Courtney Lyons-Garcia, Executive Director, Big Bend Conservancy.

Courtney Lyons-Garcia is a Native Texan from Corpus Christi, a graduate of Texas A&M, and has two Master's Degrees from George Washington University in media/public affairs and sustainable tourism.  Her career has been with non-profits, beginning with the Red Cross here in Austin, then National Parks Conservation Association, and the San Antonio Botanical Society. Her other talents become evident in her work as an editorial assistant with the National Geographic Traveler, her creation of and hosting for Nickelodeon's the Garden Adventure of Dora and Diego, and as Developmental Director for the Mid-Texas Symphony (Seguin-New Braunfels).  She lists a host of activities as consultant, presenter, work for several environmental agencies and is currently an adjunct professor at Texas State University in San Marcos.

 

Courtney's presentation began with a beautiful introduction to Big Bend National Park, which consists of three separate environmental niches:  the Chisos Mountains, the Chihauhaun Desert, and the Rio Grand River with three major canyons (Santa Elena, Mariscal, and Bequillas). The Park, born on D-Day by the signature of President FDR, boasts of having more of just about everything!  That would include more cactus, bird, bat, insect, and reptile species, fossil and dinosaur bones, and more.  Big Bend is also situated such that all four major US Flyways (for bird migration) pass through the Park.

 

The second part of Courtney's presentation described the role of the Big Bend Conservancy: "To promote, support and raise funds for Big Bend National Park and the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River."  Their current projects are the development of the Rio Grande Village Visitor's Center displays, restoration of the Homer Wilson Ranch, and development of the Fossil Discovery exhibit.

 

And finally, she directed our attention to the 100th Birthday of the National Park Service which now includes 412 national parks.  There are 16 in Texas, with the LBJ Ranch, San Antonio Missions, El Camino Real (part of which passes through McKinney Falls State Park), and the brand new Mammoth National Park in Waco all within a day-trip distance to Austin.  National Parks are a uniquely American gift to the world, a source of beauty, wonder, and pride, a great responsibility to preserve and protect, and a treasure for all of us to enjoy.  Thank you, Courtney Lyons-Garcia for sharing with us!