Please join us in welcoming our new Operations Director, Scott Jones! Scott is a dedicated conservationist with a passion for protecting wildlife and the environment and for working in collaboration with others. He brings with him to Houston Audubon a love for people, enthusiasm for teamwork, and a broad range of skills and knowledge garnered through 25 years of working in conservation as an Advocacy Director and Regulatory Affairs Manager, Policy and Outreach Specialist, Watershed Protection Coordinator, and in several other roles he’s filled over the years. Scott has worked for NOAA, Galveston Bay Foundation, Galveston Bay Estuary Program, TCEQ and Galveston County, and he received his B.S. in Aquatic Biology from UT-Austin.
Scott answered a few questions for us so everyone can get to know him a little better.
1. What’s the most memorable bird fun fact you’ve personally observed?
Watching the screech owl that took up residence in our home box watching my family and our neighbors as we go about our daily routine. She’s so curious. We try to be quiet during the day since she’s sleeping, but when we can’t she peeks her head out with a peeved look.
2. What’s your favorite story to tell about your life, past or present?
My wife of 27-years and I met at a bar on 6th Street in Austin. So… contrary to popular opinion, you can meet nice people at bars.
3. What are you most excited about in working for Houston Audubon?
Working with such talented staff to protect birds and their habitat, as well as helping support our programs that create more environmental stewards who appreciate nature in general!
4. Where is your happy place/space?
Sitting on our patio watching and listening to the birds and other critters who share our little suburban oasis. Build it and they will come!
5. What’s your favorite activity besides birding?
Gardening/landscaping… both for critter habitat and humans. I have converted most of our yard to native plantings, including a woodland, a little pocket prairie, and a 600-gallon pond with a natural bog filter and small waterfall. I also have two raised beds for people food.
6. What topic could you give an hour-long presentation on with little to no preparation?
Galveston Bay ecology and history or, you guessed it… habitat gardening.
7. What’s your favorite rainy-day activity?
Just watching and listening to the rain come down. I’ve always loved rainy days. So soothing.
8. What do you enjoy talking about the most?
Travel. I’ve been really fortunate to have traveled extensively to East Asia, Indonesia, and some South Pacific Islands, owing to my dad’s career taking him and my mom to Jakarta for the years I was in college. My brother and I got to visit them twice a year. Also love talking about the travel my wife and two daughters have made to Mexico and Jamaica. Such great memories.
9. What’s your favorite meal to eat and cook? If they’re different, why?
I could eat Mexican food every day. I love to cook a good filet of fresh fish and veggies on the outdoor grill. Well, grilled anything…
10. What’s your favorite mammal?
Besides dogs? I’d go with the big cats – from bobcats on up. They are so cool.
Bonus Question: What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Family man, patient, sincere.
Please join us in welcoming Scott to the Houston Audubon team, and be sure to say hello next time you swing by our headquarters at Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary!
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