Unlike most Travis Audubon volunteers, Jerry Levenson doesn’t focus on spotting birds—he focuses on the land they need to thrive. For nearly two decades, he has helped transform Blair Woods, turning overgrown, invasive-choked areas into thriving habitats for wildlife. Blair Woods Land Manager Kainoa Lee calls him “a one-man army,” and it’s easy to see why.

After retiring from IBM, Jerry discovered he thrived on hands-on, physical restoration work. “I really like working outside,” he says. “I don’t mind getting dirty, and spend several mornings each week removing invasive species from parks and preserves all over Austin.” A chance meeting with a fellow volunteer eventually led him to Blair Woods, where he’s been devoted ever since—loppers in hand.

When he first arrived, towering glossy privet blocked views and wildlife alike. Jerry and other volunteers cleared the dense thickets, revealing the land’s contours and allowing native plants and animals to return. Years later, small-leaf privet overtook the understory—but Jerry was ready to tackle it again. While he often jokes that he can’t tell one bird from another, he knows exactly what they need: “In all those years of cutting down thousands of ligustrum, I’ve never found a bird’s nest in any of them.” Thanks to his work, Blair Woods has welcomed roughly 28 new bird species in the last five years.

Ask Jerry why he keeps coming back, and he smiles:

“I get as much out of it as the Preserve does… I gave up my gym membership when I retired. Being outdoors is so much more enjoyable than going to a gym.” The combination of fresh air, hands-on work, and connection to the land makes every shift deeply satisfying in a way nothing else can.

His advice to new volunteers is simple: get a little dirty, bring water, and wear clothes that can handle scratches and soil. The reward? Satisfaction, connection, and a natural space you can take pride in.

Blair Woods is healthier, more vibrant, and more alive because of Jerry’s dedication—and he hopes more people will discover the joy of volunteering outdoors.

Jerry, thank you—for your grit, humor, and unwavering commitment to the land.