By: Stephanie Keith
- Where were you born? Raised?
- I was born and raised in Dublin, TX!
- Where do you live now?
- I currently live on my husband’s family farm outside of Dublin in the Highland Community.
- Would you care to share with us about your family?
- I have two beautiful little girls who love the outdoors!
- I have been married to my husband Brian Keith for almost fourteen years.
- What is/has been your career? Education?
- I am really a jack of all trades. I have been a banker, school teacher, veterinary and dairy supply salesman, photographer, and now an education and public relations coordinator at Middle Trinity Groundwater Conservation District. My bonus job here at the district has encompassed all the responsibilities of a project manager for The Ditch Water Discovery Center. This portion of my career has been an educational journey, from the initial design to implementing the dreams and ideas from paper to the earth has been an experience.
- Tarleton State University Graduate – Bachelor Degree in Animal Science, Bachelor Degree in Wildlife Management, Master Degree in Curriculum & Instruction with a Math Emphasis
- What are some of your hobbies?
- My family and I enjoy riding our horses and mules in various events, trail riding, play days, cattle work and sorting, and ranch versatility shows. I personally enjoy being in nature in any way that I can.
- To what do you attribute your love of Nature?
- Growing up my dad and I would always have some sort of adventure while fishing, hunting, and exploring different areas around Central Texas. I have always loved conservation and the outdoors. I think having the opportunity as a young girl to explore and thrive in my curiosity really fostered the love for living things and nature’s natural wonders.
- What was it that interested you in the Texas Master Naturalist program?
- I have always dreamed of being a naturalist for as long as I can remember. As a young girl playing outside I would act like I was an explorer in an unknown area that made big discoveries of an ancient animal species. I really didn’t even know what a naturalist was I am sure!
- The Texas Master Naturalist program was a way to further my formal knowledge about so many topics. When I started designing The Ditch project, I knew I needed more education and hands-on experience, so I decided to commit to the program.
- What was it that interested you in the Prairie Oaks chapter?
- Local
- Everyone in the Prairie Oaks chapter has been so helpful and inviting. I have thoroughly enjoyed learning from everyone and building relationships with fellow nature nerds!
- What has been your greatest takeaway from the POTXMN experience?
- My biggest takeaway from the POTXMN experience has been that there is always something to save and preserve. There is always an opportunity to learn AND always somewhere to serve.
- Describe what would be your perfect, bucket-list natural science encounter or experience.
- My perfect (unrealistic) bucket list experience would be to go back in time and explore with the early naturalists that blazed the trail for us today. I would love to experience what it was like to be a pioneer before land developments and suburbs existed.
- My realistic bucket list experience would be to photograph Yellowstone and/or see the Marfa lights during my stay in a yurt.