The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) and the Wildling Museum of Art and Nature both have received awards for sustainability from the California Association of Museums and the California Natural Resources Agency.
The Secretary’s Awards for Excellence in Sustainability Competition recognize the outstanding achievements in sustainability for California museum projects in two areas: public education, or internal operations projects.
SBMM received the Secretary’s Public Education Award for Sustainability, and the Wildling Museum of Art & Nature won the award for Operational Sustainability. https://www.calmuseums.org/Public/Public/ACT/Awards/Secretary_s_Award.aspx.
“We are proud to partner with the California Association of Museums in recognizing cultural institutions and museums who are doing extraordinary work in advancing environmental sustainability; and we do that by issuing the Secretary’s Sustainability Awards,” California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot said of the awards.
The SBMM and Wildling Museum’s Awards were received for the following programs:
Programmatic Recognition: Santa Barbara Maritime Museum — Maritime on the Move (MotM) is an outdoor program where students explore local habitats with trained naturalists. The curriculum includes the Santa Barbara Channel, human interaction with the ocean, environmental conservation, and biodiversity while highlighting what students can do to impact the sustainability of the planet.
“SBMM is honored to receive this award from the California Association of Museums, and we are especially pleased to have our good friends at the Wilding Museum also receive recognition,” said Greg Gorga, SBMM executive director.
“Maritime on the Move is an amazing program that encourages students to explore and protect the rich history and resources of our Santa Barbara Channel,” he said.
Operational Recognition: Wildling Museum of Art and Nature — The Greening of a Small Museum. The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature is a Green Certified Business and has incorporated as many sustainable features as affordable. The solar installation on the roof of the museum is the most recent sustainable accomplishment.
A new board-approved sustainability policy, as of January 2021, will continue to move the museum forward in the months and years to come.
“We are so honored to be recognized for our efforts to operate sustainably,” said Stacey Otte-Demangate, the Wildling’s executive director. “Our new solar panel system is a major improvement for us, made possible thanks to the Solarize Nonprofit program of the Community Environmental Council.
“The award is that much sweeter because our friends at the Maritime Museum are also being honored this year.”
The winning programs will be presented with their awards at the virtual Green Museums Seminar Sept. 30, and representatives will give a short presentation about their award-winning program.
For more about the Wildling and to volunteer or join as a member, visit www.wildlingmuseum.org. For more about Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, visit sbmm.org or call 805-962-8404.