Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Austin, TX
“Best man-made place on Earth ” – Dr. Pap frequently tells visitors. As a volunteer docent, Dr. Pap spends time at the LBJ Wildflower Center. In 2024 she has attended a 12-week docent training at the LBJ Center. Here her spirit recharges while she learns about the native flora and fauna of the twelve ecoregions of Texas. The beautifully designed and built Wildflower Center would not be a “place” but a “space” without the many volunteers (700+) and devoted staff. She first visited as a student, than later as a faculty. After opening of her own business she was able to be flexible with her schedule and she decided to become a docent. The “docenting” experience has inspired her to keep learning and engage with staff and volunteers thus become a better designer who is better rooted and connected to local ecosystems and the many ecoregions. Also she could not believe that the Center is home to one of the longest ecological studies (25 years) and the birthplace of SITES (https://www.sustainablesites.org/). A visit to the Center and deep learning through “docenting” enables her to remain deeply rooted and connected to the ecology and communities of Texas. She loves taking pictures of the rich flora, fauna, and the many research plots. This place keeps her spirit up and feeds her craving for knowledge. At LBJ she feels she is part of a community and she belongs.
Timsel27 LLC 