Independent Environmental Research
& Public Education
Providing Clear Environmental Science for Communities and Leaders
Oko Environmental helps communities understand the environmental and land-use decisions affecting the places they live. Through independent research, technical document review, public records, and community education, we make complex environmental information easier to access and understand. Our work focuses on issues such as aggregate mining, land development, wetlands, water resources, and local decision-making.
Our goal is simple: Help people understand the facts, ask informed questions, and stay involved.
About the Founder
Kara Okonewski is an environmental science professional with a concentration in natural resources and conservation. She understands how difficult it can be to follow major local decisions when important information is spread across meeting packets, technical reports, FOIA records, zoning documents, and public meetings.
She created Oko Environmental to help bring that information together and explain it in plain language.
As a Springfield Township resident herself, she has been actively engaged with residents and local leaders on issues include the proposed Levy/Burroughs sand and gravel mine on Ormond Road, data center zoning discussions, groundwater, wetlands, traffic, township records, and public participation.
Currently, information is shared openly and at no charge. Resident contributions help support this work and cover ongoing expenses, including website costs, public records requests, document access, research tools, and community outreach. Residents can sign up for weekly email updates, explore the document library, contribute to support the work, or reach out anytime with questions.