By Karen Wilson, AAMN Class 47
Hi, I’m Karen Wilson. My love for nature began when I was a child, exploring the outdoors through the Girl Scouts and family RV trips. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong appreciation for the natural world, and that connection only deepened as I grew older. Later, I became a Girl Scout troop leader for my daughters, and volunteering gave me great opportunities to get outdoors with family, friends, and children for 15 years. Balancing volunteering with a demanding career wasn’t always easy, but it was very rewarding. Now that I’m retired, I’ve been able to dedicate more time to causes that combine my love of nature with my passion for giving back—and that’s what led me to the Alamo Area Master Naturalists (AAMN).
Finding My Passion in San Antonio
I first discovered AAMN after participating in a Basura Bash to clean up Salado Creek Greenway. I had come to love the Greenway during COVID as a place to hike and bike. After the cleanup, one of the leaders recognized my enthusiasm and suggested I join AAMN. It was perfect timing—I had recently moved to San Antonio and had just retired, so I was ready for something new. Since then, my passion for volunteering has only grown.
San Antonio itself has become a meaningful place for me. My husband and I moved here three years ago to be close to a dear friend during his final years, and he shared his love for the city with us. After spending 40 years in Austin, we now have a new home base that’s still close to our son in Austin and also allows us to easily visit our two daughters, both of whom live in Scotland. Volunteering with AAMN has deepened my connection to this city, making it feel even more like home.
How Volunteering Enriches My Life
Volunteering gives me the chance to grow and learn new things. I’ve always enjoyed learning, and by joining AAMN, I’ve been able to expand my knowledge about conservation and how to care for Texas’s natural resources. Whether it’s through specific training or hands-on activities like water quality testing or using iNaturalist, I’m always learning something new.
Volunteering lets me be outside and active. I’ve always enjoyed being outside, from my time in the Girl Scouts to years of camping, hiking, and leading my daughters’ troops. Volunteering allows me to continue this. I spend at least 4–5 days a week outside, whether I’m helping with a project or leading a hike. I love visiting these places and get a kick out of knowing that my work helps others enjoy them too.
Volunteering offers variety. I love doing different things every day—it keeps me from getting bored and lets me connect ideas, places, and people. Whether I’m helping with a litter cleanup, leading a hike, or contributing to citizen science, each activity has its own unique purpose. It’s also fun to bring in the leadership skills I developed during my career and apply them in a way that helps others find their own passion for conservation. Plus, I get to enjoy both physical and mental activities, which makes it even more rewarding.
Where I Volunteer
Here are just a few of the places I volunteer and what I love about each one:
- San Antonio River Authority (SARA): I test water quality, collect fishing line, and participate in litter cleanups. I also help with youth education events and love engaging with the public to inspire them to take care of these spaces.
- Bracken Cave: As a docent, I get to share the magic of bats with visitors and educate them on the importance of protecting these animals and their habitat.
- iNaturalist and Birding with Bexar Audubon: I love being able to consider myself a “citizen scientist,” contributing to research and conservation. My husband and I both enjoy birding, and volunteering with Bexar Audubon lets us spend time together while contributing to important conservation efforts.
- AAMN Training: I lead the Initial Training program for our chapter, which means I get to help train and certify new Texas Master Naturalists. This allows me to pass on my passion for conservation and help others discover theirs. It’s so rewarding to see people get excited about volunteering and conservation work.
Volunteering has enriched my life in so many ways—through learning, staying active, and connecting with my community. I’m so thankful to have found AAMN and look forward to volunteering for many many years to come!