Karen Hoffman Blizzard is a consultant, freelance writer, and avocational musician. She has written articles on parks, recreation, and conservation for Texas Highways, Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine, Austin Monthly, and Texas Hill Country (blog). Previously, she worked in communications and management for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and other state agencies. While at TPWD, Blizzard helped create and promote recreational opportunities for all Texans on their public lands. She served on the public-use plan implementation teams for Big Bend Ranch State Park and Devils River State Natural Area and served as the statewide coordinator for First Day Hikes in Texas State Parks. A native Austinite, she is a lifelong Barton Springs swimmer. She and her husband, Mike Blizzard, are longtime supporters of TCE and the Trash Makeover Challenge.