Discover Environmental Stewardship
Mobilizing young people to take action to protect their natural resources has been shown to be transformative for neighborhoods, habitats and the young people themselves. By empowering youth to make a difference, they build self-confidence in their abilities to make changes in themselves and the world around them.

Through key environmental stewardship initiatives, Ocean Discovery Institute incorporates collaboration and capacity building, environmental education, and habitat restoration. This work helps to reclaim natural places from environmental degradation and crime and connects urban communities
to nature in their neighborhood.

To date these activities have helped to restore 20 acres of
canyon habitats, removed 1,840 cubic yards of invasive
weeds and trash, and planted more than 14,250 native plants.
Meet Joel >
Many share Joel's vision for restoring and protecting nature in their highly urbanized neighborhood. Ocean Discovery Institute engages these residents and leaders... read entire story >
“The Ocean Discovery Institute shows the power of organizing what I call 'nature–child reunions.' By providing early exposure to nature, they help to awaken stewardship among young people while using the natural world to teach science and basic ecological principles.”
- Richard Louv, author, Last Child in the Woods



Joel's Story - Transforming Nature in his Neighborhood

Joel leads a habitat restoration project

Became an Ocean Discovery Institute Student: 2007

Inspiration for Protecting Nature: Joel spent two summers with Ocean Discovery Institute in Baja California, Mexico where he slept under the stars, swam through schools of fish, and conducted research on the Sea of Cortez. After this immersion in nature he was ready for more. Joel wanted to continue his experience but didn't know how to find nature in his own neighborhood. Working with Ocean Discovery Institute, he was able to find hidden pockets of nature in the canyons that connect our city to the sea.

Environmental Action: Joel became a youth leader in a movement to take back the canyons from environmental threats and crime. He helped to unite hundreds of community leaders and volunteers to restore habitat and make canyons safe for the children of his community. Joel is currently giving back to the community as a volunteer for our Ocean Science Explorers program, where he assists teaching hands on science and environmental activities in the classroom.  

Recognition as Environmental Leader: Joel was awarded the Bank of America Student Leader award for his outstanding leadership to protect our region's resources. Joel says, "My mission to protect and conserve the natural world has just begun."

Joel's Dream for City Heights Canyons: To transform these degraded and dangerous places into natural open space for learning, exploring and playing.

Many share Joel's vision for restoring and protecting nature in their highly urbanized neighborhood. Ocean Discovery Institute engages these residents and leaders to transform degraded and dangerous canyon habitats into a source of community pride.

"My mission to protect and conserve the natural world has just begun."- Joel Urbina, Sophomore in college