My Getaway: A Conversation with Page Michel

Page Michel is President & CEO of the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce. She has been a Chamber of Commerce and economic development executive for over 25 years. Originally from the East Coast, she married a Houston native and has been a Texan ever since. She was previously President/CEO of the Brenham/Washington County Chamber/ED/CVB and the Texas City-La Marque Chamber. She loves to volunteer and has a long list of organizations where she’s served, including the Texas Association of Business, CASA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Rotary, Lions Club, Heritage Association of San Marcos, and Downtown Association of San Marcos. She and her husband, Vince, have two sons. One is a senior business major at Texas State/McCoy College, and one is married and lives in Houston. Page enjoys hiking, kayaking, theatre, music, and traveling.

Why do you value the natural areas? Why do you think natural spaces, in general, are important?

As someone who moved here from the Houston/Galveston area, I consider our trails and green spaces to be vital to our well-being in San Marcos. The natural areas help clean the air and act as “lungs” for our environment, so we can be healthier here. They provide a haven for wildlife, and I love seeing deer, foxes, turtles, and herons around town and by the river.

Who or what most influenced your view of the natural world?

My husband, Vince, has been the biggest influence on me. I’m a city girl from New York, but he has been an outdoorsman in Texas his whole life. He’s an avid birder and angler. When we see any wildlife or insects while hiking, he knows what they’re up to and teaches me and our kids. He knows their habits, if they’re poisonous or not, if they’re trying to mate, searching for food, marking their territory, or whatever. He’s also good at spotting tracks and nests.

What attracted you to the Greenbelt Alliance?

I moved to San Marcos for my job at the Chamber of Commerce. While I was researching San Marcos online before moving here, I read lots of information and posts about SMGA. I knew immediately that this was an organization I wanted to support. As soon as we moved here and started enjoying the trails, I joined and got to know some members. I am 100% behind the mission to protect and promote our greenbelts!

What is your favorite trail? What do you like about it?

My favorite is Spring Lake Natural area. I like the wooded areas with the big live oaks that provide shade, the wildflowers in the spring, and the creek area. But I really do love all of the trails for their different features.

What do you most enjoy doing when you visit the Greenbelt?

Just spending time outdoors with my husband or my kids is pure enjoyment for me. We have some of the best conversations while trekking around. It’s so great to connect with nature and forget about the craziness of the world for a bit.

What recommendations would you give new users of the trail?

Please take out with you anything and everything you take in! Leave no trace! Pick up any litter you might see that someone else left behind. I recommend taking a photo of the area map, so you’ll have a back-up if needed and you can’t get service while out on the trails. And be prepared for the weather to change on you!