Deepening Roots: Sophia’s Journey with Nature Nexus Institute

As I sifted through the memories tucked away in old papers upon graduating college and returning home, I stumbled upon a piece of my past that reignited a flame of nostalgia and gratitude – my original application to the Baldwin Hills Greenhouse Program. A tangible link to a pivotal chapter in my life, that application from May 16, 2017, marked the closing of my freshman year of high school, a moment when my aspirations were raw and rampant. In the earnest words I typed in my application seven years ago, I articulated a vision of my future, expressing how the Greenhouse Program would serve as a catalyst in achieving my dreams of attending a four-year university and becoming a conservationist. “Whatever I end up doing,” I wrote, “I know it will involve the outdoors and improving the lives of plants and animals.” Now, as I reflect upon this journey from that hopeful declaration at 15 years old to the present moment as a 22-year-old, I am struck by the realization of how far I have come and how the seeds of my ambitions have blossomed into distinct accomplishments.

Following my acceptance to the Greenhouse Program, I spent the next three years of high school as a Restoration Leader, engaging in a diverse array of activities that broadened my understanding of conservation and environmental stewardship. From conducting surveys at the Least Tern colony to embarking on an Outward Bound California trip in Joshua Tree, I gained valuable insights into the complexities of ecology and community. Additionally, opportunities to practice public speaking and deepen my knowledge of native plants and birds were instrumental in my personal and professional growth. Beyond the acquisition of skills and knowledge, these experiences instilled a sense of purpose and belonging. The Greenhouse Program taught me important concepts while building meaningful connections and networking in the conservation community.

In a stroke of timing that felt almost fateful, just two weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, I was accepted into UC Santa Cruz’s Environmental Studies program. It was a monumental step closer to fulfilling the aspirations I had articulated in my freshman-year application. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought unforeseen challenges, forcing the Greenhouse Program to transition online during my senior year of high school in 2020. Despite the physical distance, our commitment to conservation and environmental education remained unwavering. Through Zoom and other virtual platforms, we continued our weekly projects and discussions, adapting to the new normal while staying true to our mission.

Graduation in 2020 marked the end of an era, but not the end of my commitment. I went on to work as a Summer Fellow, a paid program available for students who have graduated from the Greenhouse Program. I had zero expectations and was simply grateful to have an opportunity to connect with people with similar interests. Summer Fellows allowed me to improve my habitat restoration practice and solidify my native plant knowledge.

After a prolonged period of uncertainty and virtual learning, I finally had the opportunity to move to Santa Cruz and attend classes in person. It was a long-awaited moment, and I was excited for the experiences that lay ahead. Even amidst the rigors of academia at UC Santa Cruz, the echoes of my Greenhouse experiences reverberated. I enjoyed how several of my Environmental Studies classes built upon the foundations I had learned in the Greenhouse Program and Summer Fellows, while also introducing me to new topics in the field.

During the final quarter of my studies at UC Santa Cruz, I was enrolled in ENVS 160: Restoration Ecology taught by Dr. Karen D. Holl, which brought along a pleasantly unexpected encounter. Liz Rennie, the TA for the class, shared a connection to Baldwin Hills – the very place where my journey began. While reading my introductory assignment that required us to explain our experiences in restoration, Liz noted that she, too, was once part of the Baldwin Hills Summer Fellows program, following her enrollment in the West LA Community College Conservation Studies course. Our shared background sparked an instant connection, and as we exchanged stories and reminisced about our time at Baldwin Hills, it felt like a moment of coming full circle.

Liz's academic journey was deeply influenced by her involvement in various programs. Beginning at West LA Community College, she completed an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Science and participated in the Baldwin Hills Parklands Conservation Certificate program, sparking her passion for ecology. As a Summer Fellow, she gained hands-on experience in habitat restoration and field surveys, which led her to discover her interest in plant pathogens through encounters with experts like Dr. Erin Questad at Cal Poly Pomona. This passion drove her to research plant diseases, particularly sudden oak death, at UC Davis. Now a PhD student at UC Santa Cruz, Liz explores the interplay between wildfires and diseases in the Santa Cruz Mountains. She credits organizations like LA Audubon and Nature Nexus Institute for shaping her academic and professional trajectory.

Now, as I too reflect on my academic journey, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and appreciation. I graduated with Honors from UC Santa Cruz with a BA in Environmental Studies and a concentration in Conservation Science and Policy along with a minor in Spanish Studies, a fitting conclusion to this chapter. I am also humbled to follow in the footsteps of other Greenhouse alum and current Nature Nexus Institute employees who also graduated from UC Santa Cruz – Stacey Vigallon (Science Illustration, ‘04), Emily Cobar (Environmental Studies, ‘14), Brian Young (Art, ‘19), and several others – who have blazed trails and left a lasting legacy in the fields of education, conservation, art, and more.

Now, as I embark on a full-time role with Nature Nexus Institute as a Habitat Restoration Site Coordinator + Education Specialist, I recognize the profound influence the Baldwin Hills Greenhouse Program has had on my trajectory. For seven years, it has been a steadfast companion, shaping my perspective and instilling in me a sense of purpose and motivation to science, community, and conservation.

In every seed planted and conversation shared, the essence of the Baldwin Hills Greenhouse Program lives on in a testament to the transformative power of after-school education programs and dedicated instructors. As I step into this new role, I carry with me the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the deep roots that will sustain me on this journey with Nature Nexus Institute.