Based in San Antonio, Thea Platz has dedicated much of her career to natural-resource education, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. A founding member of Texas Master Naturalist, Thea has been nationally and locally recognized for her commitment to environmental outreach and education. Thea served as a Director of Outdoor Environmental Education with the North East Independent School District (NEISD), where she developed and led outdoor education programs. She was also part of the think tank that developed the first Environmental Education Plan in Texas. Over the span of her education career, she has engaged approximately 40,000 youth and as many adults in conservation education and outdoor programs. She has served on the board of directors of Texas Children in Nature, Alamo Master Naturalist, Friends of Guadalupe River State Park, and more. She was on the San Antonio Parks advisory board, where she collaborated to bring together the City of San Antonio, Bexar County, and the San Antonio River Authority to secure Walker Ranch Historic Landmark Park. She helped raise more than $400,000 for an adaptive and natural play area at the park. For her efforts, she was honored with the conservation hero award from Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy. Thea deeply believes that all children—and adults—deserve to have safe and equitable access to nature for a healthier and happier future.
Thea is joining the Book Festival to discuss Wild Women for Good: Stories of Conservation in Texas by Jennifer L. Bristol.
