Ned was both a fierce environmental warrior and a nature wonder child. We explored the northeastern section of the Great Trinity Forest and I fondly remember him always in the lead and looking back with childlike joy on his face, making sure we were not too far behind. – Linda Pelon, Comanche Marker Trees of Texas

Ned Fritz reached out to voters and elected officials through his founding of the Texas League of Conservation Voters, and built lasting institutions with his fellow volunteers by organizing many non-profit groups. Ned shared the beauty of the natural world through nature hikes, Forest Pow Wows, and pages of poetry. He was a loyal friend and powerful inspiration for all to join in protecting nature in the Lone Star State. – David Todd, Texas Legacy Project

Ned founded the Texas Committee on Natural Resources (now Texas Conservation Alliance). One of its goals was the establishment of a Big Thicket National Park. Ned logged more time in Big Thicket forests and in Washington offices than anyone, and he taught us not only about our biodiversity heritage but also about politics. After Big Thicket, he tackled wilderness areas in national forests with wide conservation support, resulting in the preservation of 68,000 acres of wilderness areas. – Maxine Johnston, Big Thicket Association

Ned had the courage to speak truth to power and to speak out against abusive policies and proposals. Yet he was always respectful, polite, and understanding of people on both sides of issues he raised and argued. He was our leader, our friend, and our hero.
– David Gray, Save Open Space and Save the Trinity River Coalition

Ned recruited, inspired, trained, and nurtured dozens of young people who have gone on to be lifelong conservationists. It’s very much part of Ned’s legacy. He had a marvelous sense of humor, very deadpan. His motivation and personal relationships were very affectionate. His family and his daughters adored him. He was very musical and wrote songs, and he’s penned some wonderful poetry. – Janice Bezanson, Texas Conservation Alliance

Life working with Ned and Genie was always quite an adventure and a learning experience. Iconic philanthropists and strong stewards of our earth, they were a huge inspiration to all those who care about nature and a sustainable future.
– Steve Houser, Texas Historic Tree Coalition

Ned Fritz was always brimming with enthusiasm, and never took defeat as an obstacle, but rather as just another bump in the road of opportunities one passed to get where one needed to go. – Brad Michael Moore, artist