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
Kick off your FeatherFest experience with a guided visit to Exploration Green, a 200-acre urban nature preserve that blends innovative stormwater design with thriving native habitat in the Clear Lake area. Approximately 30 minutes from Galveston, this restored landscape offers an inland counterpoint to the coast, with wetlands, open water, and prairie edges that support impressive biodiversity and year-round birdlife. This is the first trip FeatherFest will be making to Exploration Green. You don’t want to miss your chance to be a part of it!
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. Your trip will start at Sweetwater’s viewing platform overlooking brackish ponds, mud flats and West Galveston Bay. From there you will move to the property’s freshwater ponds and work your way past woodlots and grasslands as you bird your way to Sweetwater Lake. Expect to see a wide variety of birds including late wintering waterfowl, egrets, herons, rails, shorebirds, gulls, terns, hawks, and grassland species.
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