A Legacy Rooted in Family and Nature

NELAS was founded in 2019, inspired by the childhood experiences of its founders and the enduring wisdom of their grandmother, Fola Tuato'o.

Growing up in American Samoa, they spent countless hours in family plantations, fishing along the shoreline, and gathering resources from the land. These moments were more than daily activities—they were lessons in resilience, responsibility, respect, and service. Every outing became an opportunity to learn from nature while strengthening their connection to Samoan culture and family.

Those early experiences became the foundation of NELAS. Today, the organization transforms traditional knowledge into meaningful educational opportunities that combine place-based science, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship. By connecting learners to the natural world, NELAS continues the tradition of teaching through experience while preparing future generations to care for the islands they call home.