We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Mary Maret to the Splash family! With decades of expertise and a passion for connecting kids with nature, Mary brings a wealth of knowledge and heart to our mission.
Mary recently retired from the Sacramento County Department of Regional Parks, where she spent most of her career as a natural resource specialist, safeguarding local treasures such as the American River Parkway, Dry Creek Parkway, and the vernal pool grasslands of the Illa M. Collin Conservation Preserve.
Her journey began with a Master’s in Botany from Oregon State University, where her thesis explored how prescribed burns could restore grasslands. It was at OSU that Mary first discovered California’s fascinating vernal pools, an interest that followed her to Sacramento in 1999. Soon after, she eagerly signed up as a volunteer docent, leading weekend tours and sharing her love for vernal pool protection, education, and management (yes, including prescribed burns!).
“I love that Splash connects kids up close with nature,” says Mary. “Splash introduces them to a fascinating and resilient ecosystem, all in Sacramento County, where they live. I am so glad that I can continue to support vernal pool education and advocacy, as well as promote the other worthy programs that Splash offers to the students in our region.”
From classrooms to conservation fields, Mary has been inspiring others for years, and now she’s bringing that same dedication to the Splash Board.
Welcome to the family, Mary! We’re so excited to continue building a brighter, greener future together.