last two northern white rhinos, and they are cared for at Ol Pejeta in Kenya.
More photographs
Photographs courtesy of Rhinory. More from the evening are in the gallery.