Meet Our Community: Hannah Cunningham

As part of our seasonal spotlight series, we’re celebrating our incredible employees, partners, and volunteers who help make the work of Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful (KCCB) possible. In our Earth Day Blog, we talk about the ‘Ripple Effect’ and how all it takes is one person to inspire many to make a change in their community. Today, we’re excited to introduce Hannah, a passionate KCCB volunteer who brings curiosity, community, and a love for the outdoors to every BioBlitz she leads.

Role: Volunteer BioBlitz Docent

With KCCB: For over 5 years!

Fun Facts 🌟

• Happy place: Bonnie Doon Ecological Preserve 🏞️ 

• Unusual creek sightings: Sacred Datura  🌸

• Favorite hobbies: Dog Walking, Watercolors 🥾🎨

• Favorite place to eat: Momos 😋

• Favorite color: Purples and Greens 🌈

When describing her happy place, Hannah expressed that Bonnie Doon Ecological Preserve was one of her favorite places, and “it was burned in a fire, so I’ve been able to see it kind of grow back. I’ve seen a lot of change since I first discovered it in 2019.”

How it All Started 🌱

Hannah’s journey with Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful began through her professional and personal interests in nature since 2021. She works at the nonprofit Grassroots Ecology, and a small grant collaboration during COVID introduced her to KCCB’s virtual BioBlitzes and online talks. 

She also brought her personal passion for helping people feel welcome outdoors and exploring spaces via iNaturalist.

“Even before…I was really into BioBlitzing and using iNaturalist to explore spaces. My passion is helping people feel welcome and excited about being outside.”

Hannah also indicated that it’s more than just the work that she does. She said she’s always meeting new people, and it’s a combination of meeting new people and seeing people from the California Naturalist Alumni group, which she’s a part of. It’s not just a place to see old friends, but to make new ones too.

“This is definitely what keeps me coming back. I really enjoy the community feel of KCCB’s BioBlitzes, and I get to see my friends who are also docents, and I’m always meeting new people. It is really special to be able to share that with them.”

Impact on the Community 🌎

Hannah emphasizes the importance of connection, learning, and accessibility. Through KCCB’s BioBlitzes, participants experience hands-on nature exploration while forming bonds with the environment and each other.

When describing her favorite memory, she said, “recently we were at a BioBlitz and spread out in different groups, and one of the people I was working with got really excited about these fossils they saw that were along the creek. I knew another docent who was into geology, and I called him over, and the group gathered around to learn about these fossils.”

For her, in this moment, it was not just about her ability to share knowledge, but also being aware of how knowledgeable everyone is when individuals come together in a community. Each individual comes in with their own unique lens and background, which can contribute to the overall experience of the BioBlitz.

Her efforts also inspire others to explore nature and engage with conservation initiatives.

“We run an internship program, and it’s always cool to hear interns talking about their experiences with cleanups or BioBlitzes. Those connections are spreading, and people see the difference they can make.”

She said, if anyone expressed interest in volunteering, she would encourage them to go, and “it’s a great opportunity to get excited, have a great time, to see things that you haven’t seen before, and meet new people who are just as excited about being outside as you are.”

Looking Ahead: The Future of KCCB ☀️🌳

Hannah is excited about continuing to create engaging experiences for both new and experienced volunteers, especially as KCCB expands its reach and educational offerings. She encourages new participants to explore a variety of activities and naturalist talks to deepen their understanding.

“I would encourage new volunteers to attend different KCCB activities. Check out the naturalist talks; they are knowledgeable and enhance the experience. And above all, it’s fun to see things you haven’t seen before and meet new people excited about being outside.”

Her vision includes a community where people feel welcome outdoors, explore their local ecosystems, and cultivate a sense of stewardship.

Final Thoughts ✨

Hannah describes KCCB with three simple words that capture the spirit of the organization:

“Fun. Impact. Nature”

She appreciates the diversity of ways people care for the environment and the welcoming, inclusive atmosphere:

“There’s a lot of generosity here, both in knowledge and in welcoming people. Volunteers genuinely want others to come back and feel that the space is for them.”

Her experience highlights that volunteering isn’t just about the work; it’s about community, connection, and sharing a love for nature.