In a fast-moving world where digital noise often drowns out our connection to nature, one San Antonio sanctuary is helping people slow down, listen, and heal — not only themselves but the earth beneath their feet.
The Well at Tecolote, founded by Rebecca Steele, is more than a community garden — it’s a living classroom and healing ecosystem built on the principles of regenerative gardening, conservation, and indigenous wisdom.
Tucked quietly within San Antonio’s Medical Center area, The Well is a refuge for both humans and wildlife, a space where mindfulness, cultural preservation, and sustainability intersect.
Recently featured on the SOB: Style of Business Podcast, Steele shared her transformative journey from educator to eco-wellness advocate — and how her mission is inspiring others to find peace and purpose through connection with the land.
From the Classroom to the Garden: A Journey of Purpose
Before founding The Well at Tecolote, Rebecca spent 15 years as a special education teacher. Her classroom was her first laboratory of human growth — and where she first noticed how powerful nature could be for learning and healing.
“People in general — not just special needs kids — have a whole different mindset when they come outside,” she recalled during her SOB Podcast interview. “It’s so important that we connect what we’re learning with what we’re doing.”
This realization planted the seed for what would become The Well. A collaboration with landowners Joe and Chantal grew into a flourishing green sanctuary — one that now hosts workshops, gardens, wildlife habitats, and community gatherings designed to reconnect people with the rhythms of nature.
For Rebecca, The Well isn’t just a project — it’s a calling. It’s the embodiment of years of observation, experience, and faith in the healing power of the earth.
A Living Sanctuary in the City
What sets The Well apart is how seamlessly it blends the natural world with human creativity. Nestled within the city, the space feels worlds away — a quiet escape filled with birdsong, native plants, and the steady hum of life.
On any given day, you might spot families of crested caracaras (Mexican eagles) soaring above, wild turkeys grazing in the shade, or the gentle rustle of deer moving through the brush. The sanctuary also supports seven species of bats, foxes, and an abundance of native pollinators — each vital to the area’s ecosystem.
The grounds are home to community garden plots, demonstration gardens, and wellness areas where visitors can participate in herbalism workshops, sound baths, yoga sessions, and conservation education programs.
“I wanted to make it a demonstration site,” Rebecca explained. “So people can see how to set things up to be successful — whether it’s regenerative gardening, herbal healing, or simply connecting with the land.”
Through these programs, The Well at Tecolote offers a model for how cities can balance urban development with ecological health — creating spaces that support both biodiversity and community wellness.
Healing the Mind by Healing the Earth
The Well’s mission goes beyond conservation — it’s deeply personal and rooted in the belief that healing ourselves and healing the earth are interconnected processes.
“Nature gives you a lot of self-reflection time,” Rebecca said. “It helps you find your center, quiet your mind, and ground your energy so you can address what really matters in your life.”
That message resonates with many who visit The Well. In an age of anxiety and burnout, the simple act of walking barefoot on the grass or tending a plant can become a form of meditation. Rebecca encourages visitors to adopt these practices even at home — by opening windows for sunlight and fresh air, listening to nature sounds, or spending a few moments outside each morning.
It’s a philosophy that echoes the growing field of eco-therapy, which recognizes nature as a powerful partner in emotional healing and mindfulness. The Well provides the ideal backdrop for that connection to flourish.
Rooted in Ancestry: Honoring Indigenous Wisdom
Rebecca’s approach to healing is shaped by her heritage and the traditions of her ancestors. A descendant of the Otomi and Lipan Apache tribes, she infuses her work with the respect and reverence that indigenous cultures hold for the land.
“Lately, I’ve been focusing on indigenous practices,” she shared. “Working with First Nations healers in Canada showed how similar our approaches are to medicine and conservation. It’s powerful to see how these traditions align to help both people and the planet.”
Through workshops and cultural events, The Well integrates indigenous knowledge systems — teaching sustainable harvesting, plant-based medicine, and ritual practices that honor the cycles of the earth.
Rebecca’s goal isn’t just to teach but to bridge: to connect modern wellness seekers with ancestral wisdom that has endured for centuries.
Community, Creativity, and Connection
One of the most inspiring aspects of The Well at Tecolote is its ability to bring people together — from teachers and gardeners to spiritual healers, herbalists, and artists.
Events often combine creativity and mindfulness, whether through flute circles, art in nature sessions, cultural ceremonies, or plant identification walks. Every gathering becomes an opportunity for reflection and shared learning.
Rebecca’s inclusive approach has helped foster a strong sense of community among those who visit The Well. Many return season after season, deepening their relationship with the land and each other.
“When people come here, they often tell me they feel lighter,” Rebecca said. “Like they’ve left something heavy behind. That’s the magic of this place — it gives you space to release and realign.”
The Power of Joyful Work
For those still searching for their purpose, Rebecca’s message is simple but profound:
“If you’re getting up every day and you’re hating work, find something that brings you joy and do it as often as you can — until you’re doing it all the time.”
Her own journey is a testament to that belief. What began as a side project has grown into a thriving community and a life’s purpose — one rooted in compassion, education, and stewardship.
It’s a reminder that when we align with what brings us joy, we naturally create a positive ripple effect that uplifts both people and the planet.
A Model for Mindful Living
The Well at Tecolote stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when passion meets purpose. In a time when the world is seeking solutions to disconnection, burnout, and environmental imbalance, places like The Well offer a roadmap back to harmony.
Through regenerative gardening, cultural preservation, and wellness education, Rebecca and her team are proving that healing doesn’t have to be complicated — it just requires presence, intention, and a willingness to listen to the land.
