In the heart of Sacramento, a passionate advocate for sustainable communities is making waves. Eugene Lee, a board member at Sacramento Splash, combines his vast experience in public service with a deep commitment to environmental education. His journey with Sacramento Splash is a testament to the power of education in driving transformative change.
Eugene’s professional background is both impressive and extensive. With nearly 36 years of state public service, he has dedicated his career to advancing, funding, and creating sustainable communities in California. “I am a Commissioner on the Sacramento Environmental Commission, appointed by the City of Elk Grove,” Eugene shares. His work has centered on promoting infill and transit-oriented neighborhoods and addressing building decarbonization and climate change challenges.
Eugene’s involvement with Sacramento Splash began through a professional connection with Mackenzie, Splash’s CEO, with whom met while working on the launch of the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program. His decision to join the board was driven by a desire to make a quick and impactful difference in the fight against climate change. “Environmental education leads to transformative results,” Eugene asserts. He has seen the impact of education on students, including his children, who pursued STEM fields due to early exposure to environmental learning.
As a board member and the Treasurer of Sacramento Splash, Eugene brings valuable experience from his service on nonprofit boards since 2005. His responsibilities include providing program and fiscal stewardship, collaborating with other directors, and ensuring the organization’s financial health and solvency. Eugene emphasizes the importance of active engagement and informed decision-making for board members. “The ability to listen, think generatively, and collaborate” are essential qualities, he notes.
One of Eugene’s most memorable experiences with Sacramento Splash involves observing students during field trips. He describes the awe and curiosity on their faces as they look through a microscope for the first time, discovering life in vernal pools. “Watching the ‘gears turn’ in a person’s mind as they witness life captured from our vernal pools is amazing,” he says. This connection to nature and the continuous learning about our ecosystem make the environment so exciting and mysterious for him.
In the future, Eugene envisions Sacramento Splash expanding its reach to more students and the public, aiming to establish itself as a significant state leader in environmental education. He takes pride in the organization’s ability to maintain adequate and sustainable programs, especially for families who might not otherwise have the opportunity to engage with the environment. “Keeping our program operations effective and sustainable and targeting families that would never tangibly experience and learn from the environment on their own” is a significant achievement for him.
Eugene actively promotes Sacramento Splash’s initiatives by participating in community and fundraising events. He proudly associates his volunteer service with the organization and showcases its unique and effective model of teaching children, helping them disconnect from their digital lives and reconnect with nature.
Despite the challenges, such as converting missions into tangible community support and financial sponsorships, Eugene remains optimistic. He believes in Sacramento Splash’s reputation and leadership. “Environmental education and non-profit support is always a constant challenge,” Eugene acknowledges. Still, he is confident in the cyclical nature of education and the continuous effort required to maintain excellent programming.
For Eugene, Sacramento Splash’s mission represents a forward investment in fighting climate change. As a Climate Ambassador for the City of Elk Grove, he incorporates Sacramento Splash’s values into his daily life by promoting sustainability practices and policies at home and in the community.
One standout moment for Eugene was leading middle school girls in a native oak planting project in Elk Grove. In collaboration with the Sacramento Tree Foundation, this project saw the girls, Splash’s summer camp graduates, successfully plant nearly 30 oak trees. “The plugged tree saplings are now several feet tall! What a way to make a local difference,” Eugene reflects, highlighting the impact of environmental education in benefiting communities and creating new habitats for generations.
Witnessing the impactful changes when people learn and apply their knowledge motivates Eugene to support environmental education and conservation efforts. He has high expectations for Sacramento Splash’s future impact on the community and is confident in its transformative effect on the minds of the youth and their influence at home. “People are professionally replaceable, but not replaceable at home. Home life is REAL life. Splash is improving the environment household by household,” Eugene emphasizes.
His advice to those interested in joining Sacramento Splash is rooted in Confucius’s wisdom: “I hear and I forget. I see, and I remember. I do, and I understand.” Eugene believes this principle encapsulates Splash’s educational philosophy and commitment to protecting the planet and preserving resources through education.
Eugene Lee’s journey with Sacramento Splash is a testament to the power of dedication, education, and community engagement. His work ensures that every day is indeed Earth Day at Splash, as the organization continues to inspire and educate future generations about the importance of environmental stewardship.