Dolphins Escort Explore Ecology Students to Santa Cruz Island
“Did you see THAT? They’re surfing!” Sixty students peered over the edge of the Island Adventure boat as a pod of dolphins swam, jumped, and played in the water below. The students were on their way to Santa Cruz Island as part of Explore Ecology’s Flows to the Ocean Program. This innovative environmental education series of classes teaches 4th-6th graders how their actions on land affect water quality in our creeks and ocean. As part of the program students receive two in class Creek Kids lessons, attend a waste reduction presentation and go on a field trip to the South Coast Watershed Resource Center and local creek. The series culminates in an all day trip to Santa Cruz Island where the students view island wildlife, go on nature hikes and conduct a beach and island cleanup.
By participating in Flows to the Ocean, students learn how to protect their watersheds, local creeks, and ocean. They become empowered when they realize that they can make a positive difference not only for themselves and their families, but also for dolphins and other marine animals.
Eva grew up in Berkeley, CA and is a recent graduate of UCSB, where she studied Aquatic Biology and German Language. During her undergrad, Eva worked as an aquarist at UCSB’s Research Experience and Education Facility (the REEF), where she managed the aquarium facility and found a love for science communication and conservation.
Rachel Palmer
Nicole is a mixed media artist and vintage goods specialist who has been managing Art from Scrap since 2020.
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.
Lydia
Lindsay Johnson
MELISSA BROOKS
Jenny joined Explore Ecology first as an Environmental Educator, then as a Program Coordinator, and most recently moved into the newly created Programs, People & Culture position. Prior to Explore Ecology Jenny worked in science research and consulting, however her passion has always been science education and outreach. Jenny loves all things related to the ocean, especially free diving, and enjoying the beauty and wonder that is the underwater world. Her greatest life passion is traveling, which she hopes to do more of again soon.
Lu’s love of all things Earth began at James Madison University in Virginia, where they got their Bachelor’s degree in Biology. Lu has a Master’s degree in Spatial Ecology- the study of how creatures interact across landscapes- from East Carolina University, where they studied rock pools along a river and the critters that dwell in them.