Allen Williams
Pharr,Texas
Summary
I believe our planet has natural systems that are best represented through native ecosystems. As people, we must include ecological health with economic growth and development. Transforming underutilized school grounds into outdoor learning spaces with a biodiversity of native plants which attract and provide life's needs for birds, insects, reptiles and fungi, are wise investments that stimulate student creativity and relativity. For the past 25 years, I have been passionately connecting people to nature through native habitats. Everyone needs plants but few people understand the full value plants provide for people and most all other live forms. We are changing this, one plant and one person at a time.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Landscape Habitat Specialist
Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District
04.2013 - Current
- Knowledge of habitat restoration specific to the Rio Grande Valley.
- Knowledge of wildlife and their interacting needs with native habitat.
- Ability to create TEKS aligned lesson plans through collaborating with curriculum teams.
- Ability to build, train, and supervise educational gardens teams that create, maintain and foster native habitats, vegetable gardens and ponds that serve as aquatic labs.
- highlight the science of botany and the amazing benefits plants provide to people, our planet and school campuses.
Owner
Williams Wildscapes, Inc.
04.2000 - 04.2013
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Consulted with customers to assess landscape needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Designed and built bird and butterfly friendly native landscapes.
- Specialized in creating natural ponds and water features.
- Provided educational outreach and trainings through Quinta Mazatlan, and Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Geography
Texas State Universtity
San Marcos, Texas05.1988
Skills
- Knowledge of Native Habitat Restoration specific to the Rio Grande Valley
- Knowledge of wildlife and their interacting needs with native habitat
- Ability to work with teachers, students, grounds team, and community liaisons
- Knowledge of grant writing specific to habitat restoration
- Hands on experience with design and installation of native landscapes and water features
Accomplishments
2019 National Wildlife Refuge Association, Refuge Advocate of the Year for outstanding advocacy in building connections between youth and nature at the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge.
2018 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Honors Award for exceptional work engaging youth and members of the community in native habitat conservation in the LRGV.
2014 Zebby Award: LRGV-AIA for collaboration with design teams to protect wildlife at new construction sites. Allowing the undisturbed habitat areas to serve as classrooms and establish new gardens utilizing native plants with the help of PSJA ISD students.
2006 Steve Thompson Award for Special Achievement on behalf of Wildlife.
2005 John Acorn Award for dedication to nature preservation and enhancement.
Timeline
Landscape Habitat Specialist
Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District
04.2013 - Current
Owner
Williams Wildscapes, Inc.
04.2000 - 04.2013
Bachelor of Science - Geography
Texas State Universtity