Inspiring Geyserville resident awarded for work with LandPaths

Omar Gallardo is one of 22 recipients of the 2015 Spirit of Sonoma Awards. He was honored by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for his work with LandPaths, an environmental organization.

Gallardo, 40, is an immigrant who grew up in Geyserville. He has a deep connection to Sonoma County and its open spaces. His job description at LandPaths is outreach and diversity direction, and he leads a variety of programs as well. He heads up the Inspired Forward teen program, taking students outside four times a year for stewardships, projects and exploration, both on the 1,100 acres LandPaths stewards and other Sonoma County open spaces.

'If we teach them the responsibility to take care of the land, they will be the next stewards,' Gallardo said. 'We try to reach out to people who have not yet connected to the land.'

LandPaths offers English, bilingual and Spanish outings as a way to reach people within their own comfort zones. Gallardo leads the Vamos Afuera program, a once-a-month Spanish-speaking outing. He said he is excited to see that the conservation movement increasingly is beckoning to a broad range of culturally diverse populations.

'We try to build up the comfort of going outside,' he said. 'We find if we provide a welcoming environment, it acts as a springboard to other outings.'

In addition to those programs, Gallardo is a liaison between the city of Santa Rosa and the Bayer Farm Project, which began eight years ago. The 6-acre urban farm and city park is a collaboration between LandPaths and the Santa Rosa Recreation and Parks Department.

'I feel uneasy about being recognized for something I'm so passionate about,' Gallardo said. 'This is my work. I grew up here. I love this area. I'm honored to be recognized, but there are so many other people doing great work out there, it's humbling.'

Gallardo lives with his wife, Norma, and 4-year-old son, Tandeé, in Santa Rosa. In his spare time, he dances with Danza Azteca Xantotl.

The Spirit of Sonoma Awards are sponsored by the Sonoma County Economic Development Board. Honorees are chosen based on their contributions to the economic development and enhancement of the communities in which they live, work and conduct business.