Ismael Cruz

Ismael Cruz is the founder of Growing Up Wild, a bilingual outdoor education program that primarily serves youth based in Watsonville, California, and strives to help connect youth with nature, build character, and learn about the environment by providing outdoor-based experiential programs that foster socio-emotional well-being and environmental stewardship. 

Ismael's stories

Growing Up Wild: Fostering Youth Development through Education and Environmental Stewardship

Youth reminds us of the curiosity and awe we all once held of the world around us. That same curiosity lays the foundation of science-based inquiry. Even when constrained, youth creates dreams, possibilities, and innovation. In this month’s interview, Ismael Cruz, founder of Growing Up Wild, talks about his journey in connecting youth to nature, fostering environmental stewardship, and creating an equitable approach to outdoor education.