When I Grow Up I Want To Be An Environmental Educator!
We asked our NatureBridge educators to describe how their childhood love of nature influenced their journey to become the environmental educators they are. Here's what they said! Photos depicted are them immersed in nature as kids and adults: then/now.
In sixth grade, I spent five beautiful days at Whiskeytown Environmental School in Northern California. Despite the rain throughout the week, I did not want to leave, and when I went back as a camp counselor in high school, I began to dream of some day being an outdoor educator myself. Well, I didn't really plan for it, but five years later, the opportunity came and a dream came true! Life has a funny way of doing that.Karen Gallardo Cruz, NatureBridge educator
I hope to share my passion for the outdoors with youth through environmental education and inspire their own connection and stewardship for the earth. As a Latina in this field, I hope to be a role model for young students of color to explore natural protected areas near their homes and also science careers.Lesly Caballero, NatureBridge & Latino Outdoors educator
Growing up, camping and going on outdoor adventures were things I considered a hobby. I never knew these experiences would lead me to a career where everyday I get to teach other young adults the same 'lessons' I learned about caring for themselves, others, and nature.Lisa Ribaric, NatureBridge educator, Yosemite
I have always had a love for nature. My appreciation and respect for the natural world came later, as I became more educated. My goals are to educate students, in the hope that they too will love the natural world and want to preserve it. If I can inspire a handful of kids, hopefully they will be able to inspire others and that ripple effect will continue on, leading to a generation of conscious and responsible people.Missy Cottone, NatureBridge educator, Santa Monica Mountains
My dream to impact the environment and be involved with nature and youth is to help young people of color feel comfortable in spaces that may not always feel comfortable to them. I hope to provide comfort through my own presence as a person of color, former English language learner, and someone from a low income background with immigrant parents. I hope that my presence in an outdoor space as an educator can help other youth not represented in the outdoors feel empowered to pursue outdoor activities recreationally and/or professionally.Alejandro Granados, NatureBridge educator, Yosemite
Stories
2024 Student of the Year: Kai Diaz
At NatureBridge, we celebrate the stewards of today and foster the development of the stewards of tomorrow, working to inspire environmental stewardship in all our participants. Our goal is to motivate our students to make waves and be changemakers in their communities and for our planet.
Each year, NatureBridge honors a student who has demonstrated leadership, growth and a commitment to protecting our natural world as a result of their participation in a NatureBridge program. This year’s honoree will be recognized and will speak at An Evening Outside with NatureBridge on Thursday, May 16 at our Golden Gate campus.
We are thrilled to announce our 2024 Student of the Year: Kai Diaz.
An Interview with Evening Outside Keynote Speaker Dr. Britt Wray
The minute we found out about the work of Dr. Britt Wray, we knew we wanted to learn more about her. A well-respected author and scientist, Dr. Wray possesses expertise in an area of research we talk about a lot at NatureBridge—specifically how we can be resilient, hopeful, and actionable amid a changing world, including the climate crisis. We’re thrilled that Dr. Wray will be joining us on May 16 for An Evening Outside with NatureBridge as our Featured Speaker. Ahead of the event, we had the chance to ask her a few questions relating to her work and her connection to the mission of NatureBridge.
Staff Spotlight: Appreciation for Miho Aida
Miho Aida (she/they) has held multiple roles at NatureBridge over the past twenty-four years, including Environmental Science Educator, Community Connection Coordinator, Field Staff Scientist, Marine Project Coordinator, Pacific Rim Environmental Education Specialist, Armstrong Scholars Educator, Diversity Coordinator, Equity and Inclusion Manager, and Director of Equity and Inclusion. Now, on the eve of Miho's departure, we asked them to reflect on their time at NatureBridge and share a bit about their upcoming adventures.