Our commitment to the community

Written By Brett Schilke

For over 20 years, we have called the San Mateo County community home - from our roots on the Coastside to the schools we now serve in every zip code from the ocean to the bay. And we believe that being a responsible member of this community means doing everything we can to represent and engage with all of our neighbors.

This is about far more than just words or trends - it’s a simple, deep, and timeless understanding of what it means to be part of something.

In our programs, and in our daily operations, this commitment comes to life in a few important ways:

👐🏼 Access

We commit to ensuring that every child has access to high-quality outdoor education.

Learning about the environment, food, and health should be possible for all students, regardless of race, income, or background. To this end, we:

  • Provide low- or no-cost experiences to high need schools

  • Offer scholarship or sponsored seats in multiple programs

  • Work with private and public funders to underwrite operational costs

🌎 Representation

Environmental education is for everyone. Our approach centers on ensuring that all students see themselves reflected in our lessons.

To deliver on this commitment, we:

  • Use bilingual teaching tools whenever possible

  • Recognize the role of food as culture, identity, and community; not just nourishment

  • Integrate indigeous plant practices and honor “Horticulture Heroes” of all backgrounds in our garden lessons

🫱🏼‍🫲🏾 Collaboration

This work cannot be done in isolation. Our success depends on collaboration with teachers, families, and community partners who help us shape, refine, and expand our programs.

  • Student voices, family feedback, and teacher insights continually guide our curriculum

  • Ongoing staff training ensures that our lessons remain both relevant and impactful

  • Our community advisory board and student advisory board formalize relationships with other organizations throughout San Mateo County and beyond to help inform our program development

An invitation

Whether you join us as a volunteer, a learner, a staff member, a teacher, a board member, or something in between, you are part of this mission. Together, we are building a culture of stewardship, respect, and belonging for another 20 years; one where every student has the opportunity to thrive in and with the natural world.

Brett Schilke

Executive Director at The HEAL Project

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Eat Your Weeds!