Celebrating Eco Heroes
On Thursday, April 17th, the Cabrillo Pavilion was filled with inspiration, gratitude, and community spirit as we hosted our first annual Environmental Stewardship Awards Luncheon. The event honored students and educators who protect the environment, inspire their peers and colleagues, and help create a more sustainable Santa Barbara County.
Guests enjoyed a delicious lunch and gathered to recognize local eco heroes making a positive impact at schools from Carpinteria to Santa Maria. The awards ceremony featured heartfelt stories of dedication, innovation, and hope—proof that one person, or a small group of people, can make a big difference.
The afternoon’s keynote speaker, Dr. Mary Khan, Superintendent of the Goleta Union School District, shared powerful insights about the importance of environmental education and the ripple effect it has on students, schools, and communities.
Ashley Griffin’s K/1st grade class arrived early to hold a beach cleanup before the luncheon began. During the ceremony, they entertained the crowd by singing a song, “What is a Watershed? Do you know?” as they pantomimed rain falling and flowing to the ocean. Walking off stage after receiving their award, a student yelled out, “Once in a lifetime!”
The energy in the room was filled with hope, passion, and appreciation for these exemplary environmental stewards who were honored for their efforts in leading tree plantings, restoring habitats, integrating sustainability into education, and much more!
We are proud to recognize the following 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award winners:
- Bodhi Crawford -Became a Coastal Cleanup Day Site Captain at just 8 years old, rallying volunteers to keep Jalama Beach clean.
- Liz Loeza – Founder of Plant the Next Tree, organizing community cleanups and reforestation efforts.
- Jackson Simmons-Furlati – With the Dos Pueblos Environmental Club, installed hydroponic towers and will present at the UN Ocean Conference 2025.
- Rowan Smith – A passionate voice for the planet and key member of the Santa Barbara Middle School Enviro Action Club.
- Nancy Morris – A Monroe Elementary teacher who has spent over 25 years inspiring environmental stewardship in young learners.
- Kim Berman & Danielle Weill – Montecito Union School educators empowering students through climate activism and project-based learning.
- Marie Chavis – Leader of the El Camino Junior High Ocean Club, guiding students in hands-on conservation work.
- Chris Hamman – Created an outdoor living lab at La Colina Junior High for hands-on science and environmental learning.
- Sustainable Future Club – Transformed an abandoned culvert into a thriving habitat with over 100 native plants.
- Ashley Griffin’s Class – Designed a nature-based outdoor classroom with rain barrels, native plants, and natural seating.
- Wendy Kanter – A beloved naturalist and educator for 32 years, teaching generations of students about the wonders of the natural world.
- Martha Rugg – Garden educator and program starter, bringing composting, gardening, and science to life after school.
The awards were started in 2016 with four nominations. This year, over 50 nominations were submitted by community members, making this a community-driven celebration.
The 2025 luncheon marks the beginning of what will become an annual tradition to celebrate and honor local environmental stewards who are making a difference for our planet.
Thank you to our generous event sponsors: The Natalie Orfalea Foundation, The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Tisha Jones, The Zegar Fund, and Jonathan and Jenna Stoller.
We are also grateful to our in-kind donors: Quail Canyon Catering, Dart Coffee Co., Hogue & Co., Full Moon Audio, and Low Tide Rising.
See you next year!
Josh was born and raised in Santa Barbara, where his passion and curiosity for the environment began and has continued to grow. During his undergraduate studies, Josh pursued this interest at the University of California at Santa Cruz, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies.
Melissa Dodos developed her passion for creative reuse as a mother of four and elementary educator over the past 25 years. She loves to inspire creativity by connecting people with resources and ideas.
Veronica grew up in San Diego and spent four years in San Luis Obispo studying Animal Science at Cal Poly. As an undergrad she learned lots about livestock, agriculture, and wildlife.
Stephanie began her journey as an educator over twenty years ago working as a preschool teacher in Washington state for a cooperative preschool program affiliated with Whatcom Community College. She loved observing the wonder and curiosity of the children and bringing them out into nature to explore the natural world. She continued her love for learning and got her teaching license and then her Montessori certification and worked as an elementary teacher in Tribal, Public, and Montessori schools. She collaborated to create a school garden and her students loved it so much that it became a special place where they could garden, read, explore, play, and it provided a safe sanctuary for students to calm down and reset when they were having difficult moments.
Morgan’s mermaid soul is always seeking adventure—swimming a relay across the Santa Barbara Channel and taking the first photo of a newborn orca off Anacapa Island being standout experiences close to home.
Lindsay Johnson
