Staff Highlight

Exploring Nature with Purpose: An Interview with Wendy Reistle

By Debbie Bush, Web Assistant

Wendy Reistle, the Environmental Education Program Coordinator for the Environmental Institute of Houston (EIH), shares her journey from a nature-loving childhood to a fulfilling career in environmental education. She also discusses her vision for the future of the field and its impact on the next generation.

Growing up in Southwest Virginia, Wendy’s love for nature developed through childhood adventures climbing trees and running through streams. “I have always loved being out in nature,” Wendy said. This passion led her to pursue a biology degree at Virginia Tech. Shortly after, she joined the Environmental Institute of Houston at the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL), where her career in environmental education took root.

“I was hired by Dr. Brenda Weiser to work on school habitats and to help with the Texas Envirothon program, and I’ve been here ever since,” Wendy said. Her mission: to inspire young minds to connect with nature.

Wendy is especially passionate about the Texas Parks and Wildlife Community Outdoor Outreach Program. “We take students birdwatching, fishing, nature journaling, and camping,” she said. “I love doing all of these things, and I enjoy bringing these opportunities to the youth in our community.”

This program is a prime example of how Wendy combines her love for the outdoors with her dedication to environmental education. It offers students immersive experiences in nature, encouraging them to connect with the environment in meaningful ways.

Over the years, EIH’s environmental education programs have expanded, and Wendy has played a pivotal role in their growth. One initiative she is especially proud of is the institute’s summer camp program, which she co-founded with her colleague Rowena McDermid 13 years ago. “At camp, we explore nature outdoors, and when it gets too hot, we cool off with freezer pops,” she recalls.

Beyond summer camps, Wendy emphasizes the impact of partnerships with local organizations like the Texas Master Naturalist and the Clear Lake Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas. These collaborations have strengthened the Environmental Institute of Houston’s ability to reach the community and engage people of all ages in outdoor learning.

“We also work closely with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts in the area,” Wendy adds. “It’s rewarding to see how these partnerships help foster a deeper appreciation for nature in our community.”

Engaging students who may not have a natural interest in the environment can be challenging, but Wendy’s approach is simple: show them how connected they are to nature. “We offer low-cost or free programs to engage kids who might not otherwise have these opportunities,” she said, adding that most kids become eager participants once they get a taste of outdoor learning.

Regarding long-term impact, Wendy hopes students walk away with more than just facts about the environment. “We want them to understand plant and animal diversity, sustainable practices, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address environmental challenges.”

Looking ahead, Wendy is excited about the future of environmental education, particularly with the integration of new technologies like iNaturalist and Merlin, apps that make identifying plants and birds interactive and accessible. These tools, she believes, will help connect younger generations with the natural world in ways that resonate with their tech-savvy lifestyles.

Wendy Reistle’s work is a testament to the power of environmental education, and under her guidance, EIH continues to be a leader in environmental stewardship for the UHCL community and beyond.