Tracy Earth Project, the organization behind this column, is an environmentalist organization aimed at educating and informing Tracy’s residents about ways they can contribute to their local environment to build a better city and a brighter future. Founded by Dotty Nygard in 2017, the organization began with an annual Tracy Earth Day event, to celebrate our planet and learn how to be better stewards.
In 2022, Tracy Bike Life Youth program was started to reconnect kids with the joy of riding bikes. The program is for kids from 7-17 to learn how to refurbish bicycles, teaching mechanical skills, teamwork, and a mode of sustainable transportation. The organization has since broadened its scope to become the heart and soul of Tracy’s environmentalist movement with tree plantings, environmental events, youth outreach, and educational speaker series.
Tracy Earth Project is built off of the hard work and dedication of our volunteers. In appreciation of all they do for us to keep this organization running, I’ve asked a few of our volunteers questions about their time with us. These are their answers.
Our treasurer, Melinda Ramirez:
What motivates you to continue giving your time to the Tracy Earth Project?
I began volunteering with Tracy Earth Project several years ago to help launch the youth bike program. Later, I stayed on as Treasurer because I truly enjoy working with an amazing, talented, and fun group of people who are making a real difference. My motivation for volunteering is simple—and a little selfish: it makes me feel good about myself and proud of what we accomplish together.
Our Communications Specialist, Nicholas Leonardo:
Can you share a story about the impact volunteering has had on you?
Volunteering felt strange for me, initially. I have my degree in Mass Communications–essentially multimedia journalism. It felt like I didn’t have the right skill set to help. And yet, at Tracy Earth Project, the volunteers valued and appreciated my input, and put me in charge of articles and newsletters that I enjoyed doing and being responsible for. I love what I do, and I’m glad that I have valuable skills to offer my community.
And finally, to our President, Manju Theresa Matthew, I asked:
“What were your expectations for volunteering with Tracy Earth Project, and how different were those expectations from your actual experience?”
Starting to volunteer in 2023, after the isolating and uncertain years of the COVID era, was both a refreshing and deeply purposeful decision. Initially, my goal was modest—to contribute to my community whenever time permitted. However, once I became involved with the Tracy Earth Project, I quickly realized that this would become one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.
My volunteer journey began with simple yet impactful tasks such as planting trees, picking up litter, and participating in local environmental outreach events. These activities, though basic in nature, laid the foundation for a much deeper engagement. As time went on, I found myself increasingly immersed in learning about the environmental challenges facing our local community. I gained practical knowledge about sustainability, climate advocacy, and community mobilization strategies—topics that I had previously only encountered in abstract terms.