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Support the Next Generation of Environmental Stewards and Creative Reuse Artists

New! EE MAKERSPACE TRANSFORMATION

Explore Ecology is excited to be embarking on a revisioning of our Art From Scrap workshop. Building upon 30 years of creative reuse programming, the new EE Makerspace will elevate our potential for transformational artmaking. Community members of all abilities and backgrounds will utilize the redesigned Makerspace to explore, rethink, and reuse.

Now more than ever we need your support to ensure that the new EE Makerspace becomes an awesome community resource.

Donate Today for the Makerspace!

Learn More

Help us fulfill our mission of empowering our community to protect and preserve the environment. With your support, over 35,000 children a year will receive free environmental education lessons and field trips at Art From Scrap, the Watershed Resource Center, and at thirty School Gardens throughout Santa Barbara County.

Your gift of any amount is greatly appreciated and allows us to more effectively serve our community and continue our important work of educating the next generation of environmental stewards. You can ensure that students have access to a garden, spend time outdoors, and continue to learn about science, art, and ecology.

Explore Ecology s a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, a non-profit in the State of California. Federal Tax ID #20-4944165.

Make a Donation

OTHER WAYS TO DONATE

DONATE BY MAIL

Donate By Mail

You can mail a check with the memo “Donation” to:

Explore Ecology
302 East Cota Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Please include your mailing address and email.

For assistance with your donation, contact Melissa or call her at 805-884-0459 x13.

WISH LISTS

Explore Ecology Wish List

Coming Soon

1% FOR THE PLANET

1% For the Planet

Explore Ecology is a proud nonprofit partner of 1% for the Planet, a global movement inspiring businesses and individuals to support environmental solutions through annual membership and everyday actions.

1% for the Planet member businesses give at least 1% of their annual sales while Individual Members give at least 1% of their annual salary and/or volunteer support directly to approved environmental nonprofits.

1% for the Planet is a growing, international network of more than 2,700 business members, and an expanding community of individual members supporting thousands of nonprofit partners in more than 60 countries. Members have given more than $225 million back to environmental nonprofits since 2002. Click Here to Learn More

EVENT SPONSORSHIPS

Become a Sponsor

Explore Ecology holds many events throughout the year. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please email Melissa or call her at 805-884-0459 x13.

PLANNED GIVING

Planned Giving

Your gift to Explore Ecology will support our sustainability into the future.

A planned gift ensures that Santa Barbara County youth will continue to learn, grow, and explore in School Gardens, at Art From Scrap, and on fieldtrips to the Watershed Resource Center at Arroyo Burro Beach. Your support helps us educate the next generation of environmental stewards and also allows us to expand our programing to adults in our community.

Planned giving makes it easy for you to continue your donor legacy by arranging a donation that will be allocated at a future date and is most often donated in a will or trust. Planned gifts can be a monetary donation, real estate, stock, retirement accounts, or life insurance.

For information and to set up a meeting about a planned gift, please email Melissa or call her at at 805-884-0459 x13.

AMAZON SMILE

Amazon Smile

AmazonSmile is operated by Amazon with the same prices, products, and shopping features as Amazon.com. When you shop on AmazonSmile, 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products is donated to the nonprofit of your choice. AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way to support Explore Ecology every time you shop, at no cost to you.

Joey Scordato

Garden Educator

Joey is grateful to have grown up with an abundance of nature around him and is happiest in the water or in the sun. From a young age, Joey felt a responsibility to take care of the Earth in return for all the ways she has taken care of him. This led Joey to pursue a degree in
Environmental Studies at UCSB where he furthered his knowledge of how different human societies have conceptualized and interacted with the natural world throughout history.

Joey believes that while it’s important we know the severity and multitude of ecological crises we face, too much doom and gloom leads to inaction and a lack of hope and that we are deceived into believing that humans are inherently “bad for nature” and further separated from the reality that we are ecological beings- as capable for creation as we are for destruction.

Joey thinks it’s crucial t0 focus on creative and direct solutions towards building a more sustainable future. He believes that one of the most important ways we can do this is by re-entering a reciprocal relationship with the Earth and in the garden this type of relationship is clear. The love and labor we put into the garden, the garden gives right back!

Luz Diaz

Garden Educator

Luz developed a strong sense of devotion for working with diverse populations after studying Sociology at UCSB. Her background in social work includes case management for various non-profits, experience with trauma informed care, and developing/teaching curriculum for school garden education & art resiliency. Luz’s passion for nature, cooking, and social justice continue to lead her on a mission to improve the health, wellbeing and resilience of her community. Luz’s goal as a Garden Educator is to create a space for healing and community in the garden.

