Buddy Hollis (deceased)

Region: Piney Woods

Topics: Wildlife, Habitat, Education

 
Mr. Hollis retired from operating a chemical plant to return to Newton County, a part of the historic Big Thicket of east Texas, home to river bottoms, swamps, baygalls, sandylands, pines and mixed forests.  There, he worked as a nature guide in the backcountry, and interpreted the local flora and fauna to visitors at Village Creek and Martin Dies State Parks.  He was also active in promoting ecotourism, through volunteering with the Newton Chamber of Commerce's Wild Azalea days, sponsorship of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail’s Upper Texas Coast Map, publication of the "Birds of Newton County Checklist", organization of the Deep East Texas Nature Club, and proposal of an Eco-Tourism Strategic Plan for the region.