For the first 10 years of my life, I grew up in Costa Rica where I really forged this deep connection with nature. I really saw how biodiversity enables amazing ecosystems that have now been threatened by human behavior. These experiences inspired me to help co-found Nature Now International. We have over 30 partners with universities, businesses, governments, and have been able to engage over 300 youth in protecting the wildlife and its spectacular biodiversity. Some of our projects include online internships, outreach programs for underserved elementary students, compost programs in different high schools, and reforestation projects.
One of the main aspects of our program is an annual project in Costa Rica in which we bring California students to meet with local youth to help reforest mangroves, paint murals, monitor sea turtles, and really connect people from different cultures and backgrounds in this unified effort.
It’s really been inspiring to see young people come together to address our environment and help protect our future.