On July 14th, the Turtle Conservancy was invited to present to Nordhoff High School’s College and Career Foundations course. This summer the class is instructed by Peter Deneen, an Ojai local turned environmental writer and educator bringing inspiration to the public high school. Deneen had an innovative approach that included inviting professionals from diverse fields to come and speak to his students. He shared with us that his goal for the class was to “create a container of self-exploration for 10-12th graders living in our current chaotic uncertainty of now, where the traditional pathways to ‘success’ have been eroded by the social, political, and environmental realities of the moment, and equip them with the tools they will need to get to know themselves and their core purpose as well as possible.”

Our Associate Director of Education, Manci Rasmussen, told the students about her personal career path at the TC, from starting off as a turtle keeper at our center to running our education department. Students were taught about our efforts in protecting turtles, why turtles are in trouble, and how they sometimes act as important keystone species for their environments. Manci also emphasized that various professions can play a role in wildlife conservation and she encouraged students to take their passions and incorporate conservation practices in their future careers. With education being one of the pillars of our strategic mission, the Turtle Conservancy looks to inspire younger generations to take part in protecting our natural world.

Thank you to Nordhoff High School and the College and Career Foundations class for giving us the opportunity to help cultivate a new group of turtle enthusiasts!

Speaking Requests: If you are interested in having our education team speak to your class, in person or virtually, please send an email to manci@turtleconservancy.org.