Coordinator, South Texas Natives

Paula D. Maywald is the coordinator for South Texas Natives.  She oversees the development and promotion of native plants for the restoration and reclamation of habitats on private and public lands.  The project’s primary objectives are to develop economically feasible native seed adapted to the various soil types and climatic differences of South Texas, and to determine the best methods of establishment in rangeland conditions.   Paula grew up in Fayette County near Weimar, Texas where she spent much of her childhood exploring the land, and helping with her families small commercial cattle operation. 

Paula graduated from Texas A&M University-College Station with a degree in Range Science.  While there, she developed a love of native plants through her coursework and as a member of the Plant Identification Team.  As an undergraduate, she worked for Dr. Rodney Bovey, where she gained experience working with brush chemicals that influenced her career as a future rangeland manager.

Before coming to work at the Institute Paula was employed by El Coyote Ranches as the Rangeland Manager.  Her appreciation for the diverse ecosystems of south Texas grew as she spent time on the land.  She also had the opportunity to meet many of the private landowners and managers who have been instrumental to the success of South Texas Natives.  While working at El Coyote Ranches she supervised vegetation restoration; mechanical and chemical weed and brush control; road, bridge, and lake construction and maintenance; water well drilling; prescribed burning; and other rangeland activities.  Paula had the opportunity to work with Dr. Tim Fulbright collaborating on research projects while working at El Coyote Ranches.  Paula has been actively involved in the Texas Section Society for Range Management, The Society for Ecological Restoration, The Native Prairies Association of Texas, and the Native Plant Society of Texas. 

Paula enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and friends, hunting, fishing, landscaping, and working on home projects.