February 6, 2026 – COLLEGE STATION, Texas—Texas A&M Forest Service Division Director of Forestry & Natural Resource Management Gretchen Riley was presented with a Texas A&M University System Regents Fellow Service Award for 2024-2025 at a ceremony on Wednesday evening in College Station, Texas.
Riley received this award for her exceptional commitment, innovation, and leadership throughout her 15 years with Texas A&M Forest Service, significantly impacting the health and sustainability of our forest resources across Texas.
“Gretchen leads strategic initiatives for the forestry and natural resources division and for the entire agency,” said Al Davis, Director of Texas A&M Forest Service. “She is focused on the long-term health of the state’s forest resources and, as importantly, for the development of the agency’s people.”
She was instrumental in the development and implementation of the statewide Forest Action Plan, agency Strategic Plan, and guidelines for communities across the state to conserve and protect their urban forests.
Under Riley’s leadership in 2023, Texas A&M Forest Service received an unprecedented $21.75 million in grant funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture for agency initiatives that supported the expansion and conservation of forests in urban areas. As a result, the Community Forestry Grant Program passed through $15.4 million in sustainable forestry grants to 22 Texas cities, neighborhoods, non-profit organizations, and schools.
Riley also led the $630,000 Arlington Park Estates project with former Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson through Congressionally directed spending. The neighborhood lies adjacent to the Southwestern Medical District in Dallas, Texas, and the project emphasized urban forest impacts on human health.
Riley led the team that developed the Texas Community Forest Storm Planning Guide. This guide serves as a model for other state forestry agencies and communities across the South. It is an essential part of a community’s hazard mitigation and emergency management plan, and was put into practice during Winter Storm Uri in 2021.
Another example of Riley’s leadership in recovery and restoration occurred following the first anniversary of the Smokehouse Creek Fire in the Texas Panhandle in 2024. Under Riley’s leadership, Texas A&M Forest Service implemented an initiative that provides trees to area residents as part of ongoing post-fire recovery efforts to ensure watershed health and landscape resiliency.
She was instrumental in building the Urban Forest Strike Team program in Texas and across the U.S. South. Also, due to Riley’s forethought, following post-disaster assessments, we can also connect communities with potential partners and other stakeholders to help replant the community forest and possibly offer financial assistance through the TreeCovery Fund.
Riley led a team that analyzed potential impacts to Texas’ forests from Emerald Ash Borer and developed the Texas Community Forest Planning Guide for Emerald Ash Borer to prepare and assist communities across the state affected by EAB infestation. She also championed the urban tree improvement program. The Texas Tested, Texas Tough program is dedicated to enhancing the health, resilience, and beauty of trees in urban environments by increasing viability, vigor, and climate adaptation.
Beyond specific projects, Riley’s dedication is evident in her far-reaching service and leadership to trade organizations. Serving with Texas A&M Forest Service since 2011, Riley holds a Master of Science in Forestry from Texas A&M University. Riley is also a Society of American Foresters Certified Forester, Texas Accredited Forester, International Society for Arboriculture Certified Arborist, and a leader in the Southern Group of State Foresters, Texas Forestry Association and Texas Urban Forestry Council.
“Gretchen’s ability to foster strong relationships with private landowners, federal agencies, local communities, and environmental groups has been beneficial in advancing cooperative conservation efforts across the state,” said Davis.
Riley is one of 13 professionals to receive the Regents Fellow Service Award this year.
The Regents Fellow Service Awards program was established in 1998, and the Regents Professor Awards program in 1996, recognizing employees who have made exemplary contributions to their university or agency and to the people of Texas.
Read more about this year’s awards at Regents Approve 17 Regents Professors, 13 Regents Fellows – A&M System News and https://agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/2025/11/18/board-of-regents-honors-nine-texas-am-agrilife-faculty-professionals/.
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