David Hurt, an entrepreneur, birder, and amateur naturalist, graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BBA in Marketing. He opened a Wild Birds Unlimited franchise on Lovers Lane in Dallas, which he still enjoys running 32 years later. He says there is nothing better than bringing nature and people together every day, even if it’s just with a bird feeder and bird seed. David has earned multiple awards, including Wild Birds Unlimited’s "Highest Flyer" (4 times), their first "Friend to the Environment Lifetime Achievement Award," the Daughters of the American Revolution Environmental Stewardship Award, and the Native Plant Society of Texas Nancy Benedict Memorial Award.
David’s conservation journey began when he bought 35 acres in Cedar Hill and discovered a rare mix of Golden-cheeked Warblers and Flowering Dogwoods. To protect this unique habitat, he partnered with Audubon Dallas, donating an acre of his land for every acre they purchased. The site, named "Dogwood Canyon" on the advice of author and friend Matt White, drew attention for its stunning April dogwood blooms.
His efforts expanded with Audubon Texas and The National Audubon Society, raising $8.4 million to secure 204 acres and build the CE Doolin Audubon Center. Overcoming challenges, including negotiations with 16 landowners, David and project leader Annie Brown inspired the community and city leaders to support the center’s creation.
David continues to serve on the boards of Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center and Audubon Dallas, focusing on fundraising and land conservation. He’s now working with Audubon to acquire 1,345 more acres near Dogwood Canyon, Cedar Ridge Preserve, and Cedar Hill State Park — aiming to protect Dallas County’s best remaining natural habitat while adding 54 miles of soft-surface, tree-lined hiking trails and an expanded visitor center.
Driven by concern over the loss of 3 billion North American birds since the 1970s, David remains a passionate advocate for creating spaces where birds and nature can thrive alongside people. His favorite quote is from Sussex by Rudyard Kipling
     GOD gave all men all earth to love,
          But since our hearts are small,
     Ordained for each one spot should prove
          Beloved over all…
David’s “one beloved spot”, Dogwood Canyon, is near his home in Cedar Hill where “east meets west”, where Golden-cheeked Warblers, Black-chinned Hummingbirds, Ashe Junipers and Mexican Buckeyes of the Texas Hill Country comingle with Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Virginia Junipers, White Trout Lilies and Flowering Dogwoods of East Texas.