The Easiest Way to Eat Prickly Pear
WRITER · NATURALIST · FILMMAKER
I help Texans find out where they live.
Through films, interviews, and field notes, I’m documenting Texas one plant, place, and person at a time. Join 2,000+ Texans & get the best of it in your inbox every week with my free Texas Field Notes newsletter.
WHO I'VE WORKED WITH
Start Anywhere
Four ways into Texas.
Pick a trail. Every film, letter, and field note connects to the others.
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Native Plants
12 postsThe tough, beautiful plants that belong in a Texas yard, and the people who grow them.
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Restoration
1 postsThe people bringing Texas land and water back to life.
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Native Foods
1 postsWhat Texas used to eat, what still grows wild, and how to bring it to the table.
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San Antonio
2 postsSolutions stories from my city, and the people making it better.
Films & Videos on YouTube 5 videos
Latest from the field
Films made across Texas, and a few in my own yard.
Latest writing
Notes from the field, newest first.
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San Antonio 5 min read
Can San Antonio Keep the Love?
My wife (then girlfriend) and I moved to San Antonio in the fall of 2017. She was starting her first year at St. Mary’
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Stories 3 min read
If It's Not Beauitful, It's Wrong
I came across this idea while reading an excellent book, Carbon: The Book of Life , by Paul Hawken, an environmentalist, entrepreneur, and significant influence
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Stories 9 min read
Getting Closer to the Heart of Houston’s Success with Homelessness
In a little over a decade, Houston housed over 28,000 people who were experiencing homelessness. The U.S.’s 4th largest city and
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🌱 Texas Nature Journal 5 min read
Mealy Blue Sage (Salvia farinacea)
Mealy Blue Sage, also known as Mealy Sage or Mealycup Sage, is a beloved perennial herb in Texas landscapes. Known for its spikes of
Praise
What people say
Bob Rivard, bigcitysmalltown
"Cory is insatiably curious, a skilled writer and podcast host, and a video whiz. When I think about who will tell San Antonio’s story in the years ahead, I think first of Cory."
Donald Gerber, Owner, Pollinatives
“Working with Cory has been my best return on investment, by far. I’ve tried boosting posts, paid social, and Yelp ads. I get calls regularly from people saying they saw me on YouTube and they’re looking for the plants I sell. Best marketing partnership I have.”
Jaci Randel, Executive Director, Bexar Branches Alliance
"Cory creates space for thoughtful, fact-based conversations about the challenges facing our region while exploring solutions and a path forward. Since our interview, we have heard directly from new volunteers who were inspired to get involved. His work helps connect people to meaningful action."
A YouTube viewer in Texas
"Every state needs their own Cory Ames to highlight the native plants of their areas. Our society would benefit greatly from it."
Jean Robinson, Jean Robinson Design
"Cory is connecting our native plant community. 🌿"
Projects
Selected work
Films for organizations, series of my own, and the things I build around them.
Original Film
Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge
Five years after it opened, nobody had told the bridge’s story at length. So I did, 391,000 people watched, and coverage from The Guardian and Texas Public Radio followed.
Event Films
San Antonio Food Systems Summit
Two stories from the summit, made with the City of San Antonio’s World Heritage Office and watched by 144,000 people.
FROM THE FIELD
What Texas looks like up close.
Texas Field Notes