Sonoma Ecology Center Board Member and EnviroLeaders Alumna Ava Castro. Photo courtesy of Daily Acts.

For nearly two decades, the EnviroLeaders program—launched by Sonoma Ecology Center in 2008—has been a hands-on gateway for Sonoma Valley teens to explore environmental stewardship, sustainable agriculture, and community engagement. Designed as a semester-long paid work experience, EnviroLeaders gives young people aged 14 to 18 the opportunity to develop valuable job and life skills through ecological restoration, environmental science education, and collaboration with environmental professionals, all while contributing meaningfully to projects within Sonoma Garden Park and beyond.

Below, Board Member Ava Castro reflects on her time in the program as a teen—sharing highlights from her EnviroLeader years and the lessons she carries forward into her work today.

Could you reflect on your experience as an EnviroLeader? What are some highlights you remember from your time in the program?

My EnviroLeader experience was absolutely fantastic and truly opened me up to the world of community nonprofit work and regenerative agriculture. I had the privilege of partaking in three different cohorts of EnviroLeaders between 2014 and 2016, where I gained so much knowledge as well as practical life skills; from irrigation systems to team work and plant biodiversity to commitment. I remember connecting with my coworkers and truly becoming friends as we grew together while improving our community. I especially enjoyed spending time in the Sonoma Garden Park where we performed routine garden chores. However, we also got to go on many interesting field trips including where we took nature walks on preserves, assisted up at SugarLoaf State Park with events, and supported the community center’s plant sale. We also had guest presenters on topics including beekeeping and microbiology, which made the experience even more inspiring.

You’ve followed your specialized interest in environmental restoration and are forging a career path in an environmental field. What is your advice for younger people (middle school-high school age) who are interested in pursuing a similar line of work, but aren’t sure where to start?

The advice I’d give to youth interested in pursuing environmentalism, or really any career field or even hobby, is to connect with your community and get involved. We’re fortunate in Sonoma Valley and across the county to have so many incredible youth programs and opportunities. If you’re interested in environmental work, start by joining school clubs, reaching out to teachers, and visiting your school’s college and career counselor, since they often know about local internships and opportunities. There are so many resources out there, but it’s important to take initiative and be a self-starter. Often, one door leads to many others once you take that first step.

What does being a good steward of the earth mean to you?

To me, being a steward of the earth is similar to being a global citizen. It’s about being aware of your impact on the land you inhabit and how your actions either nurture or harm the world. It means thinking critically and holistically, tending to the land in ways that create abundance rather than deplete resources. Stewardship is about living in harmony; not just extracting and taking, but also giving and growing.

Many people, especially younger generations, feel a sense of overwhelm about the climate crisis and environmental issues. Do you have any advice for turning anxiety into action when it comes to environmentalism?

Environmentalism isn’t just about mitigating climate change and resource depletion, it also addresses deep social and economic injustices. That complexity can understandably lead to overwhelm and anxiety. It’s easy to feel defeated, especially when the media often highlights only the negative. While we need the facts, it’s also important to amplify stories of success and progres. Of communities, organizations, and individuals making real change. When we feel anxiety, we can turn it into action. And action doesn’t have to be massive or global, but it can start right in your own community. I’ve always loved the quote from Desmond Tutu: “Do your little bit of good where you are. it is those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” I believe that wholeheartedly. Small, consistent actions such as reducing waste, sourcing produce locally, composting, supporting local policies, donating to a cause, or even something as simple as smiling at a stranger, can add up to powerful change. Collective action begins with individual steps.