Richard Tejeda is a naturalist with over a decade of experience working with diverse populations in environmental education. As an adult, Richard realized that when in nature, his state of consciousness was at peace. Rather than focus on the trauma of the past, or concerns of the future, he was able to stay focused on the here and now.

 

He holds degrees from West Valley College in Park Management and from San Jose State in Environmental Studies with a minor in sustainable water resources. He is up to date on Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core and has worked for California State Parks, Open Space Authority, Santa Clara County Parks, Valley Water, and the Monterey Bay Salmon & Trout Project and is now the founder and executive director of Saved By Nature, an organization that helps all members of the community find peace in nature.

 

Richard is the first documented person in Santa Clara County to be rehabilitated by nature and is recipient of the 2020 Environmentalist of the Year Award from Santa Clara County League of Conservation Voters, and the Bay Nature Magazine 2022 Community Hero Award. Today, you can find him leading guided hikes in parks and preserves for Saved By Nature throughout the South Bay and beyond.