Kate Shirley

I was born and raised among the wetlands, coastal prairies, and bottomland pine forests of Southeast Texas. My life has been split between East and Central Texas after moving to Austin in 2016 to pursue a Bachelors in Geography and later a Masters in Landscape Architecture at the University of Texas. Along the way, I have gained a deep knowledge of and appreciation for the ecosystems of Texas.

Some of the professional experiences that have inspired my path include managing the university's only student-run organic, urban farm, spatial analysis, research work in academia, critical cartographic practice in the classroom, and as an independent, freelance mapmaker.

I have extensive experience in cartography and a passion for process, from collecting and creating geospatial data to graphic interpretation of information. My work in ecological restoration and conservation includes knowledge-based planning and field-based application of these strategies.

My work is guided by a philosophy of ecological interconnectedness and interdependence, and I seek out meaningful engagement and opportunities to learn from and steward nature.