A three-time Enviroleader alumna of Sonoma Ecology Center, Ava Castro recently joined Sonoma Ecology Center’s Board of Directors. We sat down with Ava to hear her perspective on the role of regenerative thinking in environmental work, and what she hopes to bring to SEC as a new member of our Board of Directors.

1. You were once SEC’s Enviroleader for three semesters. After graduating from this program, you’ve returned a number of times to host events at Sonoma Garden Park. As a Program Coordinator of the Daily Acts, you recently hosted a Compost Education event at the park. What are you hoping to bring to the future of Sonoma Ecology Center now as a member of our Board of Directors? 

Firstly, I am honored to be a part of the Board of Directors with the Sonoma Ecology Center. I am looking forward to not only being an advocate for the whole SEC community, but also eager to ensure that the actions of the organization continue to uphold their values and mission. 

As a Board member, my aim is to assist with strategic planning and problem solving within the organization, especially when it comes to initiatives and ideas which have potential to create instrumental change regarding climate justice issues throughout the Bay Area. 

During my first few months on the board, I believe it’s important to prioritize listening and learning about all that the SEC has been doing over the past couple years. Though I was once an Enviroleader, a truly valuable and momentous self-development experience, the Sonoma Ecology Center has many remarkable programs and projects beyond the internship that I have yet to fully explore. I am excited to connect with staff and learn greater knowledge about the various departments in order to identify how to best benefit the needs and goals of the organization. 

2. In the time from being an SEC Enviroleader to now, you’ve gone to college, and gained a host of work experience in sustainable agriculture and climate resiliency. How has your perspective changed about the role Sonoma Ecology Center could play in improving the ecological health of the valley?

Overall my perspective on the need for sustainability has changed over the past couple years. Within environmentalism, we are seeing a shift away from the word “sustainability” which has been overused by media and marketing as well as taken over a new meaning in previous years. Now, we are seeing greater focus towards regenerative thinking rather than sustainability. 

When I was first introduced to the idea of regenerative thinking, I didn’t fully understand the reasoning behind it and felt that it was just an insignificant change in verbiage which would have little impact on actions. However, after working with Daily Acts and from related experiences in the field, I understand that reason and need for this shift. As a community and a society, we can no longer afford to merely sustain the actions we’ve adapted as societal norms; as that thought process isn’t in the best interests of our Earth. Instead, we need to shift to regenerative living, so our actions are creating a positive impact on the land we reside. Environmentalism is no longer simply about sustaining our lives and ensuring that the land is healthy enough to meet our needs, but rather action-driven environmentalism that meets the needs of the land as well. Taking a regenerative approach is about switching the paradigms we’ve grown accustomed to and curating our actions to be beneficial to the environments in which we choose to call home. 

Working as an Enviroleader was an incredible experience. At the time we worked primarily in the Sonoma Garden Park with occasional visits to Sugarloaf or to complete work in the community. When I was at the Sonoma Garden Park, the focus was placed on learning about sustainable and water-wise agricultural practices, all whilst developing soft and technical skills. While it was an incredible experience, I now have greater recognition for the work SEC does beyond Sonoma Garden Park and the holistic approach SEC takes to address ecological health in the valley and Sonoma County community.

Sonoma Ecology Center works on a variety of frontiers within environmental justice; from childhood education to advocacy for policy, and restoration to research. Through their different initiatives and grant work, SEC is utilizing regenerative and integrative methods to address environmental health needs as well as community needs including housing, indigenous land protections, biomass solutions, and waste management. By focusing resources into these various aspects of the community, we are able to ensure that the ecological work being done is systemic. As my perspective and mindset continues to grow, I have a deeper appreciation for the approach SEC takes, which is a beautiful example of innovation and resurging natural, native solutions.

3. What do you foresee as Sonoma Ecology Center’s and other environmental nonprofits’ biggest challenges in the North Bay? And how do you see us potentially addressing these challenges well?

When I think about the current challenges that environmental nonprofits face, and particularly those faced by the Sonoma Ecology Center, the overall identifiable theme is ensuring equitable representation of the community in the face of local political issues, especially those regarding urban, residential, and commercial development. 

The Sonoma Ecology Center does a fantastic job of advocating for the wellbeing of the community on environmental, equitable, and economic fronts. As an organization that acts as a leading voice for the best interests of the community, meaning for the people and the land, it is important that the SEC continues to have a seat at the table in conversations around land management and community development. 

4. Is there anything else you would like to share with our SEC community?

I am again honored to be a part of the SEC Board and a part of the SEC community. I am impressed with the management of the board and its operating principles. The Sonoma Ecology Center is working towards greater inclusivity, integrity, and intentionality by diversifying the team while also ensuring that the board fully understands the roles and responsibilities of departments through participation in committee meetings. The actions of SEC staff and board are truly working to be a better representation of the Valley. 

I’d like to express my appreciation for Jennifer Palladini and Jeanne-Louise Camus who identified this opportunity, and for David Morell, Board President. Also have much gratitude for the mentors in my life who originally connected me with the SEC, including Tony Passantino, SEC’s Education Program Manager, who was my Enviroleader instructor back in the day and Karling Skoglund and Felicia Rush, former agricultural science instructors.

I am excited to contribute and support the great work being done by the Sonoma Ecology Center.