Our fifth guest is an earthlove champion in my local community of Marin County, California. She’s the Executive Director of an impactful non-profit: The Environmental Action Committee of West Marin, founded in 1971 to help protect the lands, waters, and biodiversity of Marin. For those who aren’t familiar with this beautiful area located outside of San Francisco, it’s well known for rolling hills (which could pass for Ireland in the spring and turn gold in summer) and open land - over 56% of Marin County land is permanently protected. A cherished fact for those who enjoy exploring nature… safe to say, the majority of people living here.
Everyone shares their earthlove, their deep love of the earth, in different ways. This is what makes working on these interviews so fun and special - learning from our guests unique stories, winding paths, challenges, hopes, dreams, and insights. In Ashley’s case, her love of nature and her desire to make her community a better place shines through.
An environmental attorney with 19 years of experience, she’s an inspiring example of using her intelligence and expertise to create a ripple effect of positive change. I think you’ll enjoy hearing from her as much as I did. Off we go.
Photo Credit: Sarah Killingsworth
MA: Ashley, you’re a passionate person whose work helps create positive change in your community. I’m excited to hear,
How do YOU share your earthlove (your deep love of the earth)?
AE: I share my love of the earth through my advocacy work as the Executive Director of the Environmental Action Committee of West Marin (or EAC), as well as our work to train the next generation of environmental stewards.
MA: As an environmental attorney, you bring 19 years of combined experience in environmental policy, organizational management, advocacy, and litigation (an impressive background)! What did the transition from practicing law to becoming the Executive Director of Marin EAC look like?
AE: I initially worked in Clean Water Act litigation before I had my twins in 2014. After working in litigation, I was interested in environmental policy work. After taking some time off when my twins were young, I was looking for part-time environmental opportunities in Marin County. I initially got connected to EAC through a fellow twin mom who had worked for EAC around that time. I was thrilled to find an opportunity with an organization that aligned closely with my values.
MA: Did your love of nature influence your decision to go to law school?
AE: Yes! I knew I wanted to do something to help the environment from an early age. After graduating with a degree in Comparative Sociology with Minors in French and Environmental Studies, law school seemed like a good path forward to make environmental change.
MA: Marin EAC’s mission statement is to “protect and sustain the unique lands, waters, and biodiversity of Marin”. A very worthy pursuit that requires long-term campaigns and efforts. With that being said, what are you and the team most focused on in 2025?
AE: This year, we are focused on several key campaigns, including:
Advocating and leading on statewide legislation and policy,
Inspiring community action and stewardship,
Safeguarding our coast and ocean,
Protecting public lands and vital habitats, and
Ensuring development is sustainable and environmentally sound.
Specifically, two projects that we are actively working on to protect Tomales Bay and West Marin coastal ecosystems include 1. Advocating for increased protections at Duxbury Reef State Marine Conservation Area to support 30x30 (preservation of 30% of the state's land and water by 2030) and marine conservation goals, so that it becomes a full state marine reserve; and 2. Opposing poorly sited lease aquaculture proposals like San Andreas Shellfish in Tomales Bay using science, coalition building, advocacy, and policy efforts to conserve intact natural habitats and address environmental threats.
MA: You joined EAC in 2016 and became the Executive Director in 2024. What has most surprised you about this role?
AE: This role has been a challenge and a growth opportunity. With a strong background in law and policy, this role has given me the opportunity to grow my leadership, management, fundraising, and organizational development skills.
MA: I believe kids are born loving nature and with an inner knowing that nature loves them back. How can we encourage this inherent knowledge as our kids grow up and their world becomes more complicated?
AE: I think we just have to get them outside and to fuel their curiosity! If you are open to using technology, the Seek app is a really fun way to work with technology and kids to identify plants and animals. I also think it’s good to limit technology in nature.
MA: As a Marin native, what do you love most about living here?
AE: I love summers in Marin, riding your bike around, hiking, and visiting the local beaches and swimming holes.
MA: A desire for a smaller, more involved community influenced my husband’s and my decision to leave Los Angeles. Why do you think community is important during turbulent times?
AE: Yes. We must have community and continue to build it. That also means a diverse community and a willingness to learn about others’ perspectives, even if you don’t agree with them. I think it’s really important to behave respectfully towards each other. There are also so many ways to get involved in your community through local government, local NGOs like EAC, and volunteer opportunities.
MA: There are so many species of trees here! In the hills, the neighborhoods, and along the roads… I have to ask, do you have a favorite?
AE: Wow, that’s a good question! I think I will have to go with the Coast Live Oak. It’s beautiful to be able to enjoy the shade that these older trees can provide with a good book and a blanket.
MA: For those who live locally, how can we get involved with Marin EAC and are there any events we keep an eye out for?
AE: A bit on getting involved below: Email eacmarin.org for more info!
MA: I like to end on action: Please tell our readers 3 ways they can share their earthlove with the world today!
AE:
1. Get outside
2. Take action to support environmental NGOs and leaders who are strong champions for our climate and environment, and
3. Speak up for protecting our natural world and get involved
Ashley under her favorite species of tree, the California Live Oak.
Thanks for reading. Like Ashley said, we can each speak up and get involved in our communities to help create change. This will look different for everyone, depending on where you live and what you can offer (skill set, time, money, etc.). Creating change doesn’t have to be grandiose, or expensive, or all-consuming… start small, start where you are, and start by getting the people you care about involved with you.
Sharing our earthlove should be enjoyable and it should add value and connection to our lives. I’m looking forward to watching my own expression of earthlove evolve and hearing your discoveries of what this looks like for you. We’re truly all in this together!
Until next week,
Mimi
PS. Do you have someone in mind for a future earthlove guest? I’d love to hear your suggestions! Please comment below or send me a message.
Thanks to Free the Ocean for the ongoing support.