Bringing Learning to Life
By Alix Clausen, Interim Director of Education & Engagement
Our Education & Engagement department connects students, families, and the community to agriculture, restoration, and conservation through hands-on learning. Our work takes many forms, from FEAST (Food Education & Ag Stewardship Training) programming in schools, to supporting small local producers and community gardens through grant-funded workshops and technical assistance, to hosting outreach events, we bring conservation and agriculture education directly into the community. What that looks like changes with the season. Some months we’re leading garden lessons in the classroom; others we’re at a farmers market or festival talking with families. No matter the setting, the goal stays the same: build lasting connections between people and the land that feeds and sustains them.
Meet the team
Sabreena McLeod, Project Lead, Education- Sabreena joined ESRCD in September 2025, bringing over a decade of hands-on gardening experience, including five years maintaining Live Oak Park in Fallbrook and time working as a fine gardener in San Francisco. She has also completed two semesters of horticulture coursework. A lifelong love of plants drives her work, along with a philosophy of using every part of a plant she can, from harvesting to making her own essential oils from fruit rinds. Outside of work, Sabreena is a professional macrame and resin artist and enjoys teaching others both crafts. Her favorite part of working at ESRCD is the flexibility and positive team culture, from gardening at whatever hour fits her schedule to working alongside people who bring a great attitude every day.
Alix Clausen, Interim Director of Education & Engagement -Alix has been with ESRCD for a little less than a year, bringing an educational background in business management along with experience in K-12 and higher education through work with Turlock Unified School District and Stanislaus State. That combination gives her insight into both the day-to-day realities of a school campus and what it takes to build programs that work for students and educators alike. Born and raised in the Central Valley, Alix is passionate about ESRCD’s mission and points to the Love Modesto volunteer day as a project she’s especially proud of. Outside of work, she loves traveling with her family and recently ran a 5k, with another on the calendar for October. Her favorite part of working at ESRCD is the impact the organization has on the community.
