Her backpacking ventures revealed a stark contrast between where she lived ("everything is cement," says Gravelle) and the so-called "wilderness" near Southern California. Still, even a small taste of such wilderness stayed with her through her teens and into college. Attending Humboldt State University where she worked toward a degree in Resource Interpretation with a minor in journalism, Gravelle remembers she was "all about being out."

After college Gravelle worked as a journalist and focused on environmental issues for several newspapers in Northern California, a career that eventually led her to Salem to work for the local daily paper.  

"Writing was my way of being green or changing the world a little bit," Gravelle says.

While covering a story on education, Gravelle had the opportunity to witness how teachers were changing the world by interacting with their students. Inspired, Gravelle went back to school for her Master of Arts in Teaching at Willamette University, and then started teaching at The Jane Goodall Environmental Middle School, a charter school in Salem that focuses on environmental science and community service. Today, Gravelle teaches and also serves as JGEMS co-director with David Blair.  

Ultimately, Gravelle combined her environmental background with teaching to create what she calls "a wonderful, incredible mix."  

Teaching science, conservation biology, and organic gardening at JGEMS, Gravelle experiences hands-on learning with her students through environmental restoration projects, field studies and camping trips.

"It's a glorious thing to see kids forgetting about the drama in their lives as they plant trees and look back at their work and the contribution they've made."

Being involved with research projects and field studies has shown Gravelle that there are many people who care.  

"It is touching to me the number of professionals who are willing to come out and talk to the students and share their concern for the environment."

This school year, students at JGEMS have traveled to Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge four times to remove blackberries and plant native shrubs.

"If you can teach them the science behind why you should care, then you have a literate and involved society," says Gravelle.

Do you know someone who deserves to be dubbed a Planet Protector? E-mail your nominations to editors@salemmonthly.com.