Mike Westphal

Mike Westphal defines a naturalist as someone who spends time outdoors, notes observations and develops a knowledge of nature as a place occupied by diverse living things. Mike believes Santa Cruz is a place that is conducive for naturalists because there is an abundance of nature on all sides. He notes he first formally entered the world of a naturalist when he started volunteering at local parks after the large Loma Prieta Earthquake of 1989.

Mike is originally from Los Gatos and for as long as he can remember grew up playing outdoors trying to count and catch snakes and amphibians. He also visited the old History Museum in Los Gatos which was one of the first times he was exposed to taxidermy, which left a strong impression on him. Although he reflects, he did not face too many challenges growing up as a naturalist, he finds that younger naturalists often lack well paid opportunities where they can live affordably. He believes a good way to get new people involved as naturalists is to encourage them to be a docent.