Student Spotlight: Tyler Hartwick

“Growing up, I loved going outdoors and it was a big part of what brings me peace”

When he was young, Tyler Hartwick always found himself drawn towards nature. He found that the outdoors brought him peace and he felt at home in the environment. Tyler is now majoring in Geography Resources and Environmental Studies, hoping that he can make a positive mark on the planet. 

Tyler Hartwick in New York City with the Stelos Scholars, 2023

“I want to work in conservation, and I’m going to make that happen,” Tyler said.

Tyler grew up in Lockhart until he was in 7th grade when his family relocated to Buda. Growing up, he participated in football, marching and concert band, and boy scouts. He was also involved in a biking club where he would go mountain biking in Austin. He fell in love with geography and environmental studies through growing up outside and through geography classes in high school. 

Now a student at Texas State University, Tyler is pursuing his passions that were formed in his early years. 

“Choosing my major was a no brainer,” Tyler said.

Tyler is the vice president of Bobcat Stream Team where he check and monitors the San Marcos river to make sure the ecosystem is healthy. They do kayak river cleanups where they pick up the litter in the river as well as remove invasive species. He is also involved in eco-club where they participated in “adopting a spot” and helped a local San Marcos resident tend to her garden. 

“I love the interaction between humans and the environment,” Tyler said.

After college, Tyler hopes to either work in conservation as a GIS analyst working with maps to help engineering firms and non-profits, or to be an educational resource for Texas Parks and Wildlife through ecosystem management.