Creating an environmental center that integrates education with practical experience. Our educational programs provide young people and adults with opportunities to develop skills and explore ideas that will enable them to participate effectiveley in the sustainable management of the community's natural environment. At our Field Research Station on Gazos Creek, we integrate educational activities with real life projects in environmental research, land stewardship, and community cooperation.

Developing expertise in land restoration and stewardship through practical restoration actions combined with sound scientific and practical evaluation. We draw on existing knowledge about land management and conservation in the region. Scientists, farmers, foresters, contractors, residents, state and county park personnel and others live and work in daily contact with our local environment. With their input and cooperation, we develop practical projects to restore the land, streams and natural habitat of the area. Projects are designed to foster learning and improvement in land stewardship and restoration practices.

Involving the community in the restoration and stewardship of local ecosystems. We rely on community volunteers in the restoration and stewardship of the western watersheds of the Santa Cruz Mountains through cooperative projects, seminars and other educational events. We work closely with public and private agencies supporting land conservation.