The Wimberley Way

Robert’s Roost - A Dedication at Patsy Glenn Refuge

Hays County Master Naturalists, community volunteers, and friends gathered at Patsy Glenn Refuge in Wimberley, Texas, on September 12, 2026, to honor Bob Currie and celebrate the dedication of Robert’s Roost, recognizing Bob’s eight years of volunteer service as Project Coordinator for the refuge.

Program host Susan Evans acknowledged the many people who have contributed their time, vision, and labor to the refuge over the years, including volunteers from the Wimberley Birding Society, Native Plant Society of Texas, Wimberley Parks Department, Keep Wimberley Beautiful, and Hays County Master Naturalist.

Throughout his eight years as VP of the Wimberley Birding Society and HCMN Project Coordinator, Bob spearheaded numerous projects that helped shape the refuge into what it is today. Among them were a rainwater collection system, the bird-viewing station, a wetland pond that he and Jerry Lunow orchestrated, boardwalks and trails, a chimney swift tower, bird nest boxes, and many others.

Jamie and Martha Kinscherff, with guitars in hand, kicked off the celebration singing This Song Is for the Birds.

David Glenn, husband of the late Patsy Glenn, then brought the gathering back to where it all began, sharing Patsy’s vision for the refuge and reflecting on how much has changed over the past 25 years.

“Patsy was a teacher. She had a vision: Nature in the Heart of Wimberley,” David shared. He credited what he called “the Wimberley Way—private donations and volunteer service” for building the refuge and recognized Bob for all he has contributed along the way.

David closed with a touching reflection on Patsy and the legacy that continues to grow from her vision.

Watch David Glenn’s remarks from the dedication.

Video courtesy Pat Heintz

<Insert full video of David Glenn’s 3-minute talk>

Bryce Burkhalter, maintenance manager for the City of Wimberley, spoke about the transformation he has witnessed at Patsy Glenn Refuge during his seven years with the city and the volunteers who have made it possible. From the Jerry Lunow Wetland and improved trails to the planting of native plants and trees, he credited Wimberley Birding Society members and Master Naturalist volunteers with continually finding ways to make the refuge better.

Bryce described the quality that perhaps best captures Bob’s years of service: “He’s the guy that always shows up when you need him.” As one small example, Bryce recalled their ongoing battle to keep the refuge’s sometimes-finicky dripper working. Whenever it needed attention, Bob was there. “That’s just a small example of the love that Bob’s put into this place,” he said.

As Bob passes the torch, Bryce said it was fitting that this area of the refuge would now celebrate his lasting impact. “It was an honor to work with you, Bob. Thank you for everything.”

HCMN Lin Weber continued the story of collaboration, tracing the refuge’s beginnings to October 2001, when Patsy Glenn gathered about 60 volunteers to clear trails through what was then an undeveloped piece of land. Over the next 25 years, she said, many organizations and volunteers joined in—planting natives, removing invasives, building and maintaining trails and bird habitat, educating schoolchildren, and simply doing whatever needed to be done.

“When people show up to do things here, no one asks, ‘Who are you working for today?’” Lin said. “We work for the Community and we work for Nature.”

In recent years, she said, much of that work has been “spearheaded and orchestrated” by Bob, whether that meant finding someone to repair a walkway, arranging for mulch before a workday, or coordinating larger projects such as the wetlands and new walkways.

“He is our volunteer extraordinaire,” Lin said, turning to Bob, “and we owe him our gratitude for the many hours he has devoted to this refuge.”

Watch Lin Weber’s remarks from the dedication.

Video courtesy Pat Heintz

Jerry Lunow offered a closer look at one of the refuge’s major projects—the wetland that now bears his name. The project began after David Glenn brought to Jerry’s attention a problem with runoff from upstream development that was causing erosion across the refuge, particularly along its historic stone wall. Jerry suggested that slowing the water and allowing it to rest could help address the problem while also creating a wetland feature.

From there, Jerry, David, and Bob went to work—developing plans, seeking city approvals and donations, preparing the site, and organizing volunteers and workdays. “Bob worked hard to make all this happen,” Jerry recalled.

But Jerry also offered a quieter glimpse of Bob’s connection to the refuge. He spoke of Bob returning to listen to the frogs at night, photograph the birds and wildlife, and observe the changes that came after the rains.

“He helped to create this quiet space in Wimberley,” Jerry said, thanking Bob for his patience, guidance, and years of service to Patsy Glenn Refuge.

Then it was Bob’s turn. In his characteristically quiet way—and with plenty of humor—Bob immediately shifted the attention away from himself and toward the people gathered around him.

“I’m thankful that I’ve got people surrounding me here who’ve done all these wonderful things,” he said. “It was not just any one person.”
Bob traced his own involvement with the refuge back to his graduation from the HCMN Painted Bunting Class in 2011. At the time, he was simply looking for a place where he could work outdoors. “I didn’t want to be on any committees,” he recalled, drawing laughter from the crowd. “I just wanted to GET IT DONE.”
Somehow, things didn’t quite work out that way.
After joining the Wimberley Birding Society, Bob was approached about serving on its board and initially declined. Later, when he learned there was an opening for a park coordinator, that sounded more appealing. But when he arrived at the next Birding Society meeting, he discovered that somehow he had also become vice president. “I don’t know how, but I was captured.”
Pointing to his successor, Bob joked, “Now 11 years later, I’m finally free, and my place has been taken by that guy over there with the white hat. I have really done a good thing by you people, because this is an upgrade!”

Photo courtesy Tom Hausler

Bob closed much as he began, thinking about others. Plants had been set out for guests to take home, and he encouraged everyone to choose one. “When you put that thing in and install it in your garden, just think of what we’ve got going here,” he said. “It’s good. It’s great.”

“Appreciate you all. Thanks for coming out.”

NOTE: Potentially insert the full video of Martha and Jamie singing here.

Video courtesy Pat Heintz

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