Karen Stringer recently retired from 40+ years as an Agricultural Chemical Manufacturing Representative, calling on nurseries and greenhouses throughout Southern California and Arizona. She held a Pest Control Advisor (PCA) License for those years and served on the board for CAPCA in many capacities. Karen is a Native Californian with a love of natural science and agriculture, having graduated with a degree in Soil Science from Cal Poly Pomona. She now resides in Oceanside and volunteers with Feeding San Diego, Brother Beno’s, Unicorn Ranch Animal Rescue and SDAITC.
Prior to joining the board, Karen served on the school garden grants committee and had the privilege of visiting many school gardens. She heard from many teachers how the tactile nature of food gardening, and the subsequent lessons on healthy nutrition really do enrich the student’s learning experience. She was also thrilled to hear that garden programs seem extra beneficial for those with anxiety or learning challenges. The garden creates a safe space at the school. With fewer and fewer Californian families being directly involved in farming, Karan hopes to build awareness that we live in the nation’s most productive and diverse agricultural climate.