Wayne H. “Doc” McAlister

Topics

Description

Born in Cuero, and raised on a family ranch, McAllister earned a Ph.D. in zoology at the University of Texas, and went on to teach zoology, ecology and natural sciences at Victoria College for nearly three decades. He later served as an environmental education specialist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, working at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, and living with his wife Martha for close to ten years on Matagorda Island. Many experiences from his time on that isolated barrier island are recorded and shared in the book, illustrated by Martha, Life on Matagorda Island (2004). McAlister’s natural history observations can also be found in other books, including Guidebook to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge (1987), Aransas: A Naturalist’s Guide (1995), Paddling the Guadalupe: Reflections from a Texas River (2008), and Matagorda Island: A Naturalist’s Guide (2010).

Location Notes

Posting a sign for Dr. McAlister in the City of Victoria’s Riverside Park, near the Guadalupe River boat ramp, could work as a high-traffic, public site to honor him. The location should help recognize his teaching at Victoria College, as well as his book, Paddling the Guadalupe: Reflections from a Texas River.

Bibliography

Wayne H. McAlister, Life on Matagorda Island. Texas A & M University Press, 2004.
Wayne H. McAlister, Paddling the Guadalupe: Reflections from a Texas River. Texas A&M University Press, 2008.
Wayne H. McAlister, Martha K. McAlister, Guidebook to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Mince Country Press, 1987.
Wayne H. McAlister, Martha K. McAlister, Matagorda Island: A Naturalist’s Guide. University of Texas Press, 2010.
Wayne H. McAlister, Martha K. McAlister, The Trees of Victoria. The Authors, 1983.