Sarah A. Ruiz is guided by a simple philosophy: “Life is short, and I want to use as much of it as possible to leave the world around me better than I found it.”

Sarah has put that philosophy into practice in many different ways over the years: by planting native plants, cleaning bird feeders, participating in FeederWatch, leading tours at Chaetura Canyon, presenting at Swift Night Out, and now serving on the Travis Audubon board.

In 2013, Sarah first became interested in birds after learning about the struggles facing the Atlantic puffin—a bird she had never actually seen before! This led her to start looking for ways to help local birds, and an internet search led her to Travis Audubon, where one of her first events was at Chaetura Canyon.

I was just so enchanted by it, and by Paul and Georgean Kyle, and all that they have done to help birds and create this incredible sanctuary that’s now in the middle of a neighborhood.

Sarah has been volunteering at Chaetura ever since. She loves the workdays, where you can haul mulch, move branches, and pull invasive plants—and when you are done, you can visually see that you have made a difference. She also loves leading tours, which comes naturally to someone from a family of teachers. Her mother taught elementary school for more than two decades, and her sister is also a longtime teacher.

“I like to think that I bring that teacher energy to the tours,” Sarah says. That includes sharing information about birds and conservation, but also, in her words, sharing “my terrible puns with a captive audience.”

Polyphemus moth found at Chaetura Canyon. Photo by Sarah A Ruiz.

Chaetura Canyon holds a special place in Sarah’s heart. Throughout the years, she has spotted a hummingbird nest, her first coral snake, hundreds of Cedar Waxwings, and a polyphemus moth.  The giant moth so excited her that she couldn’t resist shouting about it from the back of the tour.

One of the things she values most about volunteering, though, is the difference her words can have on others. Years after giving a presentation about backyard birds, Sarah ran into a former coworker who told her that because of that presentation, he started keeping his cat indoors.

“I was able to give information that helped birds, helped nature, and hopefully is helping his beloved cat lead an even longer and happier life.”

In July, Sarah started in a new role with Travis Audubon as a board member.

Her goal is that “Members, new and returning, all feel like it’s an inclusive, welcoming place where they can connect with one another as they’re supporting birds and nature. We’re here for the birds, but we can help them more by being here for each other.”

That seems to capture Sarah pretty well: she cares deeply about birds, the environment and conservation—but also about bringing people together to protect them.

Sarah, thank you for your years of service at Chaetura Canyon and Travis Audubon. The world is truly a better place because of your efforts!