Daniel Lewis was a forester with the Texas A&M Forest Service until he retired a few years ago. He became a member in 2008, and since his retirement, he’s been able to be more active in our chapter. His expertise on trees and forest management has been invaluable to our chapter and we are lucky to have him as a member!
Why did you decide to join Master Naturalists initially?
I have always been fascinated with all facets of the natural world from trees to insects. As a kid, I knew my grandmother appreciated (or tolerated) my interests. So, when I moved to West Texas as a child, my mom, having a sense of humor, would allow me to mail my treasures to my grandmother. She, I am sure, loved getting a letter from me, only to open the envelope and find one of my treasured insects smashed and dried inside. So, the interest was always there. My education as an Arborist and Forester provided me with a good amount of information on wildlife management, soil science, biology, and of course, tree and forest management, including disease and forest pest management. I realized that I could easily supplement my education by joining Master Naturalists. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Even the topics I did not expect to enjoy turned out to be very interesting. Texas Master Naturalists allowed me to plug into a local network of nature loving people and find good friends. Like all of them, I’m a lifelong learner. I’m glad I can be more active now that I’m retired.
What are some of your favorite naturalist activities?
My favorite activity is just being in the woods and being able to slow down, look, listen and examine. To squat down and just quietly observe. To watch and identify birds, plants and insects. Taking time to enjoy the opportunity to absorb the beauty of a place and wonder and take samples or pictures of things I observe. Then go home and research what I’ve observed or collected.
What chapter projects are you most interested in these days?
I enjoy opportunities to share what I know about trees and land management with others. I’ve done tree ID walks for chapter members at Stephen F. Austin State Park and Indian Creek. I also teach Forest Ecology to each new chapter class, which includes a forest walk. I always enjoy education projects, working with kids and adults that focus on trees, brush management and invasive species control.
What are some land stewardship activities that you are engaged with on your own property?
I have been clearing a lot of dead cedar trees and trying to establish an assortment of trees around my property. I’ll be planting 20 burr oak seedlings soon. And of course, I wage war on huisache, mesquite, yaupon holly and silverleaf nightshade.
What do you do for fun?
I like to spend time with my daughter and my 93 year old mom. And I enjoy Charlie Lewis, my border collie/springer spaniel mix dog. She’s smart and full of energy. Now that I have trained her, she’s a great companion.