Volunteer of the Month – September 2025

It is a great privilege to introduce to you our September volunteer of the month, Ariane Ochoa.

This summer, Ariane along with her mom Paula, developed an engaging workshop that explores how conservation and environmental education can offer career pathways for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Ariane’s role in co-presenting and helping shape the workshop content has been especially meaningful.

A friend described Ariane’s experience with CCFW in this way:

“She shares her knowledge and enthusiasm but has also gained confidence through this work. Being a part of the workshop presentations has inspired her to see herself as a valued member of the community with something important to contribute. She has discovered that her voice and experiences can make a real difference and that a sense of purpose has been just as meaningful to her as it has been for the people reached by our outreach workshops. It is a reminder for each one of us that no matter what our background is, or our abilities are, everyone has something valuable to offer. Small individual actions can add up to big changes in our community and the wildlife we share it with.”

Ariane also volunteered for CCFW at the Burrowing Owl Festival, Ground Owl Day, Ding Darling Day and the Caloosa Nature Center Earth Day. Thank you and congratulations Ariane!