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 1,600 cubic yards of invasive
weeds and trash, and planted more than 14,000 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