Karla VanderZanden co-founded Canyonlands Field Institute (CFI) in 1984. She is a seasoned Naturalist who embodies the CFI mission and sprinkles her caring, kindness, wise pearls of wisdom, joy, and patience wherever she goes. She retired as executive director in 2019, yet she continues to show up strategically to support the organization. Karla’s commitment to conservation, education, professionalism, river culture, and close engagement with Navajo youth and knowledge keepers helped shape CFI into the organization that we are today. Her vision, organizational design and work on educational trips created a framework of committed donors and advocates for the preservation of the Colorado Plateau. We often encounter former trip participants from decades ago who share how they were transformed by their time with Karla. Her contributions have been impactful and life changing for youth and adults on education adventure. Karla continues to nurture our organization in meaningful ways. Whether it is sharing advice and expertise about the region, volunteering information that we didn’t even know to ask, opening up her home for gatherings, mentoring or offering support. She avidly stays in touch with former staff and refers to ‘taking the long view on people,’ continuing to stay connected even after they have moved on from the organization. Karla’s passion for stewarding wild places on the Colorado Plateau has been impactful and life changing for so many. Her commitment and drive from start up in 1984 to current, and willingness to leverage her own resources and relationships has contributed to CFI’s continued existence and growth. We are grateful to Karla for her determined and steadfast work which made it possible for about 50,000 participants to experience the region and CFI's programs during the last 42 years. She is highly deserving of this award!