AMERICORPS-VISTA: Meet a young man from Pennsylvania 
who’s making a difference in Texas; on Passport to Texas.

This is Passport to Texas

After graduating from college and working in 
government, Walter Stankiewicz said he needed a change.

08— I have a degree in international business, with lots of 
experience regarding government and outdoor work. So, I 
figured: what can I do to combine those elements.

This Pennsylvania native landed in Austin, where he now 
serves as an Americorps Vista Volunteer for TPW. He 
works with the Texas Children in Nature Program, and 
Nature Rocks Texas.

20— Nature rocks Texas is a program that’s is a way to target, 
communicate with and engage our audiences. Mostly children, 
and the children’s parent, of course. The goal of Nature Rocks 
Texas is to highlight green space and nature and activities at 
nature themed places, and nature themed events.

These programs remove barriers to equitable access to 
nature for children and families. Access to the outdoors, 
says Walter, benefits everyone, especially children.

31—Because it makes children happier, healthier and smarter. 
Of course, there’s more meat to it than that. A book came out 
about 15 years ago called Last Child in the Woods by Richard 
Louve. He identified and defined this term: nature deficit 
disorder, meaning especially children who are not engaged in 
nature are losing a vital element of both formal and informal 
education, and also they’re losing a part of growing up that 
renders a very healthy, optimistic and happier mindset for the 
rest of your life. That’s the essence of why we’re doing this.

The Wildlife restoration program supports our series.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti. 




Disappoints 

Total sound bite time:		                 0:59.0
Maximum Script time:		                 0:26.0                     Suggested show time: 85.0 = 1:25