Educating Youth and Creating Intersections in Ocean Science — Janaira Quigley, Executive Director of Ocean Connectors

The Finest City

In this episode, Jen welcomes Janaira Quigley, Executive Director of Ocean Connectors, a conservation non-profit program that connects youth with coastal wildlife. In their chat, Janaira talks about the mission of Ocean Connectors and how the San Diego Bay factors into their programs. She touches on the program’s teaching topics, habitat restoration work around San Diego, and the knowledge exchange program with students in Mexico, highlighting why it’s important for cultivating environmental stewardship. Janaira provides some easy and affordable action items for getting involved with Ocean Connectors, to get outside and help in a safe and meaningful way.

Timestamps:

[2:26] The mission of Ocean Connectors is to educate, inspire, and connect youth and underserved Pacific coastal communities through the study of migratory marine life.

[3:05] Ocean Connectors works primarily with students in National City and throughout the South Bay, connecting them with coastal wildlife in their communities through field trips in the San Diego Bay Wildlife Refuge and Chula Vista Wildlife Preserve, as well as whale watching trips.

[3:47] Janaira discusses a quote from “Temporary Paradise” that envisioned giving the sea to the people of the city to live near and enjoy.

[4:25] Many communities in the South Bay remain “park poor” due to a lack of access to open spaces and coastal access.

[5:16] Teaching topics at Ocean Connectors that excite the students include migratory marine life like green sea turtles, gray whales, and migratory birds.

[7:18] Ocean Connectors’ habitat restoration work around San Diego Bay includes hands-on field trips and kayak cleanups to restore wetland habitats.

[9:10] The Port of San Diego recently approved a new master plan pending California Coastal Commission approval.

[11:19] The thread of connection between Ocean Connectors programs.

[13:14] Why they chose the entire second half of their programming to exist in 91 classes at 27 schools in coastal Nayarit, Mexico.

[15:39] How adults and the community can get involved with Ocean Connectors, including family field trips, bird watching over coffee, and having your next birthday party with them!

[20:57] Ocean Connectors membership is just $5 per month, which includes free eco-tours and great perks.

About C-3

Even before the California Coastal Commission or Environmental Protection Agency existed, Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 (C-3) was the environmental conscience of San Diego. Since that time, in part due to C-3’s leadership in education, advocacy, and empowerment, a plethora of organizations have developed throughout San Diego County. These organizations specifically focus on promoting progressive values in architecture, urban design, land-use governance, natural resource management, sustainable economic development, climate change resilience, and social justice. As the field of allies has grown, C-3’s role has evolved to provide a platform that promotes creating civic community.

Opportunities for Advocacy and Engagement:

C3sandiego.org

Ocean Connectors

Quotes:

• “We work to connect students with coastal wildlife that are directly in their communities.” — Janaira [2:52]

• “We empower students to explore where physics, agriculture, engineering, and more fields intersect with ocean science.” — Janaira [6:45]

• “We focus our efforts on exposing students and families to the beautiful ecosystems in their own communities.” — Janaira [9:24]

• “You want to do something recreationally, especially if you’re on vacation or something like that, but you also want to learn while you’re at it, and you want to give back to the local community. So we help stretch that dollar in that way.” — Janaira [16:52]