From wetlands to winding inland waterways—and even out on the boat—Karla Reinhardt shows up wherever she’s needed. A dedicated ODA volunteer since 2016, Karla brings initiative, flexibility, and a genuine desire to help that makes a real difference across our cleanup efforts.

She’s the kind of volunteer who sees what needs doing and jumps in, whether that means tackling muddy marshes, clearing debris from local waterways, or lending a hand on the boat. Karla’s willingness to support ODA in so many ways reflects a deep commitment to protecting our coastal ecosystems, and we’re grateful to recognize her as a standout member of the ODA community.

To help capture Karla’s impact, ODA Founder and President Kurt Lieber offers his perspective on the dedication and drive she brings to our work.

It’s hard to know where to begin with my thoughts on Karla, there is SO MANY GREAT THINGS about her to convey…

Karla lives to help the environment out in any way she can. She works professionally in industries that are focusing on electric power in one form or another.  She has adopted dogs from shelters. On weekends she is a sailing fanatic. Then in her spare time she volunteers with ODA. 

Karla has been out on the boats with us, helping to remove abandoned fishing gear. But one of the key elements to her is that she takes the lead when required. She has led countless cleanups of a stretch of river channel that runs through the city of Fullerton.  Preventing thousands of pounds of debris from ever reaching the ocean. She helped ODA complete the formal adoption of that channel. There’s even a sign there with our name on it!

It’s beyond me where she gets the drive and energy to accomplish all she does, while trying to make a living and keep her dogs entertained. 

If we could figure out how to tap her energy into the electrical grid, we’d have this clean energy problem solved! Thank you, Karla, for all you do.

Dear Friend, after you read our Q&A interview with Karla, be sure to watch her video interview and look at the photo gallery below!

Q: What drew your attention to the ocean and when?
A: I've always loved the ocean and being on or near the water. I used to take the bus with friends to hang out at the beach during the summer before we were old enough to drive.

Q: What are your favorite ODA cleanups?
A: I like all of the cleanups, but my favorite is the channel cleanup I lead near my home in Fullerton. It's nice to have a group of regular volunteers, many of whom are friends and neighbors. And it's great to make a difference locally, collecting a lot of trash before it makes its way downstream to the ocean. 

Q: Any funny stories to share from an ODA cleanup?
A: Sometimes it can get depressing when you see all the trash in the waterways, so it's good to find humor when you can. That can mean laughing at the random things you find (some I can't even mention) or when someone gets stuck in the mud, literally. 

Q: Why do you like volunteering with ODA?
A: I like volunteering with ODA because we can make a positive difference in a limited amount of time. It also increases awareness of the problem of debris in the ocean and waterways. 

Q: Why do you think it's important for people to support ODA?
A: I think it's important to support a cause you believe in. Sometimes it can be overwhelming to address the problem of ocean pollution. But rather than ignore it, do something, even if it's just talking to others about it or making a small change in your own habits. Be the change you want to see...

Enjoy Karla’s recorded interview:

Karla’s story is a powerful reminder that protecting the ocean often starts far upstream—and that real change happens when someone is willing to step up and lead. From hauling abandoned fishing gear off the water to rallying neighbors along a Fullerton channel, Karla turns concern into action and inspiration into momentum. Her ability to build community, prevent pollution before it reaches the sea, and keep showing up with determination (and a sense of humor) embodies what ODA is all about.

We hope Karla’s journey encourages you to find your own way to be part of the solution—whether that’s joining a cleanup, supporting conservation efforts, or making small changes that add up to something bigger. Together, with leaders like Karla lighting the way, we can protect our waterways from source to sea.

Be sure to explore Karla’s photo gallery below to see her impact in action.