The Mission
Oko Environmental is dedicated to increasing environmental literacy and public awareness through independent research, community engagement, and clear communication. By interpreting scientific and technical information into everyday language, Oko Environmental helps residents, local leaders, and educators understand complex environmental issues and make informed decisions for their communities.
The Work
Oko Environmental provides independent research, public communication, and educational outreach to help communities understand environmental issues that affect their land, water, and quality of life. All work is offered for informational and educational purposes only. Oko Environmental does not provide legal or regulatory consulting services, but rather focuses on helping residents and decision-makers access clear, factual information they can use to make informed choices.
- Independent Research – Reviewing environmental data, site reports, and public documents to identify what’s at stake for local land, air, and water.
- Community Communication – Creating plain-language reports, visual materials, and presentations that make environmental information accessible and shareable.
- Education and Outreach – Hosting community meetings, fact-finding sessions, and workshops that invite participation and build understanding.
- Speaking and Consultation – Available for one-on-one conversations, classroom visits, and public events to help explain environmental topics in ways that connect science to everyday life.
The Woman Behind the Work: Kara Okonewski
Oko Environmental was founded by Kara Okonewski, an environmental science professional with a concentration in natural resources and conservation, an environmental educator, and a Springfield Township resident whose work has centered on natural resources, conservation, wildlife, and public education.
Kara has worked in environmental education and interpretation since 2012, with experience in state and county parks, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, herpetology, habitat and conservation work, public speaking, and community engagement. Her background includes hands-on work with wildlife and natural systems as well as years of helping people understand environmental science in practical, approachable ways.
Her professional interests include freshwater systems, wetlands, wildlife conservation, land use, and the relationship between development and surrounding natural systems.
Through her work & training in science and education, Kara recognized a growing gap between complex environmental information and the people most affected by it.
Her goal is to help people understand the information, ask informed questions, and stay involved in decisions affecting the places where they live.
Through independent research, document review, public records, meeting summaries, mapping, and environmental education, Kara Okonewski is working to bring information together and to explains it in a way that is factual, accessible, and relevant to the community.
