At a time when place-based and service learning were new ideas, a few like minded individuals including myself gathered together to form SWEP.  As an educator, I was looking for ways to engage my students in their immediate environment to foster stewardship for our very unique watershed. Our original vision for SWEP has flourished becoming the incredible organization it is today. 

Tamara Anderson

Board Member Since 2006

I joined the SWEP board because I share a passion in educating and empowering children to make a positive difference in our environment. SWEP brings many benefits to our community including collaborating with our local schools and bringing attention to many pertinent environmental issues.

I love the outreach with our local community and their educational programming.

I've been lucky to experience SWEP first-hand and through my children. SWEP's hands-on science, environmental, and sustainability programming empowers our students and community to make real-world changes for our environment. The more our students and community engage with nature and our special watershed, the more likely they will be to protect this beautiful place we call home.

Kirsten Pekarek

Board Member Since 2017

Sara Sperry

Board Member Since 2021

Getting to grow up in the mountains was a true gift and helped foster a deep love of the environment. We have a responsibility to care for our planet and involving the youth will ensure that. In 2015 Sara founded FARM-toKIDS, a non-profit, in hopes to connect students with farming. Excited and humbled to get an opportunity to serve our community through SWEP — and hoping to make a difference. 

Rachel Pringle

Board Member Since 2021

With a background in environmental education and conservation biology, I know SWEP's programming is so critical to the future of our community and planet. And as a parent, I am inspired by the impact SWEP has had on our students throughout the Tahoe area.

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