Terry Patten is a senior at Texas State University and intends to go into financial counseling after graduation. She has lived in San Marcos since leaving Austin 5 years ago and enjoys taking pictures of plants and bugs while hiking the local trails. When she’s not hiking or working with the Trail Crew, Terry can be found climbing the walls of the Armadillo Boulders rock climbing gym or reading various fiction books at home. She would love to visit Redwood National Park one day and hopes she can get her cat leash trained by then.
Why do you value the natural areas?
I believe natural areas are important because they preserve a part of the local ecosystem and environment, and establish protected homes for the other creatures and plants we share the Earth with. Additionally, natural areas with hiking trails create spaces for people to engage with the local nature and enjoy both the scenery and wildlife. I personally find it is often a calming experience to wander along trails in places that are connected by so many different living organisms.
Who or what most influenced your view of the natural world?
My view of the natural world was developed and heavily influenced by the time I spent outdoors as a child, of which a large amount was dedicated to climbing trees. By the time I was 7 years old, to my excitement and my parents’ surprise, I was able to climb multiple trees in the backyard of my childhood home. I would spend hours sitting among the branches, feeling the tree sway in the wind, observing bugs and the occasional squirrels. There used to be a large forested area just beyond the backyard as well, but around my 10th birthday, construction workers began clearing trees to make way for a new daycare building. The sight of the changing landscape, evolving from leafy treetops to walls and construction vehicles, stands out in my mind and marks the first time I questioned what it meant to have natural areas, and what it meant to lose them. I would also say this is the first time I developed a true preference and desire to see nature be protected.
What attracted you to the Greenbelt Alliance?
I recently joined the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance because I want to support the organization that has helped build and maintain the local trails that I’ve used and enjoyed over the past several years as a San Marcos resident. Plus, it gives me an extra reason to get outside more often!
What is your favorite trail? What do you like about it?
My favorite natural area is Spring Lake Preserve, due to its widespread paths and diverse scenery. There’s an access point near my apartment, and I especially enjoy walking along Grey Fox when it’s open outside of the Golden-Cheeked Warbler Nesting Season. This is a beautiful winding trail that shows off a landscape full of dense trees, joined by deer that hang out along the route.
What do you most enjoy doing when you visit the Greenbelt?
I enjoy hiking the most when I visit the Greenbelt, either by myself or with friends. I’ve even brought Bean, my cat, along the trails in a cat backpack! I also enjoy taking photos while I hike, usually featuring interesting plants and colorful bugs.What recommendations would you give new users of the trail?
For new trail users, I recommend checking the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance website for trail maps, under the Natural Areas and Maps section. These maps are super helpful for planning hiking routes in advance, and they give a good idea of how long different trails are. Also, as with any hike, it’s best to wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and put on appropriate sun protection for both a safe and fun time. Most importantly, however, new trail hikers should be ready to take in the stunning views, say hi to fellow hikers, and have a great time!