The 2026 Matt Coleman Environmental Achievement Award
The Jug Handle Creek Nature Center, known for the iconic red Victorian farmhouse east of Highway One in Caspar, is proud to announce that Jack Tomlin has been awarded the 15th Annual Matt Coleman Environmental Service Award, presented on Sunday, March 15 at the 26th Annual Environmental Partners event. This honor recognizes decades of extraordinary dedication to environmental education, land preservation, and community enrichment, in honor of Matt Coleman.
Jack’s connection to the organization dates back to the early 1970s, when, as a fourth-grade teacher in the East Bay, he met noted environmental educator John Olmsted at the Oakland Museum of California. Inspired by Olmsted’s passion, Jack began bringing his students to participate in hands-on environmental learning experiences. That early engagement soon deepened into a lifelong commitment when Jack and his wife, Jan, followed Olmsted to the Jug Handle property, drawn by the vision of creating a permanent center for nature-based education.
As early board members, Jack and Jan played a pivotal role in shaping what would become a cornerstone of environmental education on the Mendocino Coast. They worked alongside fellow advocates to raise funds for the acquisition of adjacent lands, now preserved as the Jug Handle State Natural Reserve. Their contributions extended well beyond governance, as weekends and holidays were spent restoring and maintaining the historic Tregoning farm property, laying the groundwork for future generations to learn and connect with the natural world.
Jack’s commitment has remained steadfast for more than five decades. Now 94, he continues to champion the organization’s mission, remarking, “Jug Handle is now my main concern and interest. I want to see it stable and thriving before I die.” Though no longer able to travel to the site as often as he once did, his impact endures through significant recent contributions. These include funding for a new roof on the historic Victorian farmhouse, support for a dedicated staff position to advance educational programming, the addition of a skilled administrative assistant, installation of state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment in classroom spaces, and partial funding for key educational facilities and guest accommodations.
Through his vision, generosity, and tireless service, Jack has helped ensure that tens of thousands of children and adults have access to meaningful environmental education experiences at Jug Handle Creek Nature Center and the Mendocino Coast.
