This Wednesday was International Women’s Day. We at the Cibolo know firsthand the strength, determination, spirit, and value that women bring to make great things possible. We are most especially grateful for the leadership of one of our favorite women, Carolyn Chipman Evans, CEO of the Cibolo Center for Conservation for 35 years.
In 1988, Carolyn Chipman Evans, along with her husband Brent Evans and a handful of friends dreamed of protecting a piece of the precious Cibolo Creek in Boerne, Texas and surrounding land as a wildlife preserve where families could enjoy and appreciate nature. Carolyn approached the City of Boerne to urge restoration of disappearing marshland and creation of nature trails on 100 acres of existing park land adjacent to the creek. Carolyn’s advocacy, enthusiasm and agreement with the city brought a rebirth to the land and a renaissance of public concern for the conservation of Boerne and Texas Hill Country natural resources. Thanks to the spirit and tenacity of Carolyn and thousands of volunteers’ dedicated work, the community is preserving its natural heritage for future generations.
Carolyn is co-author with her husband, Brent, of The Nature Center Book. Published by UT Press and the second edition by the National Association of Interpretation, The Nature Center Book is an inspirational guide on how to develop a nature center. As founding CEO of the Cibolo, Carolyn Chipman Evans has been involved in conservation and preservation efforts in Boerne and Kendall County for over 35 years. Her motivation has been protecting the fragile and beautiful Cibolo Creek, a major contributor to the Edwards and Trinity Aquifers, from being surrounded by development that would negatively impact its beauty and recharge potential. Today, the 160+ acres of the Cibolo Nature Center and Herff Farm have become a regional destination with a mission of environmental conservation through education and stewardship. The Cibolo annually welcomes over 113,000 visitors and educates thousands of children a year who can directly connect with the Cibolo Creek while learning about native plants and animals, water quality, natural resource protection, sustainable farming practices, and agrarian history through quiet recreation, school fieldtrips, workshops, and research.