Scrappy

Explore Ecology Mascot

I love coming to work and getting pets from everyone. In my spare time, I like to sleep, eat, hike, and explore nature. Did I say eat and sleep?

Nicole Roehrig

Art From Scrap Creative Reuse Store Director

Bio- coming soon!

Sarah Layer

Garden Educator

Coming soon!

Iliana Jacobo

Garden Educator

Coming soon!

Sadie Rushing

Garden Educator

Coming soon!

Angie Ouellette

Vermicompost Coordinator

Coming soon!

Bennett Rock

Greenhouse at La Colina

Coming soon!

Joey Lena

Store Associate

Coming soon!

Roxanne Hendrickson

Garden Educator

I’m very excited to be part of Explore Ecology’s Garden Education team. I really can’t think of anything I adore more than plants and kids (maybe pets.) My husband Jeff and I have been working in agriculture for decades now. It’s been very rewarding for us to continue to be active in our community and use our growing skills in new ways.

I’ve been in the Santa Barbara area my whole life and have no intention of leaving, ever.

I graduated from UCSB many many years ago with a degree in Spanish. I’m currently studying viticulture/agribusiness at Allan Hancock in Santa Maria because I love knowing as much as I can about agriculture in our area.

Thea Cole

Environmental Educator

Thea Cole got involved with Explore Ecology because she believes it’s our duty to give the next generation the tools they need to best care for the world they’re inheriting. Thea also believes it’s every child’s right to enjoy nature and consider a career in natural science if it brings them joy. Thea studied Biology and Ecology in university and is especially passionate about topics relevant to ocean conservation.

Emma Serr

Art From Scrap Sales Associate

Emma Serr is an artist and a student studying Studio Art at SBCC. Emma has a background in art and customer service, having worked as a camp counselor at sewing camp and assistant for sewing events and classes, and display manager and cashier in previous positions, and was recently a nanny to several young children. Emma first found us as a customer who loved what Art From Scrap represents!

Veronica Lee

Environmental Educator

Veronica grew up in San Diego and spent her last four years in San Luis Obispo studying Animal Science at Cal Poly. As an undergrad she learned lots about livestock, agriculture, and wildlife. Veronica is very passionate about conservation and sustainable agricultural practices. Veronica has spent many summers working in environmental education at various zoos and museums and loves introducing kids to the plants and animals that coexist with us. In her free time, she likes to sit at the beach and read, take dance classes, roller skate, and walk around fancy neighborhoods to look at the houses.

Lu Kernstine

Environmental Educator

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. Lu is thrilled to be teaching budding scientists about the Earth and why it’s important for us to protect and preserve the environment. ⁠

When they aren’t teaching, Lu enjoys hiking, bike riding, laying in a hammock near the beach, and listening to one of their 20+ music playlists!

Lydia Ballantine

Environmental Education Coordinator

Lydia Ballantine grew up in New Hampshire, where she developed a love of nature playing in the woods and fields and going on outdoor trips with her school and summer camp. She moved to Colorado for college, and while there began working at an environmental education nonprofit. After moving to Santa Barbara in 2019, she found her way back to environmental education and joined the Explore Ecology team first as an educator and then as a program coordinator.

In her free time Lydia enjoys surfing, rock climbing, and spending time with her dog, Scrappy Coco.

Rachel is an artist and arts educator who loves to see people access their innate creativity and jump into the fun of making. ⁠Rachel’s own creative practice centers around fiber arts and the magic of natural dye. When she isn’t in her small dye garden or working on a project, she’s most likely on a hike, or at the beach with her dog Kiko.

JENNY DAVIS

Director of Programs, People & Culture

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.

Ian Docktor

Garden Educator

Ian graduated from UCSB in 2020 and recently returned to Santa Barbara after a two year hiatus doing seasonal work in avian conservation, as well as environmental restoration and education. When he’s not teaching Ian likes to be outside learning more about native plants, vegetable gardening, natural history, birds, and bioacoustics.

He’s beyond excited to be back in a place he loves while helping students connect with the natural world!

Jill Cloutier

PR Director

Jill loves educating about nature through all forms of media. She’s a UCSB grad, with additional training in Environmental Horticulture, Documentary Film, and Permaculture. She is the host and producer of Sustainable World Radio, a long running podcast about the natural world, plants, and Permaculture. When she’s not hanging out with plants, you can find her reading novels (or seed catalogues) and concocting herbal remedies.

