History

Founded in 1985, Scenic Texas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the scenic character of Texas’s landscapes and communities.

Scenic Texas was established through the vision and leadership of Carroll Shaddock, a respected corporate attorney who recognized early on the growing threats to the state’s natural beauty. As rapid development began to reshape Texas, Shaddock understood the lasting impact that visual degradation could have on the state’s identity, economy, and quality of life.

Driven by this conviction, he committed his time, expertise, and personal resources—without compensation—to building an organization that could advocate for scenic conservation at a statewide level. His leadership laid the foundation for what would become the leading voice for protecting the visual integrity of Texas.

Over the past four decades, Scenic Texas has expanded that vision through impactful programs, strategic partnerships, and statewide advocacy. The organization continues to elevate scenic conservation as a shared public value—supporting communities, influencing policy, and preserving the landscapes that define Texas.

Today, the legacy of Carroll Shaddock lives on through Scenic Texas’s ongoing work to ensure that future generations experience the beauty, character, and sense of place that make Texas unique.