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About Saved By Nature
Saved By Nature is a Bay Area environmental justice nonprofit founded by Richard Tejeda in 2018, earning 501(c)(3) status in 2019. Our mission centers on connecting people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and abilities to the natural wonders and recreational opportunities of the outdoors through transformative environmental education that promotes mental, physical, and spiritual healing in nature. Operating throughout Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and San Mateo counties, we serve thousands of community members annually through evidence-based programs designed to address the environmental equity gap that leaves underserved populations with limited access to nature's restorative benefits.
Table of Contents
Our Mission &
Environmental Justice Commitment
Environmental justice recognizes that all people deserve equal access to clean air, safe water, and natural spaces regardless of race, income, or zip code. At Saved By Nature, this principle guides everything we do. We work collaboratively with community partners to ensure that Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), at-promise youth, seniors, families, and individuals with disabilities can experience nature's therapeutic power. Our programs intentionally serve communities historically excluded from outdoor spaces, addressing systemic barriers that have created unequal access to environmental benefits. Through our environmental education initiatives, we teach residents about climate change impacts, water conservation, air quality protection, and environmental stewardship while creating meaningful connections between people and the natural world.
The Environmental Equity Gap We Address
Studies consistently show that low-income communities and communities of color have significantly less access to parks, green spaces, and nature-based programs. This disparity contributes to health inequities, limited environmental awareness, and reduced opportunities for the mental and physical benefits that nature provides. Saved By Nature directly addresses this gap by partnering with organizations serving underserved populations to eliminate participation barriers, providing all programs at no cost to participants, offering multilingual and culturally responsive programming that honors diverse community backgrounds, bringing nature experiences directly to communities through accessible local parks and preserves, and creating safe, welcoming outdoor spaces where all community members feel valued and included.
Our Impact Since 2019
Since our founding, we have served over 12,000 participants through specialized outdoor therapeutic programs addressing critical gaps in environmental education access. Our approach combines therapeutic wilderness methodologies with community development strategies, creating transformative nature-based programs that build environmental stewardship while addressing social equity.
Youth Development Programs
Through strategic partnerships with Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley, Youth Alliance, and Fresh Lifelines for Youth, we provide intensive outdoor education that builds confidence, environmental awareness, and life skills for underserved youth. Our youth programs have served over 6,900 young people through initiatives including the Summer Science Project, After School Field Trips, and Alive Outside Adventure Series.
Community Development Programs
We provide direct-access outdoor education experiences for adults, families, and seniors, creating meaningful pathways to nature connection across generations. Our Community Nature Hikes, Seniors Hike for Health, and Bay Area Coastal Adventures have served over 5,200 community members. All programs are completely free and include certified naturalists or guides, meals, water, equipment, permits, and transportation when needed. For detailed information about specific programs, visit our Programs page.
Organizational Values & Approach
Our work is guided by core values that shape every program decision, partnership, and community interaction.
Equity & Inclusion
We prioritize serving communities historically underrepresented in outdoor spaces, intentionally designing programs to address systemic barriers to nature access. Every program considers transportation accessibility, cultural relevance, language needs, and economic constraints.
Community Partnership
We recognize that effective environmental justice work requires deep collaboration with organizations already serving our target communities. Our partnerships enable us to reach populations who benefit most from nature connection while ensuring culturally competent program delivery.
Environmental Stewardship
Beyond providing access to nature, we cultivate environmental stewards who understand their connection to ecosystems and their role in protecting natural resources. Our educational programming emphasizes climate change awareness, water conservation, habitat protection, and sustainable practices.
Healing & Wellness
We acknowledge the therapeutic power of nature for mental, physical, and spiritual health. Our programs intentionally create space for reflection, stress reduction, community connection, and personal growth through outdoor experiences.
Community Partners
Environmental justice work requires authentic community collaboration. We partner with organizations that share our commitment to serving underserved populations and promoting environmental equity.
Youth Development Partners
Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley - Our primary youth program partner, serving thousands of young people across multiple South Bay locations through collaborative environmental education initiatives. Youth Alliance - Providing mentorship and support for transitional-age youth, enabling outdoor leadership development opportunities. Fresh Lifelines for Youth - Supporting youth involved in the justice system through positive development opportunities and wilderness experiences.
Environmental Education Collaborators
Valley Water - The water resource management agency for Santa Clara County, providing expertise in watershed science and water conservation. Wildlife Education & Rehabilitation Center (WERC) - Wildlife rehabilitation facility bringing live animal ambassadors and expert wildlife biologists to educate youth about local ecosystems. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Federal wildlife experts managing the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, teaching about wetland ecology and habitat conservation. SF Bay Wildlife Society - Community organization partnering with federal wildlife agencies to deliver educational programming about San Francisco Bay ecosystems and species conservation. Garden to Table Silicon Valley - Connecting youth to food systems education through organic gardening and sustainable agriculture.
Community Service Organizations
We collaborate with senior centers and community organizations throughout the Bay Area to ensure our programs reach populations who face the greatest barriers to outdoor access.
Supporting Our Mission
As a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Saved By Nature relies on community support to sustain and expand our environmental justice programs.
Ways to Support Environmental Justice
Volunteer Opportunities - Join our program delivery team, supporting guided hikes, educational activities, and community events. Financial Contributions - Tax-deductible donations directly support program operations, ensuring all activities remain free for participants. Partnership Development - Connect us with organizations serving populations who would benefit from our nature programs. Professional Skills - Contribute professional expertise to drive our mission. Event Participation - Attend our community events, supporting our mission while experiencing Bay Area nature. Advocacy - Share our mission with your networks, expanding awareness of environmental justice needs.