About
The Explore Ecology Environmental Education Program includes specific activities such as Beach Cleanups, Watershed Education, Community Events, Field Trips, In Class Lessons, and a program called Growing Healthy Minds, Bodies, and Little Green Thumbs. The program also offers monthly beach cleanups as part of its environmental education focus. Explore Ecology programs combine art and ecology to foster creative thinking and connection between people and the environment.
Explore Ecology is an environmental education nonprofit that educates over 30,000 children a year, and educates over 38,000 children in classrooms, on field trips, and in school gardens throughout Santa Barbara County. Coastal Cleanup Day for Santa Barbara County is coordinated by Explore Ecology and attracts thousands of volunteers annually at over 30 sites, and monthly beach cleanups are open to volunteers of all ages to learn about local watersheds and ocean stewardship. The mission of the Explore Ecology Environmental Education Program is empowering environmental education and nature-based learning.
The leadership team includes Josh Rivera (Environmental Educator), Ella Todd (Art From Scrap Store Associate), Melisa (Melissa) Dodos (Art From Scrap Creative Reuse Store Coordinator), Veronica Lee (Environmental Educator), Stephanie Soicher (Garden Explorers Program Coordinator), Natalie Barnes (Environmental Educator), Andrew Baker (EE Makerspace Coordinator), Anna Frizzell (Garden Educator), and Jill Cloutier (Public Relations Director). Staff credentials include degrees and studies in Environmental Studies, environmental science, social justice, Animal Science, Environmental Science, Hydrology, and education-related fields, as well as a teaching license, Montessori certification, and work focused on STEAM, environmental education, and creative reuse.
Art From Scrap Creative Reuse Store keeps thousands of pounds of clean, reusable material from ending up in the Santa Barbara County landfill each year and provides low cost supplies for schools, art, theatre, and other creative community projects. The EE Makerspace is described as a community workshop for artists of all ages, with upcycled materials, work stations, cutting-edge tools, classes, and inspiration. The Watershed Resource Center is a community education center where community members can learn about watershed ecology and the importance of protecting watersheds, creeks, and the ocean. Explore Ecology empowers the next generation of environmental stewards in classrooms, on field trips, and in school gardens throughout Santa Barbara County. The Explore Ecology Awards recognize teachers, school staff, and students in Santa Barbara County who promote environmental stewardship through education and action, who initiate positive change, and who inspire their peers and colleagues.
Last updated April 2, 2026.
Explore Ecology is an environmental education nonprofit that educates over 30,000 children a year, and educates over 38,000 children in classrooms, on field trips, and in school gardens throughout Santa Barbara County. Coastal Cleanup Day for Santa Barbara County is coordinated by Explore Ecology and attracts thousands of volunteers annually at over 30 sites, and monthly beach cleanups are open to volunteers of all ages to learn about local watersheds and ocean stewardship. The mission of the Explore Ecology Environmental Education Program is empowering environmental education and nature-based learning.
The leadership team includes Josh Rivera (Environmental Educator), Ella Todd (Art From Scrap Store Associate), Melisa (Melissa) Dodos (Art From Scrap Creative Reuse Store Coordinator), Veronica Lee (Environmental Educator), Stephanie Soicher (Garden Explorers Program Coordinator), Natalie Barnes (Environmental Educator), Andrew Baker (EE Makerspace Coordinator), Anna Frizzell (Garden Educator), and Jill Cloutier (Public Relations Director). Staff credentials include degrees and studies in Environmental Studies, environmental science, social justice, Animal Science, Environmental Science, Hydrology, and education-related fields, as well as a teaching license, Montessori certification, and work focused on STEAM, environmental education, and creative reuse.
Art From Scrap Creative Reuse Store keeps thousands of pounds of clean, reusable material from ending up in the Santa Barbara County landfill each year and provides low cost supplies for schools, art, theatre, and other creative community projects. The EE Makerspace is described as a community workshop for artists of all ages, with upcycled materials, work stations, cutting-edge tools, classes, and inspiration. The Watershed Resource Center is a community education center where community members can learn about watershed ecology and the importance of protecting watersheds, creeks, and the ocean. Explore Ecology empowers the next generation of environmental stewards in classrooms, on field trips, and in school gardens throughout Santa Barbara County. The Explore Ecology Awards recognize teachers, school staff, and students in Santa Barbara County who promote environmental stewardship through education and action, who initiate positive change, and who inspire their peers and colleagues.
Last updated April 2, 2026.
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