Kidda chosen program coordinator for Long Acres Ranch Nature Tourism Center
RICHMOND — Jim Kidda has been selected as the new program coordinator for Long Acres Ranch Nature Tourism Center near Richmond, said Miles Phillips, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service nature tourism specialist at Texas A&M University.
The center is managed as an educational and recreational facility by AgriLife Extension’s nature tourism program. The 750-plus acre area is a former ranch and all activities for youth and adults, including paddling, hay rides, tent camping, night walks, wildlife viewing, birding nature walks, photo hunts and campfire events, are outdoors. The center will also be providing specialized training for those interested in wildlife and nature based tourism and outdoor recreation business management skills. For more information, go to http://longacresranch.tamu.edu.
Kidda, who started in December, said he will work closely with Phillips, who will serve as center director, and the surrounding community to develop plans and implement educational opportunities for center visitors for “a rich and rewarding interface with nature.”
“Mr. Kidda brings extensive experience in project management and a record of serving the community and leading outdoor activities to his position,” Phillips said. “He will greatly enhance our ability to develop the unique facilities and programs at Long Acres Ranch, which will help us provide educational programs related to outdoor recreation and wildlife enterprises for landowners, youth and the general public.”
Kidda has a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering from Louisiana Tech University.
He was previously a senior systems manager at Aker Solutions Plant Services Group, a business that focuses on the design, construction and maintenance of plant facilities. Prior to that, he was an application specialist at CDI Engineering, a support analyst at Computer Science Corporation and an engineering systems manager at Kraerner Engineering. Kidda’s additional experience includes work in the oil and gas industry as a production project engineer and production analyst.
“My career has afforded me many experiences that have prepared me for the position of program coordinator for the center,” Kidda said. “I worked in the engineering field for many years managing million dollar offshore projects and process design engineering work before moving over into the IT field. I have managed up to 23 people for a North American software support effort.”
Kidda said his commitment to youth development through his long-time involvement in Boy Scouts of America also will be of benefit in his new role.
As a scout leader, Kidda was the camping committee chair for three years for a Cub Scout pack of over 100 cubs. He served as a den leader and Webelos and Webelos II leader. Shortly after his son started Boy Scouts, Kidda said he was asked to be the Scoutmaster for Troop 1002 out of Richmond, a position he held for four years.
He also served as an elected official for his local utilities district board in Fort Bend for more than 13 years, eight as president.
“We at the AgriLife Extension office in Fort Bend County are looking forward to coordinating with Jim on opportunities through Long Acres that will be offered to county residents as a venue for nature-related activities, particularly activities relating to our youth,” said Vincent Mannino, the agency’s county director based in Rosenberg.