🦋 My Path Into Nature

My name is Sandra De Silva Porter, the founder of SLO Nature Collective. I live on the beautiful Central Coast of California with my husband, two kids, two cats, and our puppy. I’m a psychologist by training, with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and a local private practice (visit drsandradesilva.com to learn more). I often joke that I grew up on a tennis court — spending most of my younger years in big cities, playing Division I tennis at Stanford and later competing on the pro circuit. It wasn’t until later in life, when I spent less time chasing tennis balls on asphalt and more time admiring birds and trees in the forest, that I realized how at home, grounded, and joyful I feel in nature.

Given my career wasn’t in the environmental world, I often found it challenging to discover local nature events and connect with other nature lovers. Most organizations can only share information about their own events, which makes it hard to stay informed about everything happening in nature across our community. As a family, we love hiking, camping, and exploring the coast — but even with that, I craved a deeper connection and more ways to get involved.

That longing inspired me to create SLO Nature Collective — a way to make it easier for anyone to get outside, discover new experiences, and meet others who love nature too.

I also recently became a Certified California Naturalist, which deepened my understanding of our region’s unique ecosystems and strengthened my desire to help others experience that same sense of wonder. California is one of the world’s greatest biodiversity hotspots — we are truly lucky to live here. Let’s get out and enjoy it together.

🌎 A Bridge Between People and Nature

Through SLO Nature Collective, my goal is to create a bridge between people and the natural world — making it simple for anyone to connect, learn, volunteer, and explore right here on the Central Coast.

This site serves as a central hub where you can discover local hikes, talks, cleanups, and volunteer opportunities — and connect with others who share your love for the outdoors.

The site features:
• A monthly Nature Events Calendar
• A Get Involved section highlighting local organizations
• A monthly email newsletter with upcoming opportunities

My mission is simple: to make it easier for our community to connect with nature — and, through it, with each other.

🌿 Our Philosophy

At SLO Nature Collective, we believe that when people feel connected to nature, they’re more likely to care for it.
Every moment outdoors — whether it’s watching a sunset, walking a trail, or volunteering to plant trees — deepens that connection and builds a sense of stewardship for the land we love.

Over the years, I’ve witnessed firsthand how powerful nature can be for mental health — and how many of us, caught up in screens, schedules, and the constant hum of technology, have drifted away from it. In my work, I see the growing effects of our digital dependence: higher rates of anxiety, depression, and disconnection.

Through nature immersion therapy experiences I lead for youth and adults, I’m continually amazed at how quickly the outdoors can bring relief and perspective. Even brief time in nature can quiet the mind, ease rumination, and restore a sense of calm and connection. The natural world offers gentle stimulation, beauty, and balance — helping us see our challenges in a new light.

When we step outside — even for a short walk — something shifts.
Nature invites us to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with ourselves and each other.

It’s not just recreation; it’s a vital coping skill for well-being.
We were meant to live immersed in nature — not apart from it.

Let’s reconnect — with nature, with each other, and with what matters most.

About SLO Nature Collective

Bringing people and nature together on California’s Central Coast