City of San Angelo Hires Nature Center Coordinator

The City of San Angelo announced today that Brandi Gibson, who worked more than two years for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, has been hired to lead the Nature Center, effective Jan. 4.

According to a press release, Gibson, as the recreation coordinator responsible for the Nature Center, will supervise and coordinate the center’s activities, programs, staff and the care of the animals. She replaces Andrew Garcia.

The release also noted that Gibson served as the museum program coordinator for the Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas, since June 2013. As program coordinator, Gibson developed interpretive programs related to native flora and fauna; led arts and crafts activities, and bird and tree identification hikes; cared for the center’s reptiles, fish, amphibians and mammals; and, she maintained native plant gardens and managed volunteers.

Gibson earned her bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology and management from Arkansas State University earlier this year. As an undergraduate, she served as a biology research associate and volunteered with several wildlife research studies.

“My education and experience align perfectly with this position,” Gibson said. “I can’t wait to get started—learning more about the Nature Center and its animals, and creating programming that will interest and excite the community, particularly children.”

The San Angelo Nature Center, located at 7409 Knickerbocker Road, consists of a collection of animals, along with related exhibits and information native to the Southwest. Among the animals are bobcats, skunks, a porcupine, tarantulas, lizards, snakes and an alligator. The Center is one of the programs administered by COSA’s Recreation Division.

“The Nature Center is such a jewel,” said Brent Casey, recreation manager. “But too few people know about it. We’re convinced Brandi will not only build upon the programming there, but will help raise the center’s profile so more people will come experience the fun and learning it has to offer.”