Our Evolving Leadership
I’m humbled to share some bittersweet news: our Co-Executive Director, Junko Bryant, will be moving to Hawaii this winter to be closer to her family. Junko’s leadership has left a lasting impact on Grassroots Ecology. Although we will miss her deeply, we are excited for her as she embarks on this new adventure.
Junko joined our team almost 15 years ago to launch our habitat restoration project at Redwood Grove Nature Preserve, back when it was a forest of invasive ivy. At that time, our restoration team of five people ran programs at just four sites. Junko and Alex Von Feldt were instrumental as we expanded to steward over 20 sites in 10 cities, and successfully established Grassroots Ecology as an independent nonprofit. Our once small team has grown to 18, our community of volunteers now exceeds 6,000, and we offer a workforce development program that trains and mentors dozens of aspiring environmental professionals each year. While it’s hard to say goodbye, we’re happy for Junko and excited for the next chapter of shared leadership at Grassroots Ecology.
As we turn the page, it’s my honor to step into the role of Co-Executive Director alongside Alex Von Feldt. The chapter of Alex and myself as Co-EDs will naturally differ from the era of Alex and Junko, but we’re confident that the co-leadership model will continue to support Grassroots Ecology’s growth and adaptability. Alex's skilled financial stewardship and steady leadership through times of change, combined with my passion and experience in bringing people together, will create a strong foundation for Grassroots Ecology's next stage.
Since joining the organization in 2021, my role has evolved in ways I never expected. Initially, my role was to manage Grassroots Ecology’s restoration projects at our Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District sites and at Foothills Nature Preserve. Over the years, I took on additional responsibilities at the organization including working on our strategic plan, advancing our workforce development and DEI efforts, and managing relationships with several partner organizations.
It has been astounding to see the way our organization and open spaces have changed in the four years since I began. The projects I planted in my early days now look as if they are an extension of the forest nearby! One of my highlights in this time was coordinating the installation of 14,000 plants, albeit very small ones, at Bear Creek Redwoods over the course of a month.
I am also especially proud of my role as a mentor at Grassroots Ecology. Back in 2021, hosting four AmeriCorps members was the most we ever had; this year, we are welcoming 10 AmeriCorps fellows from two programs! It has been amazing to foster the evolution of the robust workforce development program we have now that includes training on restoration skills, making people feel welcome outdoors, and career development. Working with these early career professionals has left me feeling hopeful about our future amid the unknowns of climate change.
“Having worked with Tyler over several years, I have personally observed his deep commitment to Grassroots Ecology, inspiring leadership qualities, and innate ability to connect meaningfully with others.” - Tina Hugg, Board President
My dedication to connecting people to nature began long before my time with Grassroots Ecology. Prior to my role here, I spent seven years leading outdoor education programs with nonprofit organizations and parks in the Santa Cruz Mountains, with a focus on making outdoor spaces more inclusive. During this time, I co-created an LGBTQ+ Watershed Educators Alliance, incorporated inclusion practices in science education, and advanced curriculum for the organizations I worked with. I am particularly proud of founding and leading another nonprofit organization, Branching Out Adventures, dedicated to creating spaces for queer community to feel welcomed outdoors. Collaborating with friends, coworkers, and partners on these accomplishments has taught me what is possible when we work in community.
“Tyler has demonstrated his own particular leadership skills that complement those of Alex extremely well. He brings fresh knowledge, young energy, and a love of community interaction along with a passion for increasing diversity to our environmental community.” - Jerry Hearn, Board Member
Over the last several years, Grassroots Ecology has prioritized uplifting the next generation of environmental stewards, and making everyone feel welcomed in nature. As a young, queer Co-Executive Director, I am excited to embody these values. Our community of volunteers, staff, and partners have created something very special with Grassroots Ecology. Words cannot express how grateful we are to have each of you here. I can’t wait to work alongside you all, building on the foundation laid by Junko and Alex in their 15 years leading our organization.
Words from Our Board of Directors
Junko has left an indelible mark on Grassroots Ecology, working side by side with Alex to create the successful, dynamic organization it is today. The board owes her an immense debt of gratitude for all of her hard work and leadership that has set us up with a strong foundation.
Now we look ahead with great excitement as Tyler steps into the co-executive director role. Having worked with him over several years, I have personally observed his deep commitment to Grassroots Ecology, inspiring leadership qualities, and innate ability to connect meaningfully with others. I am fully confident that Tyler and Alex will forge an energetic and fruitful partnership, combining Tyler’s fresh perspective with Alex's institutional knowledge and experience to effectively co-lead Grassroots Ecology into an even more impactful future.
Tina Hugg, Board President
We at Grassroots Ecology, are saying a sad goodbye to our beloved Co-Executive Director, Junko Bryant, after her being with us since before we were our own separate non-profit. We owe her an enormous debt of gratitude for all that she has done to make us the successful organization that we have become. We will miss her tremendously.
Our sense of loss is being tempered by two pieces of great news. Our other wonderful Co-Executive Director, Alex Von Feldt, will be staying on to continue providing her fabulous leadership and stability to our efforts. In addition, we will be welcoming a new partner for her as Co-Executive Director, Tyler Feld. Tyler came on board a number of years ago to lead some of our programs and has demonstrated his own particular leadership skills that complement those of Alex extremely well. He brings fresh knowledge, young energy, and a love of community interaction along with a passion for increasing diversity to our environmental community. We welcome him and look forward to working together in his new role.
Jerry Hearn, Board Member
By Tyler Feld (he/him), Co-Executive Director
