Lisa grew up embracing outdoor activities in central New York, fostering a lifelong appreciation for nature. Her enthusiasm for the natural world led her to Texas, where she attended Texas A&M University at Galveston and pursued her ambition to become a Marine Biologist. After completing her studies, Lisa graduated with a degree in Marine Science and a United States Coast Guard Third Mate Unlimited-Oceans license. Following her graduation, Lisa decided to set aside her professional aspirations in marine science to focus on starting a family. Over time, she discovered a new calling in education, becoming a teacher and later a school district administrator. Upon retiring in 2020, Lisa’s passion for the outdoors reignited with intensity. She became a Texas Master Naturalist through the Galveston Bay Area Chapter, immersing herself in a variety of nature-related volunteer activities, especially those that involve birding. Lisa’s love for travel is closely tied to her interest in birding, and she seeks out opportunities to explore new places, especially those renowned for their avian populations. Her commitment to nature and community continues to be a driving force in her life.
Galveston Birding and Nature Photo Festival
Lisa Hardcastle
Upcoming Events
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Find out more »This trip takes you to a private property owned by the Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) and not generally open to the public. GBF has conserved over 13,000 acres of critical coastal habitat in and around Galveston Bay. For decades, groundwater pumping in the region caused massive subsidence and contributed to the loss of wetlands. That coastal erosion meant wetlands around the bay sank into the water. Like many parts of Galveston Island, Sweetwater Preserve has sustained severe erosion. A 1,000-foot oyster reef project is part of larger restoration efforts in which the foundation has planted marsh along the shoreline. The reef protects the marsh from more degradation and protects the 464-acre property. This property includes a mixture of habitats including coastal prairie, estuarine marsh, salt flats, freshwater wetlands, brackish wetlands, and coastal woodlots.
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