Local ripples,
lasting waves.

John Atwater and Diana Nelson have long cared about education and the environment. “I’ve come to realize how crucial it is to equip students with the knowledge and skills to understand and protect the world around them,” John says. “As parents, and now grandparents, the intersection between education and environmental issues has become even more important to Diana and me. The next generations will tackle complex challenges, so we need to foster a deep and enduring awareness of how they can impact and shape the future of the planet.”

“What drew me to Ten Strands is that they do the quiet, essential work that makes lasting change possible in schools. Their approach is like the ‘plumbing’ of the education system—connecting policy, practice, and people in ways that actually work,” said John. “It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done, and it’s joyful in its persistence. Ten Strands ensures that environmental literacy is integrated into the core of how schools operate, which is where real, lasting change happens.”

Diana believes that supporting Ten Strands is an investment in the next generation. “By helping schools weave environmental literacy into every part of learning, we’re giving students the tools to tackle climate challenges, think critically about their communities, and make thoughtful decisions about the planet. The future I hope to see is one where kids are empowered, communities are stronger, and the environment is protected.”

They also appreciate the collaborative nature of Ten Strands’ work. “To create change, they build networks, provide resources, and help educators feel confident to take action. Ten Strands has an impact in ways that compound. The work begins with one group of people, and it snowballs; in the end, the impact will sneak up powerfully. For us, supporting Ten Strands is about being part of a system that gets things done, step by step, and leaves a lasting impact on schools and students alike.”

“Growing up, I spent countless hours outdoors—learning, playing, and simply being immersed in the natural world. Those early experiences shaped my worldview and charted the course of my life. Later, as I began serving on nonprofit boards, I gravitated toward education and youth engagement programs because I had experienced firsthand the transformative power of learning in and about the environment. Over time, environmental education became a central theme of my work and a passion I have pursued with purpose.

“In its first decade, the Pisces Foundation placed environmental education at the heart of its mission. We knew there were thousands of outstanding programs across the country, but they weren’t reaching every child. We focused our grantmaking on strengthening and building the field so environmental learning could become a universal part of every child’s education. Ten Strands emerged as a key partner on that journey.

“Over the past decade, investing in Ten Strands has strengthened my belief that large-scale change is possible when vision, strategy, and persistence come together. Their leadership has moved environmental literacy from the margins to the mainstream in California’s schools. Today, more students are graduating not only with the knowledge to understand our climate challenges but also with the conviction and skills to take meaningful action.

“Schools are one of the most powerful levers we have to address climate change and protect our environment. The pace and scale of today’s challenges demand that every young person develop the capacity to meet them. By embedding environmental learning into the core of our education system, we equip the next generation to build a future where people and nature thrive together.

“Ten Strands has shown that with vision and persistence, environmental literacy can move from being a privilege for a few to a right for all.”

“The challenges of climate change require urgent action related to mitigation, adaptation, and social transformation—the pillars of the MAST framework I helped formulate. Education is central to social transformation, which is why organizations like Ten Strands are so important. When I hosted the Climate Resilient California & Californians Summit, with Governor Newsom’s Climate Office in February 2025, I invited Ten Strands to present because of their pioneering work in advancing climate literacy with K–12 students. At a time when federal support for climate action is contracting, the role of the NGO community has never been more vital. I applaud Ten Strands and encourage them to continue their essential work.” 

“Ten Strands is addressing one of the most overlooked drivers of the climate crisis: environmental illiteracy. By integrating environmental literacy into California’s K–12 system—the largest in the nation—they are reaching almost six million students each year. This scale of impact ensures that future voters, consumers, and leaders are prepared with the knowledge and skills to advance equitable, science-based climate solutions. Supporting Ten Strands is an investment in resilience, informed decision-making, and the long-term sustainability of our communities.”

“California’s students deserve schools that nurture both their learning and their well-being. By advancing environmental literacy alongside sustainable, resilient school environments, we are preparing young people to thrive in a world that demands both knowledge and action. Ten Strands weaves together the partnerships, strategies, and systems necessary to provide all California students with meaningful environmental learning experiences and healthy, decarbonized learning environments. By developing free, solutions-oriented, age-appropriate materials in partnership with the San Mateo Office of Education, as supported by a grant from the California Department of Education, Ten Strands is empowering our young people to become learners and leaders in sustainable school communities across our state.”