Beekeeper West Lang. a fourth-grader at Santa Ynez Valley Charter School, saved the day and the bees when a swarm frightened students at his school. West is wearing white protective gear as he kneels next to a small hive. (Courtesy photo)
Beekeeper West Lang. a fourth-grader at Santa Ynez Valley Charter School, saved the day and the bees when a swarm frightened students at his school. (Courtesy photo)

From a 4th-grade beekeeper to sibling school gardeners to environmentally conscious educators, the diverse group of Environmental Stewardship Award winners for 2026 has been announced by Explore Ecology.

The community can celebrate the honorees, who represent schools from across the county, at an awards luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, April 16 at the Cabrillo Pavilion.

“The nominations for this year’s Environmental Stewardship Awards poured in from North and South County, all of them highlighting unsung heroes in local schools who care for nature and our beautiful planet,” said Jill Cloutier of Explore Ecology.

“Join us on April 16 to show your support for these environmental champions. We promise you will feel uplifted, motivated and inspired,” she said.

Meet the 2026 Explore Ecology Award winners:

Student winners:

West Lang: At Santa Ynez Valley Charter School, a swarm of bees was disturbed at recess, leading to chaos among students. Enter West Lang, 4th-grade beekeeper. After school, he safely collected the bees and relocated them, ensuring no bees or students were harmed.

Hunter and Sophie Costa: Sophie (Vieja Valley School) and Hunter (La Colina Junior High) are dedicated garden advocates who have participated in every garden and campus beautification event at La Colina this year.

The Cabrillo High School Aquarium team was one of the Club Award wnners. (Courtesy photo)
The Cabrillo High School Aquarium team was one of the Club Award winners. (Courtesy photo)

River Peace: A senior at Midland School, Peace is leading efforts to transition the school farm toward a climate-resilient, perennial system, work that will have a lasting impact beyond his time on campus.

Jade Garcia: An environmental activist and secretary of the new Santa Barbara High School Environmental Advocacy Club, Garcia helped organize the Make Polluters Pay walkout at Santa Barbara High School, mobilizing her peers around climate action.

Teacher Award winners:
Lisa Lisle: A 5th-grade teacher at Brandon Elementary, Lisle led a schoolwide transition from plastic sporks to reusable utensils. She also maintains native planter beds outside her classroom, and is the lead staff member for her school’s Walk and Roll program.

Juana Zarate, Silvia Hernandez, and Rosa Herrera: Teachers at Just For Kids Preschool in Lompoc, this team has embraced garden-based learning, inspiring their students to care for plants and nature from an early age.

Jacob Pepper: An educator at Anacapa Middle School, Pepper leads the Environmental Science Club, where students are working toward an ambitious goal of reducing campus waste and consumption by 30%.

Isabella Marill: A teacher at Midland School in Los Olivos, Marill set up an environmental club, conducted a campus-wide environmental audit, and is developing a comprehensive stewardship plan.

Club Awards:
Planet Protectors: Although small, this group of dedicated kindergarten-1st graders at Canalino Elementary is making a big impact in keeping their campus clean, while learning and practicing environmental responsibility.

Cabrillo High School Aquarium: What started in a small classroom at Cabrillo High School with one tank, one student, and one teacher is now one of the largest public aquariums on the Central Coast.

School Support Staff:
Leise Thomason: A science specialist at Santa Barbara Charter School in Goleta, Thomason has developed garden programs, composting systems, and waste reduction initiatives, including a mini reuse station inspired by Art From Scrap.

Bree Valla: Superintendent/principal of Vista del Mar Union School District in Gaviota, Valla is guiding the transition to the Vista Institute of Environmental Studies, reducing food waste through local partnerships, and implementing a seasonal, locally sourced school menu.

“I feel honored to be selected for an Explore Ecology Environmental Stewardship Award,” said award winner Thomason. “I believe that environmental education provides the connection to our environment that students need to make good decisions about their health and the health of the planet.

“This award is also important to me, as being selected by my community, who inspire and support me, is the ultimate recognition. I accept this award on behalf of my community, who have helped make my efforts successful.”

Proceeds from this fundraising event will support Explore Ecology’s Environmental Education, School Gardens, and Creative Reuse programs that serve schools countywide.

Luncheon tickets are available at ExploreEcology.org/awardsluncheon/. For more information, visit ExploreEcology.org.