At its first Environmental Stewardship Awards luncheon, Explore Ecology recognized outstanding students and educators who demonstrate excellence in environmental stewardship.
Mary Khan, superintendent of the Goleta Union School District, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of environmental education and its lasting influence on youth and the community.
“We’re thrilled to recognize these incredible individuals who dedicate themselves to caring for the Earth,” said Lindsay Johnson, Explore Ecology executive director. “Our winners this year include kindergartners and veteran educators who are changing the world, one project, one lesson, one act of care at a time. It’s our honor to share their stories.”
Explore Ecology recognized the following 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award recipients:
Bodhi Crawford: Became a Coastal Cleanup Day site captain at just 8 years old, organizing volunteers at Jalama Beach.
Liz Loeza: Founder of Plant the Next Tree, leading local reforestation efforts and neighborhood cleanups.
Jackson Simmons-Furlati: Member of the Dos Pueblos Environmental Club, helped install hydroponic towers on campus. He will present at the U.N. Ocean Conference 2025.
Rowan Smith: Santa Barbara Middle School student and environmental club leader encouraging peer action.
Nancy Morris: Monroe Elementary teacher of 25-plus years, instilling environmental responsibility in generations of students.
Kim Berman and Danielle Weill: Montecito Union School teachers leading a Climate Change and Student Activism unit.
Marie Chavis: Founder of El Camino Jr. High Ocean Club, promoting ocean conservation.
Chris Hamman: La Colina Junior High science teacher who created an outdoor living lab.
Sustainable Future Club: Student-led group that restored an abandoned culvert into a thriving native plant habitat.
Ashley Griffin’s Class: Designed an outdoor learning space with rainwater catchment and native plants.
Wendy Kanter: Environmental educator of 32 years who inspired thousands of plant and planet protectors.
Martha Rugg: Garden educator who created an after-school garden and composting group at Canalino Elementary.
Ahead of the luncheon, Griffin’s kindergarten/first grade class arrived early to hold a beach cleanup. During the ceremony, the children sang a song about watersheds.
“My class really liked cleaning up the beach and was shocked at how much trash they found in just 20 minutes,” Griffin said. “They also loved receiving their personalized awards and singing in front of the guests at the beautiful Cabrillo Pavilion.”
Walking off stage after receiving their award, one student yelled out, “Once in a lifetime!”
Explore Ecology began the awards in 2016, when they received four nominations. This year, more than 50 nominations were submitted by community members.
Exploe Ecology said it hopes “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.”
Explore Ecology thanks event sponsors The Natalie Orfalea Foundation, The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, Tisha Jones, The Zegar Fund, and Jonathan and Jenna Stoller.
Thanks also to in-kind donors Quail Canyon Catering, Dart Coffee Co., Hogue & Co., Full Moon Audio, and Low Tide Rising.