The Sierra Nevada has always been home to me, as I was born and raised here. Growing up here I was introduced to the outdoors at a very young age. Since I can remember, my dad would take me out into the forest on what I would at times refer to as “death marches”. As a wildlife biologist he was very familiar with the National Forest and loved sharing the outdoors with me, even if it meant hooting for owls at 5am in December. These early introductions and vivid memories of playing in the Clark Fork river, bird watching, and hiking around the National Forest gave me a deep-rooted appreciation for the natural world that has only continued to grow.
I decided to continue exploring the outdoors by pursuing a degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UC Santa Cruz. During the course of my studies I enrolled in a variety of field courses - anything to get me outside the classroom and into the field. During one of my summer breaks I travelled to the Galapagos Islands for a month, where I volunteered to do conservation work. While there I removed invasive species, cared for Galapagos tortoises at a Reserve, worked with the National Park Service, and conducted population census surveys on sea lions, marine iguanas, and birds. That following fall I was enrolled in the California Ecology and Conservation field quarter. We traveled all across California from the Eel River at the Angelo Reserve, to Rancho Marino, and Anza Borrego. Throughout this course we became familiar with a variety of environmental issues across the state, various habitat zones and species, and how to conduct field research.
Shortly after I graduated, I joined the Sierra Nevada Alliance Partnership (SNAP). The Sierra Nevada Alliance places Americorps members with conservation organizations throughout the Sierra Nevada. I was placed with the Tuolumne River Trust (TRT) as a Forest Health Specialist. Tuolumne River Trust is another environmental non-profit located in Tuolumne County; their focus is on the protection and restoration of the Tuolumne River and its watershed. During my time at TRT I worked on meadow restoration projects, conducted bird surveys, community outreach events, educational programs, and assisted in the planning and implementation of forest health treatment projects.
I have enjoyed exploring my home once again through new lenses, and am so grateful and excited to be joining the CSERC team. CSERC has worked tirelessly to protect and conserve the forests we all love and depend on; I am so humbled to be a part of this organization. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish in the coming years!
I look forward to meeting you. All the best!
