From Our Executive Director, Kylie 'Koala' Galliani

This time of the year encourages us to reflect and consider what we are grateful for. During the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it is sometimes difficult to take a step back and notice the good. In the spirit of reflection and acknowledging what to be grateful for this year, I would like to share a few of my highlights for PEEC.

I stepped out of my comfort zone and embraced new opportunities, and ended up learning so much about myself, this program I love so much, and my community. I want to briefly shine the light on two key moments this year. Thank you to Sue Magoo Coulter for inviting me on to KZYX's Women in Ecology hour, where I was able to conquer a little fear of being on radio unscripted and had a great time talking with a long-time friend and inspiration in this field. That experience was a practice run for taking the stage at the 100 Women Strong Mendocino Coast's Fall 2024 event, where I had the honor of representing PEEC in front of over one hundred community members. Thanks to donations made to that event, PEEC was able to receive over $4,000! The feedback I received from both of these public events was so rewarding, and I appreciate all the listeners and attendees.

I would also like to take a moment to honor and acknowledge the Indigenous people whose ancestral lands we are privileged to learn from, explore, and protect. We recognize the deep and lasting relationship that Native communities have with this land, and we acknowledge the injustices they have endured throughout history. During our fall season, both staff and participants of PEEC were fortunate to learn from members of the Southern Pomo tribe. The presence of mother-daughter duo Tanda and Tatumn Blubear added invaluable knowledge and I look forward to continuing our relationship and their incorporation into our program. I am thankful for the opportunity to teach and share the beauty of the outdoors, and do so with deep respect for the Indigenous peoples who have been its stewards for thousands of years.

Last, but not least, PEEC would be impossible without our wonderful staff. All of our naturalists bring their own knowledge, experience, and personality to the program, which enhances our core curriculum. They not only make our program happen smoothly, but pour their hearts and minds into every aspect of the job, and I would be lost without them, especially those who continue to return and help PEEC evolve.

If you've made it this far, thank you for taking the time to read this, and please consider donating to PEEC this Giving Tuesday. Your contributions, big and small, make all the difference. Together, we are nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards and creating opportunities for learning, growth, and connection to the natural world.

From Our Board President, Lorrie Lagasse

As 2024 draws to a close, we once more reflect on the importance of teaching young people to be stewards of our beautiful planet in these complex times. This year PEEC again hosted students at Mackerricher State Park in the spring and fall from several counties in the state. We were proud to be using our new Ford all-electric vehicle to transport the staff and supplies.  

The board and director have identified the next priorities for fundraising and grants: new staff housing, and camperships.  

•  We find ourselves in dire need of additional staff housing. Staff housing is basically reminiscent of a portable tiny home, a wooden structure on a flatbed trailer. This tiny home just has two separate bedrooms.  
• Camperships provide partial or complete funding for students to attend camp. We are finding that schools are having to spend more and more on funding transportation. Having camperships available will ease some financial pressure.

Many of you have helped us in the past to achieve our fundraising goals. Giving Tuesday is around the corner. We hope you will find PEEC a worthy place to donate this year.  Giving to PEEC is supporting the education of young people in the outdoors, it’s helping to protect our public lands, it’s helping students understand the perils of climate change, and it’s supporting an unforgettable week of camaraderie and fun at science camp.

There are plenty of ways for you to donate to PEEC for Giving Tuesday! You can now schedule automatic donations monthly or annually, in addition to a one-time donation!

General donations can help us offer scholarships to low-income schools and students, and help keep our program running!

Don't want to donate electronically?

Please mail checks to PEEC at:

PO Box 2376, Fort Bragg, CA, 95437

Scientists at the University of Washington-Friday Harbor Marine Laboratories recently released captive bred sunflower sea stars into the wild in the San Juan Islands. This is great news for the critically endangered species, and hopefully one day captive breeding projects like this will successfully reintroduce the sunflower sea star back into the wild.

To learn more about this project and why it is important, click the link below.