Meet Carolina Ruiz, Naturalist and Nature’s Advocate
Carolina Ruiz leads a group of hikers at Wind Wolves Preserve
In the sun-soaked landscapes of Bakersfield, California, Carolina Ruiz embodies the spirit of a modern naturalist. Born to a family from Aguascalientes, Mexico who relocated to Bakersfield just before she was born, Carolina's journey into conservation began long before her formal education. “Bakersfield has truly shaped who I am,” she shares.
Carolina pursued her education locally, earning degrees in both biology and anthropology from CSU Bakersfield. “The Central Valley's flora and fauna have always captivated me — the diversity we see here, influenced by the surrounding regions like the Transverse Ranges, Coast Ranges, Sierra Nevada, Western Mojave Desert, and the San Joaquin Valley, is nothing short of remarkable. This rich natural tapestry is one of the main reasons I chose to stay rooted in this community.”
Joining Wildlands in 2021, just as the organization was reopening for on-site educational programs after they had been suspended due to the pandemic, Carolina quickly transitioned from a part-time naturalist to her current role as Outdoor Education Coordinator. Carolina reflects upon a defining moment from her childhood during a visit to Wind Wolves Preserve:
"When I was in second grade, I went on a field trip to Wind Wolves, and I’ll never forget seeing a female naturalist bring out a snake — I was completely amazed. I remember thinking, 'Wow, she gets to work with snakes for a living! I want a job like that, working with animals!' Now, it feels like I've come full circle. I hope to make the same kind of lasting impression on the kids we meet in our programs, just like it did for me. I want to inspire young 'mini naturalists' who will take that enthusiasm home and share it with their families. This job has even allowed me to bring my own family out here, and it was the first time for all my cousins, aunts, and uncles, which made it even more special!"
Inspired by Steve Irwin, Carolina has always sought to ignite curiosity in others, much like he did for her growing up. “I wanted to inspire others with the same enthusiasm he sparked in me,” Carolina explains. Her passion for nature is not just about personal enjoyment, it’s about sharing that joy and fostering a love for the environment in future generations.
“For me, talking about nature and encouraging curiosity is second nature — it’s never 'work.' I get to clock in at 8 a.m. and spend my day sharing the love I have for the outdoors, and I wouldn't have it any other way.”
Carolina believes that personal experiences in nature are crucial for fostering environmental stewardship. “When people explore and understand a place firsthand, they’re far more likely to feel compelled to protect it,” she explains. This hands-on learning approach is a cornerstone of Wildlands’ outdoor education philosophy. By engaging children in direct experiences — such as guided hikes and interactions with local wildlife — Carolina helps them form lasting connections to the natural world.
Reflecting on her own transformative experiences, Carolina recalls a childhood visit to a zoo where she learned about the extinction of the quagga zebra. “That moment sparked a realization that many species face the same fate due to human actions,” she says. “Conservation isn’t just about protecting wildlife — it’s about connecting people to nature in a way that fosters love and understanding.”
Engaging diverse audiences is a passion for Carolina, who acknowledges that not everyone has easy access to nature. “We create programs that are relatable and engaging, using a variety of teaching methods to cater to different backgrounds,” she explains. Her bilingualism in English and Spanish allows her to connect with a larger portion of the community, especially Hispanic families facing language barriers. Carolina also leverages her love for landscape photography as a way to bridge the gap. “People will often find me outside taking photos of the wildlife and plants on the preserve,” she shares. As the person running most of Wind Wolves' social media, she believes that engagement with the community starts by getting them out into nature — and what better way to inspire that than by showcasing the beauty of the preserve through photography?
“My goal is to make nature accessible to everyone, regardless of their previous exposure to the outdoors,” she emphasizes. By sharing personal anecdotes and fostering relatable discussions, Carolina encourages participants to see nature as a personal space of wonder and connection.
A lesser-known treasure of Bakersfield's ecosystem is the endangered Bakersfield cactus, unique to the area. “Its presence helps maintain the balance of the local ecosystem,” Carolina notes, highlighting the importance of local ecological knowledge as part of Wildlands’ outdoor education curriculum. Carolina integrates discussions about native flora and fauna, allowing students to connect what they learn with their everyday lives.
“It’s far more impactful to teach about an ecosystem that students can relate to,” she says, emphasizing how understanding their local environment can deepen their respect for it.
For those aspiring to follow in her footsteps, Carolina offers sage advice: “Stay curious and never stop learning. Find something that excites you because when you’re passionate, it naturally draws people in.”
Reflecting on her experiences, Carolina shares, “If we can't ignite a sense of excitement and wonder in people about wildlife, how can we expect them to love, protect, and preserve the very environments that sustain it?”
In a world increasingly disconnected from nature, Carolina Ruiz is a guiding light, reminding us of the beauty and wonder that exists just outside our doors — and the responsibility we share to protect it.
Carolina Ruiz, Outdoor Education Coordinator