Back in 2023, we shared how your feedback helped us make changes to our volunteer events to create an even more gratifying experience for all participants. But the process didn’t end there; we are continually listening to and learning from your input. 

You’re walking around a shady redwood grove and notice a bed of shiny green clover-like plants covering the ground. This native plant is an important understory plant in redwood and Douglas fir forests that supports caterpillars, butterflies, and moths.

Growing up, I was obsessed with two things: horses and nature (to be fair, I am still pretty interested in both). As luck would have it, I lived quite close to Westwind Barn and its neighbor, Byrne Preserve. I began taking riding lessons at the barn when I was about six or seven, and soon I was looking for any possible excuse to return.

I'm a proud member of the East Palo Alto community, born and raised here. I am also an intern for Grassroots Ecology stationed at Cooley Landing in East Palo Alto. This summer I helped lead a 5-week program for 7th graders from the Boys & Girls Club of Peninsula. I'd like to share my top 3 moments of the program for me.