Executive Director
Robin Kobaly is the Executive Director of the SummerTree Institute. Robin Kobaly has served as both United States Bureau of Land Management District Botanist for the California Desert District and Preserve Manager at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve. A professional biologist with over twenty years of experience as an interpretive specialist Robin designs and presents award winning events and programs for adults and children.
After receiving her Master’s Degree in Biology from the University of California Riverside, Robin traveled the world continuing her lifelong fascination with plants, birds and wildlife. She worked as the Curator of Botany at the Riverside Municipal Museum and then began a twenty-year career with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as a botanist, wildlife biologist and natural history interpreter. Robin also served as Acting Chief of Public Affairs for BLM and has prepared and presented programs for television and radio broadcast as well as appearing as spokesperson for many different programs focused on natural history. Robin co-founded and helped to develop The Wildlands Conservancy, one of the largest non-profit land conservancies in the United States.
Over the years, Robin has studied the indigenous native people in many areas and has researched, tested and taught the use of plants for food, medicine, tools, clothing and art.
“…Robin, I look forward to years of collaboration.”
Jane Goodall
Ph.D, CBE
UN Messenger of Peace
“Don’t leave California without going on a tour with Robin Kobaly. She’s one of the best….”
Bruce Babbitt, Former Secretary of the Interior
Washington, D.C.
“The template you’ve designed for Big Morongo is what BLM needs on a national level.”
Tom Fry, Former Director
U.S. Bureau of Land Management
Washington, D.C.
“You are a legend in your own time. What an incredible touch and spirit you bring to everything near you…”
Kit Kimball, Director
External & Intergovernmental Affairs
United States Dept of the Interior
Washington D.C.
“I just wish we could ‘clone’ you to other parts of the State and the Bureau. Keep up the great work…”
Mike Pool, California State Director
Bureau of Land Management
United States Dept of the Interior
“Thank you, once again, for sharing your vast knowledge of natural history and your contagious enthusiasm in training our staff. We look forward to your sessions every year…”
Joshua Tree National Park
“…what a great morning we spent with you and what a treat to share your passion for nature.”
California Archaeological
Site Stewardship Program
“Robin Kobaly’s environmental education program at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve received the highest public approval rating of any Bureau of Land Management site in the Nation….”
Results of Year 2000 Visitor Use Survey
U.S. Department of the Interior
Washington D. C.