Throughout my life, nature and science have inspired wonder, provided calm, offered entertainment, and healed my spirit. Nature can astonish, it can soothe, it can amuse, it can embrace us. I want every child to have the opportunity to learn what the natural world has to offer, to understand it, to feel comfortable exploring it, to ask questions and delight in seeking answers.
The Environmental Volunteers makes natural science discovery possible for thousands of children every year.
I have been a volunteer in various capacities at the EV for over 30 years. The EV consistently provides excellent learning opportunities to children, constantly improving teaching standards and materials. Teachers rely on the EV to provide intimate hands-on natural science discovery for their students, both in the classroom and outdoors in natural settings
As a teaching docent, I have had my own fun experiences of learning and discovery. Training classes were a delight; fellow docents constantly share their knowledge and questions; and one learns from the students! You see the world with fresh eyes when you are with children.
And as a bonus, I have found a community of wonderful people who are committed to the mission of the EV.
As a member of various committees of the organization, I know that the mission to “Promote understanding of and responsibility for the environment through hands on science education” permeates everything the EV does.
As a donor and recent board member, I know the EV to be managed with the highest integrity so that resources reach their intended function to deliver educational experiences to children.
This wonderful organization is entering its 50th anniversary year. Fifty years of service to children and the future of our environment. I am proud to be a part of it.
Previous Stories
I have served this organization for 20 years as a teaching docent and board member. It is the best-run non-profit I have worked with, both from the perspective of a volunteer and from the perspective of the quality of services it provides. Teachers come back year after year for EV services, and the EV has taken the lead in coordinating with other science education groups for maximum impact in the schools. EV docents share the marvels of science and nature with students - a much-needed service that kids love.
Great organization - I'm proud to be an EV! The EV has many opportunities to volunteer, from the classroom to the EcoCenter to field trips. It's easy and fun, and the EV training is great!
Previous Stories
Fantastic organization! I've been fortunate enough to serve on the staff, be a volunteer, and be a board member. The EV is so enriching for volunteers, but more importantly, so impactful for students, kids, and the community. I can't say enough great things about this amazing organization that has been making a difference in environmental education in our communities for over 47 years.
I've had the opportunity of going into the classroom with volunteers and seeing how wonderfully the volunteers interact with the students and how the students respond so positively. Also, I seen volunteers who've gone on hikes or explored the beach with kids who've never before seen the mountains or the beach -- and the kids come away with a new found appreciation for nature.
A very worthwhile organization, of which I'm proud to be a part.
Previous Stories
in two separate classroom sessions, I witnessed adult volunteers work with young students on various environmental education work sessions. The volunteers engaged with the students and the students were enthusiastic listeners and hands-on participants. It was heart warming to see how well environmental education can be provided and what valuable experiences can be given to students.
Environmental Volunteers has a fantastically dedicated and knowledgeable volunteer group and staff! It's amazing to see them in the class room opening the experiences of the students. And even more rewarding when the students learn in the field. The EVs have been educating and inspiring kids for 45 years (and always welcoming new volunteers).
As I board member, I saw the amazing passion and energy of the organization from both the strategic and day-to-day aspects. I was always impressed by the culture of delivering the best experience for the kids and the goals to make sure the 30+ year tradition continues while evolving through changing times and the ebbs and flows of the economy. That focus is woven into all aspects of the organization.
I got to know Environmental Volunteers in 2007 through the training program for school volunteers. It was fun and highly informative about the natural world in the Bay area. I was eager for more people to know about the EV. I joined the board in 2009 to help with outreach. I love that the board is regularly engaged with the organization. And helping kids learn about science and nature is a terrific investment in our future.
Environmental Volunteers, a registered 501-c-3 founded in 1972, raises funds for innovative hands-on environmental education programs in the classroom and on field trips. Topics range from "all about birds" to "energy and natural resources." This 37-year-old nonprofit trains volunteers to make a difference for children at a critical stage that can help instill a love of nature and environmental stewardship. Environmental Volunteers is renovating a beloved local landmark in a local nature preserve into a new headquarters called the EcoCenter. www.EVols.org