Bolden, 43, gained much of the experience she'll bring to the position right in Encinitas.

She spread roots in the community starting in 1994 as executive director of Encinitas-based Solana Recyclers Inc.

Bolden ushered the organization through its transition from a curbside recycling outfit to a company that advises cities and school districts ---- along with anyone else ---- on recycling and waste reduction.

The reinvented company, called Solana Center for Environmental Innovation, also brings storm-water education and pollution prevention programs to local schools and hosts composting workshops at various North County locations.

As it happens, Bolden has returned to the company as its interim executive director.

In that role, or in that of a private consultant, she has advised cities throughout the region, including several in North County.

"Taking care of the environment is something I think everyone wants to do," Bolden said. "Encinitas is making a great statement by forming a committee to keep our environment protected."

Starting next month, the city will begin recruiting applicants to serve on the seven-member panel.

Applications will be available at City Hall and due by 6 p.m. Jan. 28.

The committee will develop environmental policies and programs for the City Council to consider.

It will promote conservation throughout Encinitas and explore how best to meet clean-water and other environmental mandates handed down from the state and federal governments, she said.

Bolden said her role is that of a liaison between the committee and City Hall.

"So many residents are high-level experts in various fields," she said.

Many of them came together in 2002, when the city empaneled an 11-member committee of scientists, lawyers, landscape architects and other professionals.

The mission of the so-called Blue Ribbon Environmental Committee was to review city policies regarding public buildings, parks and stormwater runoff systems to determine if they could be improved.

The now-disbanded committee published a 169-page report containing 112 actions the city could take to improve air and water quality, reduce waste and consume less energy and water.

For years, the report has gathered dust, and bowing to pressure from local environmental activists, the City Council voted unanimously to form the environmental committee.

Maintaining the environment adds to the quality of life as well as property values in a community bookended by lagoons and fronted by six miles of coastline, Bolden said.

"Why do people move to Encinitas?" she said. "It's a beautiful community."

Contact staff writer Adam Kaye at (760) 901-4074 or akaye@nctimes.com