As a board member of AEOE, outdoor and experiential education is an important theme in my personal and professional life.

I spent my childhood exploring the myriad trails, parks, and beaches of San Diego County with my family. My mom's rule: if you come home clean you have not had enough fun!

My fondest memories are from our annual camping trips to MacKerricher State Park in Mendocino County. From walking the bluffs overlooking the crisp blue tidepools, to sleeping among the towering trees, to filling the hood of my best friend's green hoodie with wild blackberries, I loved every moment immersing myself in nature.

Me and my younger brother, Travis, during a family camping trip at MacKerricher State Park, circa 1994.

As an adult, I am still drawn to nature and am fortunate enough to have a full time job conserving our coast and ocean. Our natural spaces are important for preserving biodiversity, acting as a natural solution to climate change, and providing outdoor recreation opportunities for people.

Conducting conservation work during an olive ridley arribada (mass nesting event) at Morro Ayuta in Oaxaca, Mexico.

I especially love exploring new trails with my best pal, Emmie! She is always up for an adventure and reminds me to slow down and stop and smell the flowers....and then speeeeeeed up!!!! Then slow down...then speed up... She even recently became a certified B.A.R.K. Ranger (Bag your pet’s waste, Always leash your pet, Respect wildlife, Know where you can go) when we visited Petrified Forest, Bryce, Zion, and Grand Canyon National Parks!

Emmie, the B.A.R.K. Ranger, at Red Canyon - a dog-friendly area of Dixie National Forest, just outside of Bryce Canyon in Utah.

For my three-week challenge I commit to exploring at least three new parks within my community – with my doggo at my side! Not only that, but we will contribute to scientific research by tracking the wildlife we see using the iNaturalist app.

I hope you will join me by supporting this important work!

Me and the B.A.R.K. Ranger at Grand Canyon National Park.