By Jill Stegman
From classrooms to hiking trails, and from juvenile halls to conservation projects, Art has woven together a lifetime of service, guided by a deep respect for people, nature, and community.
After graduating from San Diego State University in 1968, Art built a career rooted in education and service. In the early 1990s, he returned to school to complete an elementary teaching credential, followed by an administrative credential and a Master’s degree in Education.
Early on, he worked with incarcerated youth as an English Language Development teacher, an experience that was both challenging and profoundly meaningful. Later, as an administrator for 17 years, primarily serving as a principal, he found ways to support students, teachers, and families in building stronger schools. Since retiring in 2015, Art continues to serve part-time as an on-call substitute teacher, often working in a local juvenile hall. “Serving the youth in these facilities and programs is a very special work for me,” he explains.
A love of nature has always been central to Art’s life. “As a child, I was fascinated by nature and its diversity. As a young adult, I began to have more opportunities to experience it,” he recalls. College years brought awareness of environmental threats and the urgent need for action.
That awareness deepened in the mid-1990s, when Art spent two summers working with the California Conservation Corps, teaching at-risk youth about the environment while leading conservation projects. “I loved the experience, working in nature with young people who were struggling to find purpose. These two areas continue to be very central to my sense of purpose.”
Although the environment had always been an interest, it wasn’t until COVID-19 that Art recommitted himself fully to environmental work.
Since retirement, Art has devoted time and energy to volunteering. Alongside teaching, he is active in the Sierra Club and with the local Citizens’ Climate Education group, planting trees each year with EcoSLO. Inspired since childhood by Johnny Appleseed, Art hopes to plant 100 trees in the local area. He also volunteers with Unity Five Cities Church, finding fulfillment in faith and service.
When asked about influences, Art replies. “Too many to do justice to,” he admits, before listing John Muir, Teddy Roosevelt, Johnny Appleseed, St. Francis, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Paolo Soleri. Closer to home, his four children and four grandchildren remain a constant source of inspiration, as do the friends and mentors met through hiking and environmental groups.
One particular turning point came on a trip to Yosemite: “I was stunned to see the trees that were dying in the areas around the park. I had always thought of Yosemite and other national parks as eternal. That experience left me feeling a greater sense of alarm and call to action.”
After COVID, Art was determined not to let physical limitations keep him from being active in the world and in nature. He joined friends on monthly hikes and soon after accepted an invitation to a Sierra Club “Hike and Dine” in San Simeon. With encouragement from Chuck Tribbey, then Outings Committee Co-Chair, Art began leading outings himself.
Most hikes are local to California’s Central Coast. Favorites include Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, where he once helped students plant seedlings in 1994, trees that now tower along the Forest Loop. Other beloved trails include Pismo Preserve, Montana de Oro, and the Elfin Forest, with “many more local trails yet to explore.”
Leading hikes, particularly through the “Hike and Dine” program, brings great joy. “We want these to be accessible to those who aren’t veteran hikers. The pace is leisurely, the settings beautiful. The emphasis is on enjoying nature and the company of folks with similar interests. Most of our participants are in their 60s and over.”
Looking forward, Art hopes to broaden the outings program beyond hiking to include backpacking, car camping, and kayaking. Collaboration with other organizations and outreach to more diverse participants are also priorities.
His measure of success is simple yet profound: “My first goal is for everyone to return home healthy and safe. I also hope everyone enjoys the company of others, and that they leave with a stronger connection to nature.”
At this stage in life, leading outings and sharing nature carry deep spiritual significance. Finding opportunities for joy and happiness is particularly important at my age. There is a sort of spiritual aspect to it as well. I am in awe and inspired by the wonders of nature.”
As Outings Chair, Art hopes to leave a legacy of support, inclusivity, and inspiration: “Support the efforts of our Outings Leaders, expand opportunities for people to experience nature, and support the larger work of the Sierra Club. Treat all people and the environment with love and respect.”
Check out our upcoming hikes.
Sign up for hikes through the San Luis Obispo Sierra Club Meetup Group.
Hike and Dines will be posted on our homepage.