Ahoy! I’m Dr. Meagan Pollock, founder of Engineer Inclusion, engineer by training, organizational change consultant by profession, and volunteer boat driver at the Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center in Orange, Texas.
Welcome to ‘Lessons from a Bayou Boat Skipper,’ where we navigate the intersecting currents of nature and life. In this series, I share insights from the natural world around us to shed light on personal and organizational growth. Join me as we explore how the lessons learned on the tranquil waters of the bayou can help us steer through the dynamic waters of life. Ready to set sail? Anchors aweigh!
Playlist
From Watershed to Waterway: The Ripple Effect of Our Actions (Lessons from a Bayou Boat Skipper)
1:25
The Mysterious Cypress Tree Knees: Standing Firm in Life’s Swamp (Lessons from a Bayou Boat Skipper)
1:44
About the Shangri La Gardens
Shangri La is a 250+ acre oasis in Orange, Texas, along the waterways of Adams Bayou that combines botanical gardens and an education nature center in a unique way. Shangri La is a program of the Nelda C and HJ Lutcher Stark Foundation, a private operating foundation that aims to encourage and assist education and to improve and enrich the quality of life in Southeast Texas by providing significant resources for the study and enjoyment of art, history, nature, and culture.
The Outpost Tour is a guided journey along the waterways of Adams Bayou on one of Shangri La Gardens’ specially outfitted pontoon watercraft. Once on the watercraft, the Outpost Tour takes participants on a journey through the natural ecosystems of Adams Bayou and, ultimately, to one of the Outpost Pavilions in the Cypress-Tupelo Swamp. A knowledgeable guide leads the Outpost Tour and provides interpretation of Adams Bayou, associated habitats, wildlife, and a brief historical overview of portions of Shangri La Gardens and the local community.
More importantly, the Outpost Tour is an opportunity for visitors to become immersed in the natural world for a short time and to gain a better understanding of the forces that shape the environment of the Gulf Coast region of Southeast Texas.
- Learn more about the gardens!
- Garden Admission is free of charge
- 2111 W. Park Avenue, Orange, Texas
- 409-670-9113
- OUTPOST TOURS: Tuesdays: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays: Noon and 2 p.m.
Origin Story
In the spring of 2023, I embarked on an unexpected journey that not only changed my weekends but also gave birth to a series close to my heart. Before volunteering at Shangri La Gardens, I had never driven a boat. Yet, driven by a need to complete volunteer hours for my Texas Master Naturalist certification and my love for the local community, I found myself at the helm of a pontoon in the tranquil waters of the bayou.
The learning curve was steep—I underwent training, shadowed experienced skippers, and practiced diligently. As I grew more comfortable, the reasons for my initial decision—to enjoy boating economically and fulfill my certification requirements—blended with a newfound passion. Being on the water, observing the wildlife, and sharing these moments with students and adults illuminated a deeper connection to our ecosystem and a desire to protect it.
As of the 2024 season, I try to steer one of our fleet’s three boats at least once a week. These boats, especially the two hybrid pontoons powered quietly by sixteen batteries, allow us to glide softly past the bayou’s diverse inhabitants without disturbance. It was during these serene moments, waiting for guests, that I began reflecting on the parallels between the natural world and our human experiences. These reflections evolved into ‘Lessons from a Bayou Boat Skipper,’ launched in April 2024, as a way to encapsulate and share the wisdom I found in the simplicity of nature.
Through this series, I aim to bridge the gap between observing nature and understanding life, hoping to inspire viewers to appreciate our natural world and apply its lessons to personal growth and environmental stewardship.
Episode Guide
The Threat of Chinese Tallow: Combating Invasive Species in Nature and in Life
Discover the challenges the Chinese tallow tree poses, an invasive species reshaping Southern ecosystems. In this episode of ‘Lessons from a Bayou Boat Skipper,’ we explore how this tree, introduced for its beauty, now threatens local flora and fauna by competing aggressively for resources. Learn about the importance of managing such invasive elements and the parallel challenges in our personal lives.
Mastering the Dock: Lessons in Patience and Resilience
Docking a boat with an audience is a test of patience and skill. Learn how to handle pressure, wind, and currents in this Bayou Boat Skipper Tip. Discover key life lessons like resilience and the courage to start over as we navigate life’s docks with grace and persistence.
From Watershed to Waterway: The Ripple Effect of Our Actions
Uncover the journey of litter through watersheds and how this impacts our bayous and beyond. Learn how small, mindful actions can lead to a healthier ecosystem and draw parallels with cultivating a positive impact on our lives and communities.
The Mysterious Cypress Tree Knees: Standing Firm in Life’s Swamp
Delve into the enigmatic world of cypress knees and learn how these peculiar structures might help the trees thrive in swampy terrains. Draw life lessons on resilience, purpose, and adaptation from these fascinating features of nature.
Facing Forward: Life Lessons from Alligators in the Bayou 🐊
Ever wonder why alligators face us when spotted in the bayou? Dive into this episode of “Lessons from a Bayou Boat Skipper” as we explore the instinctive behaviors of alligators and draw powerful parallels to facing our own fears.
Riding the Tides of Change: Bayou Wisdom for Life’s Ups & Downs
Dive into bayou wisdom as we explore how the natural rhythms of high and low tides mirror the ebbs and flows of our life’s challenges and successes. Join us for a journey of resilience and adaptation, where every tide brings a new lesson.
Soaring Above: The Osprey’s Tale of Resilience and Recovery
Marvel at the awe-inspiring ospreys and their dramatic comeback story. Discover the power of environmental action through Rachel Carson’s legacy, and find inspiration in these magnificent birds to rise above challenges and keep your sights set high.