Chloe Bassuk

Garden Educator

Chloe grew up in nearby Ojai, CA, which helped shape my passion for living a green lifestyle and conserving wildlife. Chloe loves animals and has fostered puppies and kittens for the Ventura County Humane Society for years. She also enjoys thrifting and vintage clothing, playing guitar, and anything related to gardening. Chloe loves helping foster the connection between children and the natural world.

Clare Carey

Garden Educator

Clare is a professional actress, a mother and a serial volunteer.

Clare was born the 7th of 8 children on a Catholic mission in rural Zimbabwe to a mission doctor father and school teacher mom. Raised in Santa Barbara, Clare enjoyed acting in plays, playing sports and gardening with her family in their backyard.

Clare started acting at Montessori Center School at age six; her first play was performed in a garden. An auspicious sign, to be sure. After graduating from SBHS, Clare went straight to Hollywood and within three years was on a network sitcom; “Coach”. After that, she spent many years acting in television shows and films. She got married in 2002, and had two kids: Lucy in 2003 and James in 2006. After having children, she did some of her best acting work: Weeds, Jericho, Aquarius, Crash, CSI, Grey’s Anatomy, to name a few.

While volunteering for the green team at her kids’ elementary school the idea arose to build a native schoolyard habitat adjacent to the edible garden, An education of sorts ensued, and Clare and two other moms spearheaded the building of the largest native garden on any campus in the LAUSD. She spent the next ten years dedicated to the garden, which she named The Walgrove Wildlands. Clare did everything from writing grants to consulting designers, enrolling environmental & ecological experts to researching and planning curriculum. She organized work days with the community, helped to maintain the gardens and built partnerships to supply the garden with plant starts, mulch and other essentials. As part of a task force clare was working with her school board member and experts in arts and special education to find a way to expand the use of school gardens in the district.

Clare moved back to SB five years ago so her kids could have some experience of living in this beautiful community. She is thrilled to turn her passion for school gardens into a job!

Aimee Allen

Garden Educator

Bio- Coming Soon!

Angie Ouellette

Vermicompost Coordinator (The Worm Lady)

Angie was born and raised in Santa Barbara. She studied Psychology at San Diego State and was a social worker in San Francisco for five years before she discovered her love of growing food. Angie learned how to grow vegetables with the Green Urban Lunch Box in Salt Lake City and then moved back to the Bay Area to start farming. ⁠Angie enjoys teaching students how to grow and harvest veggies, loves surfing with the leopard sharks at Devereux, and getting lost in the backcountry of Santa Ynez with her husband Chris and their little dog Lucy. Keep an eye out for Angie on the trails collecting seeds and smelling the sage. ⁠

Alyssa Kassner

Garden Education Coordinator

Alyssa Kassner was previously a Garden Educator at Explore Ecology, before transitioning to Fairview Gardens where she was the Education Program Manager.

Genevieve Schwanbeck

Garden Education Coordinator

Genevieve grew up in Carpinteria, CA where she spent many years building her tan, tough feet, and love of nature. She studied biological sciences at SBCC and UCSB, and graduated with a BS in Zoology. She spent quite a bit of time traveling and eventually found her husband in the rugged land of Wales. They have raised their two beautiful daughters in Carpinteria over the past 15 years. Genevieve got her first taste of teaching children about nature at her daughters’ preschool and hasn’t looked back since.

Genevieve started working as a Garden Educator in 2014 and became a Garden Coordinator four years later. Genevieve loves working for an organization that is so committed to helping children connect with nature and the food they eat.

Paloma Hernandez

Art From Scrap Store Associate

Paloma is a Chicagoan who came to Santa Barbara to chase the sun and sea.⁠ She has always had a passion for the arts and discovered Art from Scrap during one of her visits to the city. It is such a special community gathering spot, and walking in for the first time she knew instantly this was the artistic-minded city she wanted to live in.

As an abstract artist, jewelry maker, and avid sewer, the philosophy of reduce, reuse, and recyle resonates deeply, and she encourage all artists to do their part for Mother Nature.

Rachel Palmer

Art Coordinator

Support the Next Generation of Environmental Stewards and Creative Reuse Artists

New! EE MAKERSPACE TRANSFORMATION

OTHER WAYS TO DONATE

Donate By Mail

Explore Ecology Wish List

1% For the Planet

Become a Sponsor

Planned Giving

Amazon Smile

Subscribe to Explore Ecology