By: Crystal Gonzalez (Grider)
Hi I’m Crystal!
I was born in Austin, and raised in Georgetown, TX. My mom was raised in the same town, and my siblings (twin sister, older brother and older sister) and l all went to the same schools as she did. We all graduated from Georgetown High School.
When I graduated high school and went to Tarleton, my parents moved to a small town called Rosebud, with a few acres and a wrap around porch about 30 minutes from Waco. My mom always had a veggie garden and made the best summer salsa- my dad would always be working on some sort of projects outside in his garage and could name any tree from a distance. I attribute them both to my love of nature. Some of their hobbies grew into my own, and I LOVE being outside “tinkering” as my mom would say, and finding new hobbies to get involved in as much as I can.
I graduated from Tarleton with a bachelor of Science – Family and Consumer Science. From there, I moved around a bit and eventually found myself back in Stephenville. I first became interested in the Texas Master Naturalist program when I was on a walk at the Brazos Trail in Stephenville and noticed the native garden and a small billboard about Prairie Oaks Chapter. From there, I started attending the community virtual meetings and got so invested in it, I decided to start the program and I’ve enjoyed every adventure so far!
I enjoy being connected with people who share a similar love for nature, and even if a certain topic isn’t my strength, I know I will be in the same room with someone who has such a talent for it. And I can learn from their passion.
Today, I live in Mineral Wells, TX, with my now husband, Jose, and dog, Poppy. My husband and I met at Clark Gardens Botanical Park, where I work, and just got married on 12-12-24! My husband and I have been working on pallet wood projects recently and I’m starting to make my own sourdough bread and possibly learn basket weaving ( why not!), something to pass the time as we save up to move out of our 1 bedroom apartment and find a little home here in Mineral Wells to put down roots.
I just wrapped up my first year volunteer hours and one of my favorite experiences was being able to participate in the 125th Christmas Bird Count! I spent the whole day with two master birders – Kristina and Gaston del Pino. Even as a beginner birder, I enjoyed spying on birds and learning more about their personalities and traits from the pros.
I’m looking forward to what 2025 has in store! And hopefully meeting a few more Prairie Oaks Chapter Members.
