Riffles & Reeds Newsletter - Spring 2026 - Student Highlight

Five Questions with Keilah Trevino

By Debbie Bush, Web Assistant

Keilah Trevino is a UHCL graduate student and environmental education research assistant with the Environmental Institute of Houston. A native Houstonian, she supports native garden and trail maintenance, assists with school habitat projects, and helps coordinate plastic film recycling efforts. Outside of EIH, Keilah enjoys leading events for UHCL’s Green Thumb League, volunteering, spending time outdoors, and nature journaling.

To learn more about her work and what inspires her, we asked Keilah about her journey and passion for environmental education.

What inspired you to join the environmental education (EE) team at the Environmental Institute of Houston, and what drew you most to its mission?

As my graduation date was drawing near, I was searching for an opportunity to expand my knowledge within the environmental field and find a way to be a part of the community. My student organization Green Thumb League led me to meet interesting and inspiring individuals who were passionate in making a difference in the environment. As president of this organization, I realized there were many more ways to become an environmentalist, and after hearing about EIH from multiple members, I reached out to join the education team.

I’ve always been an advocate for bettering the community through volunteering, outreach, and education, and the education program at EIH is dedicated to reaching the community to connect with nature, which aligns with my own goals.

What’s one lesson or insight from your time at EIH that has really stuck with you — either professionally or personally?

Each year EIH participates in “The Big Event” and hosts a volunteering opportunity at the nature trail for trail maintenance. As an undergraduate, I was given the opportunity to host “The Big Event.” While I have hosted volunteer events before, over 40 people came to this event! Seeing everyone hard at work made me realize that not only did the volunteers want to be a part of this community, but they also had a passion to do their part in helping the environment.

What makes working at EIH especially meaningful or enjoyable for you day to day?

I enjoy meeting new people during our events, especially during habitat work days every Tuesday. However, I would say my most enjoyable part of the day is working outdoors. Hearing the birds calling, the frogs croaking, and even people taking their break from work outdoors while doing field work really makes me feel connected to the outdoors.

If you could design your dream environmental education program with unlimited resources, what would it look like?

Ideally, I would design an EE program that involved parents and children in hands-on learning experiences. Often, when children share what they learned in class during the GT sessions, parents say, “I never had this as a kid.” But I strongly believe that no matter your age or experience, there is always the opportunity to be a part of the environmental community and to learn how you can contribute to sustainability and the ecosystem.

Outside of your academic work, what’s one small habit you practice that helps you live more sustainably?

I’m a strong believer in small things building a large impact. I always like to say my reusable water bottle is the best accessory to my outfit. Not only does a reusable water bottle reduce single-use plastic waste, but it also lowers your carbon footprint and supports water conservation.

Keilah’s passion for community, conservation, and hands-on learning shines through in everything she does at EIH. We’re grateful to have her on the team and excited to see where her journey leads next.

From coordinating The Big Event volunteers to guiding a Green Thumb League plant activity to supporting the League in planting a Native Plant Society of Texas–funded pollinator garden, these moments highlight student stewardship under Keilah Trevino’s leadership.