Who We Are
Stork Peterkin International Foundation (SPIF), operating as Wildfarmers, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization rooted in over fifty years of experience in habitat restoration and community engagement. Founded by Veronica Stork, an indigenous woman from Sri Lanka, Wildfarmers originated in the San Luis Valley, Colorado, during the lettuce strike, bringing farmworkers and their families closer to nature.
Today, our mission focuses on restoring Blue Oak woodlands, enhancing biodiversity, and reconnecting communities to wilderness, wildlife, and each other in the face of climate change.
What We Do
Wildfarmers fosters community engagement by bringing together people of all ages and cultures in enjoyable, nature-focused environments. Through events, campouts, and hands-on experiences, we promote equity and collaboration while rejuvenating our environment.
Our initiatives aim to restore habitats, address climate change, and enhance biodiversity, all while building a resilient future with healthy soils, clean water, and diverse ecosystems. Together, we cultivate joy and connection in the great outdoors.
Board of Directors
John Johnen, Chairman
Shefali Juneja Lakhina, PhD
Cecille O'Brien Greenleaf, vmd
Michael Wilson
Advisor Extraordinaire
Ryan O'Dell, Native Plant Specialist, Soil Scientist, Botanist, Ecological Scientist
Amelia Ryan, Vegetation Ecologist Pinnacles National Park
Our People
Veronica Stork, Executive Director
Sherita Herring, Program Analyst
Tara Lakhina, Advisor, Youth Programming, Logo Design
Sharon Rau Zinck, Social Media
About Our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) Program
Through wildfarmers many collaborations with biologists and ecological scientists from different federal government agencies, as well as CalFire, Central Coast Prescribed Burn Association (CCPBA), BurnBot, etc., we have established a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) program that is educating youth and the community about the earth sciences. Because they are our tomorrow, we are encouraging youth to learn about Earth Science because it offers knowledge that is closely related to their natural surroundings, while offering subject matter that directly relates to their lives and the world around them. After participating in our programs, all they’ll need to do is step outside to observe and find relevance in concepts they will have experienced in our widespread outdoor classroom.
Witness how our collaborative is making a difference . . .
As another one of our vital partners, BurnBot is a company that uses the latest technology to help restore the land by improving conditions for wildlife as well as addressing climate change by clearing invasive species and encouraging native species. As the first test-pilot for their program, see the video where our collaborative partner, wildfarmer’s Executive Director, shares her knowledge.