A Force for Good – Celeste Treadway
If you ever need a perfect snapshot of who Celeste Treadway is, picture this: she’s deep in the woods at Baker Sanctuary during a Golden-cheeked Warbler survey when she hears the faint, specific call of a fledgling in distress. After tracing the sound, she finds the tiny bird tangled high in a spiderweb—ten feet above the ground, unable to move. Without hesitation, Celeste climbs up the tree, carefully frees the bird strand by strand, and gently places it back on a branch, where it later begins moving again. That moment—equal parts skill, heart, attentiveness, and quiet bravery—captures exactly the kind of volunteer Celeste has been to Travis Audubon since 2013.
Since joining in 2013, Celeste has woven herself into nearly every corner of the organization. She is a current board member and active Golden-cheeked Warbler surveyor, serves on the Baker Core Committee, and chairs the Field Trip Committee. She also has been Treasurer, worked on the Advocacy committee and IDEAS committee. After completing the Master Birder program in 2017, she began leading field trips—an experience she considers the heart of Travis Audubon’s work.
For Celeste, bird walks are more than a volunteer activity; they are central to the organization’s mission, inspiring conservation by connecting people directly with birds, habitat, and the natural world.
Celeste finds satisfaction in watching people grow through birding – in seeing beginner birders return later with confidence, helping others and discovering a sense of belonging outdoors. For her, even enriching one person’s experience is meaningful.
Birding also offers something personal: a way to age well.
Birding… even alone, it’s good, but especially birding with other people checks all the boxes… Being outside, movement, socializing with other people, a genuine connection… intellectual stimulation, continuous learning—it’s just all the things I want to do.
The Field Trip Committee is her favorite volunteer role. She thrives on its creativity—from cemetery and poetry walks to rugged hikes and gentle strolls—and is especially passionate about lowering the barrier to leadership. Celeste often reminds volunteers that a great walk leader doesn’t need to know every bird—just be familiar with the route, what birds are in the area and how to create a welcoming, supportive experience where people feel comfortable learning and enjoying the outdoors.
Baker Sanctuary, just six minutes from her home, holds special meaning for Celeste. She sees it as both a refuge and a barometer for environmental change—a living reminder of what the Hill Country once looked like and what is at stake as development and water pressures increase. Conducting Golden-cheeked Warbler surveys there brings her joy, solitude, and purpose.
Beyond Travis Audubon, Celeste continues a lifelong commitment to service. An Army brat who grew up around the world, she returned to Texas to attend Texas A&M, where she met her husband and earned her veterinary degree. After 27 years in private practice, she now volunteers with the Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team, deploying to disasters to care for animals and support search-and-rescue dogs. She lives on 25 acres in Leander with her husband, Golden Retriever Billy and a cranky old cat named Maggie. She enjoys spending time with her two children and grandchildren.
Ask Celeste what she loves most about volunteering, and she’ll tell you it’s the people. The kindness, curiosity, and shared joy of birders keep her coming back—and help make Travis Audubon a stronger, more connected community.
Celeste Treadway is truly a force for good at Travis Audubon, and we are deeply grateful for everything she brings to our work.
