Partnering for Conservation: OBA at Jenner Headlands and Seawood Cape
OBA Participants at Seawood Cape Preserve / photo by Brooke Douglass
The Wildlands Conservancy believes deeply in connecting people with nature in transformative ways. That’s why our longstanding partnership with Outward Bound Adventures (OBA) is one we’re proud to celebrate.
Since 1962, OBA has been a national leader in outdoor education, dedicated to diversifying the outdoors and equipping BIPOC youth with the skills, confidence, and perspective to become conservation leaders. Their programs blend environmental science with cultural heritage, community-building, and hands-on experience — fostering a lifelong relationship with the natural world.
This summer, we were honored to welcome OBA back to our Sonoma and North Coast preserves. Their journey began with a week of immersive stewardship at Jenner Headlands Preserve, where students camped beneath redwoods and rolled up their sleeves for hands-on conservation. They thinned dense Douglas fir to reduce wildfire risk, hiked through the Russian Gulch Creek watershed to conduct fish surveys and water quality monitoring, and celebrated a thrilling discovery: the first confirmed sighting of juvenile Coho salmon in the East Branch in 60 years!
The week also included trail improvements at Estero Americano Coast Preserve, where the team enhanced a path through dense brush on our coastal bluff trail.
From there, the crew continued north to Seawood Cape Preserve for the next leg of their journey. With its lush coastal forests, dramatic bluffs, and sweeping ocean views, the preserve offered a profound sense of connection to the land.
As students explored trails, worked on stewardship projects, and found moments of connection with nature, Seawood Cape left a lasting impression.
“Seawood Cape Preserve looked almost enchanting. I felt like I was constantly in a sacred space worth tending and nurturing. I beamed when me and my group observed the fruits of our labor.
I especially appreciated Scotty’s Point. I have never, ever seen a view like that. Just watching the sunset on the point made me feel a feeling of deep peace and love for my environment.”
— Yasmine, 15, OBA participant
“I felt alive and free at the preserve. It sounded peaceful with all the birds chirping. And I learned that I can do a lot of hard things that require physical and mental strength.”
— Eden, 16, OBA participant
“The preserve feels very alive. As I walked through the forest for the first time it sang the song of animals and plants. The sound of the wind and the waves transports me to a place of peace.
I felt grounded and grateful for the experience. This trip was transformational and helped me discover myself, the planet, and others better.”
— Lily, 15, OBA participant
“Being at Seawood Cape I was inspired. It opened up new ideas for my future path.”
— William, 16, OBA participant
We’re honored to host these young leaders and support OBA’s incredible mission. Through hands-on stewardship and meaningful time in nature, this partnership fosters belonging, purpose, and a deep care for the Earth — one unforgettable experience at a time.
OBA group participants at Jenner Headlands Preserve / photo by Corby Hines