Our Story
Richard Tejeda is the Founder and Executive Director of Saved By Nature. Having grown up in a neighborhood where drugs and gang culture were deeply ingrained, he understands firsthand the challenges many youth and adults face in a system that often perpetuates cycles of social injustice.
It wasn’t until the age of 25 that Richard Tejeda truly discovered nature’s transformative power. A simple gesture—his mother providing him with an annual fishing license and parking pass for Santa Clara County Parks—opened the door to a new world. Hellyer Park and Coyote Creek in Coyote Valley became places of escape, reflection, and renewal. What started as a pastime soon became a passion, and Richard evolved into an avid angler and fierce advocate for the preservation of steelhead rainbow trout and Chinook salmon.
Richard found his deepest sense of peace in nature—a place where the weight of the past faded and the future no longer felt uncertain. In the presence of running water, rustling leaves, and towering ancient trees, he was fully present, immersed in the healing rhythm of the outdoors. Nature gave him something he hadn’t experienced before: clarity, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose.
When the 2009 economic crash shook the foundation of many families, Richard saw an opportunity for change. Determined to pursue a career that would keep him connected to the healing power of nature, he went back to school. Balancing work, studies, and the responsibilities of raising two children with his wife, Tanya, he often juggled multiple jobs to keep moving forward.
Through a decade of perseverance, grit, and unwavering dedication, Richard not only overcame the obstacles before him—he excelled. He earned a certificate and an A.S. degree in Park Management, then proved his academic potential by graduating Cum Laude from San Jose State University with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and a minor in Sustainable Water Resources.
Richard’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, education, and the life-changing impact of nature. Today, through Saved By Nature, he works to bring that same transformative experience to others, ensuring that communities—especially those who have historically lacked access—can discover the healing, inspiration, and opportunities that nature provides.
Richard’s journey in environmental education began as a volunteer Docent at Coyote Hills Regional Park, where he learned Native American traditional plant uses under Dr. Beverly Ortiz and studied Indigenous history with Dr. Ralph de Unamuno at West Valley College. This early experience shaped his understanding of cultural connections to nature, laying the foundation for his future work in conservation and education.
His first paid position was at Big Basin Redwoods State Park as a Park Aide, where he deepened his passion for environmental stewardship. Soon after, he joined Guadalupe River Park Conservancy as their Lead Instructor, a role that would define his career for six years. Here, he secured scholarships for Title One elementary school field trips, developed summer camps and after-school programs for the Boys & Girls Club, led homeschool instruction, and worked closely with children and adults with special needs—ensuring equitable access to nature for all communities.
During his tenure at Guadalupe River Park Conservancy, Richard took on multiple roles to expand his impact, including positions with Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority as a Seasonal Educational Aide and Santa Clara County Parks as a Seasonal Maintenance Worker I. His leadership and dedication earned him a full-time promotion at Guadalupe River Park Conservancy. However, his vision for broader community engagement led him to pursue new opportunities.
Richard transitioned to an education internship at Santa Clara Valley Water District, where his skills and passion quickly earned him a promotion to Public Information Representative I. He continued shaping environmental education as an Education Coordinator for Environmental Volunteers and as a Senior Park Aide in Interpretation for California State Parks at Natural Bridges State Beach, Castle Rock State Park, and Portola Redwoods State Park.
Through every role, Richard has remained steadfast in his commitment to ensuring underserved communities have access to nature. His experiences across organizations have shaped his ability to lead Saved By Nature, where he now dedicates his efforts to bringing the restorative power of the outdoors to those who need it most.
Today, Richard Tejeda dedicates his life to leading guided hikes across parks and preserves throughout the South Bay, ensuring that communities—especially those historically excluded from outdoor spaces—can experience the transformative power of nature. Through Saved By Nature, he continues to break barriers, fostering a deep connection between people and the outdoors.
When asked what nature means to him, Richard reflects:
“Nature saved my life. I was bound to become a statistic, but I refused to let that happen. I had to reinvent myself, and nature became my escape from the negativity that surrounded me. Now, I’m committed to changing lives—using the same passion that once transformed mine. My name is Richard David Tejeda, and I have been..... Saved By Nature.”
