Grey Hayes

My work at OAEC:  

I manage the Beaver Coexistence Program, designed to reduce conflicts between humans and beavers and to help people thrive alongside increasing beaver populations. This Program assesses human-beaver conflicts and is a gateway of resources for those looking to better live alongside beaver. We bring training to an expanding network of experts who are fanning out across the state to help landowners and beavers to coexist. And, our Beaver Coexistence Response Plan will help guide collaborative efforts across the State during this time of renewed appreciation for beavers, such amazingly expert ecosystem architects.

My background: 

Since moving to California in 1986, I have been ensconced in Santa Cruz County where people and nature have taught me so much. I grew up mostly in Virginia and Georgia where I played on big river floodplains and studied life closely with the help of botanical mentors. In California, I have been working to improve human stewardship of nature including in agriculture, parks management, and the built environment. My undergraduate agroecological studies eventually led me to my current ownership interest in Molino Creek Farming Collective, where I co-manage a community orchard. My parks management focus has led me to teaching a course “Protected Lands Management’ at UC Santa Cruz as well as extensive conservation consultation for public and private landowners. My interest in built environments led me to found two native plant nurseries.

My favorite resiliency resource:

Meditation is the answer. Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hahn is a great resource.

My passions:

I am passionate about developing deeper connections to Earth’s web of life and connecting with other humans who are interested in that exploration. At the same time, I love to contribute to my community by co-producing prolific, tasty food grown organically and in harmony with nature in a  flower-filled beautiful and diverse food-forest. I like to regularly and closely observe the diverse familiar ground of northern Santa Cruz County with occasional forays into the American tropics. I am thrilled to use whatever skills and knowledge I have acquired to assist a wide community of artists and nature lovers to create a better future.

Why my work matters: 

I believe humans are here on Earth for thousands more years…we need one another…and we need all other species if we are to have the kind of standard of living that is fitting for such a wise species. Most people share those principles, and I work to focalize groups on this common vision. Together, we are finding our way to live better with greater appreciation for the gifts nature provides as long as we allow it to do so. I like to work with people to help specific species in specific places: that’s an exciting place to experience diverse perspectives, expand co-discovery and tap into the great potential of human ingenuity. As social animals, humans need to feel that they are playing an active part of a successful movement. As natural beings, we also need to feel a connection to Life. I love helping with that milieu. 

The wildest place I’ve ever been:

Portions of the Amazon basin are still rife with wildness, including tribal people and even ‘uncontacted’ people. I’ve touched parts of the Peruvian and Ecuadorian Amazon where there is an abundance of wildlife…with so many animals that I could easily walk through a path-filled understory.

My favorite food is:

Grown organically by people who feel well supported for their agricultural production.

My biggest fear is: 

That too many humans lose touch with nature.