Welcome to the Board, Elsie!

Elsie Lopez is an educator, herbalist, and writer with an extensive background in community involvement, leadership, gardening, and environmental stewardship. In 2021, she worked on and stewarded several acres upon which she spearheaded a biochar and soil remediation project while also serving as a Citizen Scientist with the Florida Springs Institute. Years prior to that, she founded Gold Water Alchemy - an organization and initiative rooted in responsible management and maintenance of ecosystems inclusive of the more-than-human world. Through Gold Water Alchemy she has taught adults and children with a specific focus on bioregional awareness, ecologically sensitivity, and seasonal adaptability. She is also a science educator who has co-created a garden alongside her students, encouraging the next generation through participation in urban agriculture. In 2023, she took Soil Life Organic's Soil Biology 101 course, furthering her understanding of and appreciation for the intricate network involved in maintaining ecosystemic balance. Elsie is currently working on a land project in the Dominican Republic, supporting family farmers with a Cacao-growing operation through cooperative economic development. As a Supervisor of DSWCD Elsie aims to foster greater responsibility and care for our environment within the community. ​