MEarth began with a simple idea: what if an overlooked piece of land could become a place where students learned from the land itself?

1995 — An idea is Planted

Carmel Middle School teacher Craig Hohenberger envisioned transforming an abandoned Christmas tree farm alongside the school into an environmental learning space. Working with fellow educators and then-principal Karl Pallastrini, the project gained approval from the Carmel Unified School District and began taking shape through community support and a master plan for the site. 

1996–2001 — A Living Classroom Takes Root

The community raised $350,000 to help build the Habitat, while restoration and educational infrastructure expanded across the ten-acre property. A greenhouse, shade structure, bird banding lab, and restored native habitats created new opportunities for students to learn outdoors and directly from the land. 

2003 — The Habitat Finds Its Name

Dedicated in 2003, the Habitat honors Hilton “Hilt” Bialek, a longtime supporter of Carmel schools whose belief in the power of education and curiosity about how people learn continue to be reflected in the hands-on experiences that take place here today. 

2001–2004 —Connecting Food and Stewardship

The organic garden began taking root with raised beds and row crops, followed by additions like  the wood-fired pizza oven, and pollinator garden. Growing and cooking food became an increasingly important way for students to explore the connections between people and the environment.

2004–2007 — Growing Community 

Partnerships with community youth organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County, expanded opportunities for classroom learning and camp experiences. At the same time, volunteer and internship programs brought more people into the work of learning from, contributing to, and caring for The Habitat.

2008 — MEarth Gets it’s Name and Becomes a Nonprofit

MEarth officially incorporated as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit and formed its Board of Directors, creating a new organizational identity for the education and stewardship work that was blooming at the Habitat. The name MEarth brings “me” and “Earth” together, reflecting the idea that each of us is connected to the natural world and has a role in caring for it.

2012 — The Green Building Opens

The opening of MEarth’s LEED-certified Green Building and teaching kitchen created a new space for hands-on culinary and environmental education and expanded the ways students and community members could experience the connections between food, health, and sustainability. 

2020-2024 — Nourishing the Community (or Food as Community Care)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, MEarth’s garden took on a new role. What had long been a hands-on learning space also became a hub for growing fresh food for free community distribution. That shift deepened the connection between education, food systems, and community care—and helped shape efforts that continue today like our Nourish Our Neighbors Program.

Today — Continuing the Story

What began as the restoration of an abandoned piece of land has grown into a place for environmental education, food, stewardship, and community. Nearly three decades later, MEarth is dedicated to ensuring that hands-on environmental learning is accessible to kids across Monterey County to empower the next generation of stewards.