National Parks Week: Celebrating 110th year of the National Parks Service
Ellen Buchanan grew up and attended schools in Silsbee, Texas. She is a graduate of Texas A & M University with a BS degree in Recreation and Parks. Ellen attended graduate school in public administration while coaching the A & M women’s intercollegiate tennis team.
Ellen retired from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, State Parks, in 2013 after 32 years of service caring for iconic Texas cultural and natural resources. She began her TPWD career as Park Superintendent of Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites in La Grange. In November 1994, Ellen promoted to the Park Superintendent position at Martin Dies, Jr. State Park in Jasper. Ellen became Regional Director for northeast area State Parks in 2003, stationed out of Tyler.
Ellen currently serves as President of the Big Thicket Natural Heritage Trust, a local non-profit land trust whose goal is to conserve, protect and restore the natural, ecological, historic and cultural resources located in the Big Thicket region of southeast Texas. The Trust accomplishes its goal through advocacy, conservation projects and through growing the Big Thicket National Preserve’s boundary.
Ellen also serves as Chair of the Golden Triangle Sierra Club Group and sits on the statewide executive committee of the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club. The Group advocates for clean air and water for southeast Texas and has built and maintains the 28 mile Trail Between the Lakes in Sabine and Jasper Counties as well as guiding annual hikes on the trail.
Ellen is a member of the Texas Water Development Board Neches River Flood Planning Group.
Ellen currently serves as Chair of the Texas Black Bear Alliance and serves on the Big Thicket Biosphere Reserve Board.
She is a Past President of the Big Thicket Association and a past Board member of the Hardin County Historical Commission.
Beginning Wednesday, July 15, 2026, the Rotary Club of Beaumont has officially moved back to downtown Beaumont. We are excited to once again call the Neches Room our home.
Our return marks a celebration of our club's rich history while embracing the future. We're proud to be part of the continued renaissance of downtown Beaumont and look forward to welcoming members and guests to our new meeting location.
New Meeting Location: The Neches Room 246 Crockett St. Beaumont, TX 77701
Weekly Meetings: Wednesdays at Noon
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
Invocation
Michael Campbell
Executive Director/CEO
Crime Stoppers of SETX
Pledges
Nate Jennings
Sales Manager
Bill Clark Pest Control
Introduction of Guests
Jason Marshburn
Food Service Director
Tri Con Inc DBA Exxpress Mart
Introduction of Speaker
Bruce Walker
President
Big Thicket Association
August
25
Board of Directors Meeting, 11:30 AM Foundation of SETX
26
Ellen Buchanan, Big Thicket Natural Heritage Trust
MEMORIAL RESOLUTION WAS PRESENTED
Since the earliest days of the Rotary Club of Beaumont, it has been a tradition to record the passing of a member into Club history with the writing of a Memorial Resolution to document his/her service and contributions. The reading of the Resolution is an opportunity to reflect on the good deeds and significant impact the Rotarian had on the Club and the community. The formally printed document is given to the family members, added to the Club's archives, and entered into the records of the Tyrrell Historical Library.
On August 19, the Rotary Club of Beaumont gathered to recognize and celebrate the life of former Rotarian Mark Steinhagen, a past President of our club during1974-1975.
Mark passed away on August 3, 2024. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him.
Betty Duncan
August 24
Karyn Husbands
August 24
Paula McGough
August 24
Steve Shoemaker
August 25
Kevin Roy
August 27
Chelsea Tipton
August 27
Anthony Toups
August 29
Meg Brown
August 29
Ann Scoggin
August 30
Anne Mcgee
August 30
Chenoa Stark
August 30
Phil Dunlap
August 26,1998
28 years
Joyce Hafford
August 27, 2008
18 years
Kim Dunaway
August 27, 2008
18 years
August 19, 2026
Joe Evans
Executive Director ReVision and IEA
The Rotary Club of Beaumont meeting highlighted the importance of community awareness and support during Suicide Awareness Month. President Jay Wilson opened the program by introducing Ruby Leday with the Crisis Center of Southeast Texas and Bonnie Pott, who shared information about suicide statistics, warning signs, risk factors, and available resources. Members were also reminded about the upcoming Suicide Awareness Walk and Candlelight Vigil on September 10 at River Flats Park, an event designed to bring the community together in remembrance, awareness, and support.
The meeting also included several community announcements. Michael Perez shared information about upcoming events hosted by First State Bank of Texas, including a Sip and Social for the Better Business Bureau and a Barndominium Expo. Members were encouraged to participate in these events and support organizations working to strengthen the Southeast Texas community.
The featured presentation was given by Joe A. Evans Jr., Executive Director of ReVision Southeast Texas and Director of Operations for IEA (Inspire, Encourage, Achieve). Joe discussed the history and mission of IEA, which has worked with young people since 1997 through programs such as juvenile intervention and Camp Bright Star. He also explained ReVision's focus on early intervention, mentoring, and helping young people avoid the school-to-prison pipeline. A major goal of the organization is the development of a youth support services campus that would provide behavioral health services, family support, vocational training, and other resources for young people and their families.
The program concluded with a discussion of the lasting impact these organizations can have on youth and families throughout Southeast Texas. Joe emphasized the importance of reaching young people early and providing them with positive mentors, resources, and opportunities before challenges become more serious. In recognition of his presentation and commitment to the community, a donation was announced to the Rotary Foundation on Joe's behalf in the area of peacebuilding and conflict prevention. The meeting closed with reminders about upcoming programs and community events.
