​​Aurora Grace

Placed at: California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Yreka
California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, B.S. Environmental Science and Management, Emphasis: Ecological Restoration and Management; Minor: Fisheries Biology & Geospatial Analysis  Fisheries
Hailing from the Inland Empire, Aurora Grace relocated to Humboldt County for university, where she discovered a passion for river ecology and restoration. Her journey in this field began with Redwoods Rising, where she collected stream data in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, observed juvenile Coho Salmon, and conducted fish rescues. Eager to deepen her knowledge, and silence her fears, she gained hands-on experience in an aquatic ecology lab, identifying benthic macroinvertebrates for a research project on juvenile Coho Salmon diet. Aurora chose to serve with WSP to gain practical skills in salmonid restoration and to make a meaningful impact. WSP offers a unique blend of field experience along with community outreach and education, which aligns perfectly with her career goals. At her placement with CDFW Yreka, Aurora is most excited to witness the long-awaited return of Coho Salmon to their ancestral spawning grounds after up to a century’s absence and to observe the transformative impacts of dam removal firsthand. In the long term, Aurora aims to work in the field for a few years to gain insights into salmonid life cycles and conservation challenges so that she can take her knowledge to graduate school. A fun fact about Aurora is that she once participated in her school's Logging Sports team! Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, painting, watching sunsets, and staring at ducks.​​

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Christy Wheatley

Placed at: California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Yreka

California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, B.S. Environmental Science and Management, Concentration: Ecological Restoration; Minor: Geospatial Analysis

Christy is from Somerset, California in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada where she developed a love for riparian areas. This passion led her to Cal Poly Humboldt, where she studied environmental science and engaged in hands-on fisheries research. These projects included monitoring Coho Salmon rearing in urban streams, determining fish community assemblages at off-channel restoration sites, and estuarine eDNA collection to determine biodiversity. She chose to serve with WSP to expand her knowledge and experiences in the fisheries realm to prepare for an eventual career as a riparian ecologist. Serving with CDFW Yreka presents a unique opportunity to monitor salmonid response to the largest dam removal in history, and Christy is excited to witness and document this historic event. In her spare time, Christy enjoys yoga, backpacking, and river days.​

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Thatcher Alvarado

Placed at: Yurok Tribe Environmental Department

University of California, Santa Barbara, B.S. Hydrological Science and Policy, Emphasis: Biology & Ecology

Originally from South Central Los Angeles, Thatcher pursued a degree in Hydrology from UC Santa Barbara. Before beginning with WSP they worked in a wildfire lab at UCSB, where they gained data entry and field experience. Much of their attraction to the WSP program stemmed from its professional development framework; it was an opportunity for them to grow as a young hydrologist. Coming from such an urban terrain Thatcher always felt that nature always gave them solace and had always aimed to give back to it. Thus, when the opportunity arose to work on the Klamath Dam removal it inspired them to use that degree for good. Serving for WSP is unique in that it allows entry-level folk like Thatcher to become stewards of the land. Overall, cultivating the next generation of scientists in a way that is tangible. Thatcher looks forward to boat days and all their studies finally leave their textbooks and slideshows. In the meantime, they’ll be writing postcards to their loved ones and having fun making new friends. ​

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Regine Familara

Placed at: Yurok Tribe Environmental Department

California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, B.S. Environmental Science and Management, Emphasis: Environmental Education and Interpretation; B.A. Environmental Studies, Emphasis: Appropriate Technology; 2nd Year WSP Corpsmember

Regine was born and raised in Michigan. She moved to the San Francisco Bay Area post-high school and currently resides in Humboldt. Regine chose to serve with WSP because she desired to enrich her knowledge, experience, and skill in watershed and fisheries fieldwork. Furthermore, as an environmental educator and interpreter, it is Regine's passion to help the fish that swim in these waterways and for them to paint their stories vividly for the public to better understand them. Serving at the YTED Placement Site, Regine is most looking forward to furthering her knowledge on the processes of Indigenous Natural Resource Management, working in the Klamath watershed post-dam removal, and experiencing wonderful connections within the community. She helped design and create interpretive signage for the Prairie Creek Redwood State Park Visitor Center for the park's centennial celebration. She would love to become an environmental interpretive ranger for a tribe, a federal or a state agency. In her free time, Regine loves to cook up a storm in the kitchen and to read.

 

 

​​Anna Caro

Placed at: California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Arcata

California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt. B.S. Biology, Emphasis: Marine Biology

Anna was born and raised in a small town outside of Redding, CA. From a young age, she was an avid watcher of Animal Planet on TV and was always keen to learn more about her environmental surroundings. Determined to be the first college graduate in her family, she found her way to Humboldt University studying Marine Biology and working as a laboratory technician at the Telonicher Marine Lab in Trinidad, CA. As an undergrad, she served as part of the first cohort ever for College Corps, another AmeriCorps program aimed at getting students involved with community work, and was how she initially heard about the WSP program. She was drawn in by the combination of educational and community outreach involved, having previous environmental educator experience from working with various land trusts and interpretation in the Redwood National Park. She loves sharing her knowledge with others and is most excited for hands-on fieldwork with CDFW where she will be able to learn more about her local watersheds from highly experienced professionals. Outside of work, Anna considers herself a self-taught naturalist. She enjoys backroad botanizing, tide pooling for nudibranchs, and working on her photography. She is always looking for a new hike or backpacking trip to challenge herself and more ecosystems to explore. 

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Edgar Cruz

Placed at: California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Arcata

University of California Santa Cruz, B.A. Environmental Studies, Emphasis: Natural History, Land Stewardship, Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems; B.A. Art, Emphasis: Photography and Photo-based Printmaking; 2nd Year Corpsmember

Edgar is an ecologist, land steward, and artist who was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles (unceded Tongva land) and descends from the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca (Cajonos Zapoteco). He is currently serving his second year with the Watershed Stewards Program (WSP) due to its focus on watershed improvement and recovery through community education, land stewardship, and hands-on field research. In his first WSP term at CDFW Big Sur, he helped monitor federally threatened Steelhead along the Big Sur coastline. As a second-year Corpsmember at CDFW Arcata, Edgar is honored to be working alongside Coho, Chinook, Steelhead, Cutthroat, and Lamprey in various watersheds throughout California’s North Coast. In addition to his ecological work, Edgar is a visual artist whose artwork examines his relationship to land, space, and environment. Often utilizing organic materials such as plants, sunlight, and water, his monochromatic photographic prints create narratives of intimacy and connection. He has participated in various group exhibitions in Los Angeles and Santa Cruz. Involved in both the art and environmental conservation realms, Edgar hopes to find a profession that bridges his passions and knowledge of art, ecology, and land stewardship.

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Hunter Perez

Placed at: California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Arcata

California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, B.S. Wildlife Biology, Emphasis: Conservation and Management

Hunter is from Oceanside, California in San Diego County. During his undergrad, Hunter volunteered at the Humboldt Wildlife Care Center rehabilitating injured wildlife in the Humboldt area. Post-graduation, he worked as a scientific aid for CDFW for two years and then worked in the private sector as a fisheries biologist doing salmonid habitat typing in creeks throughout Northern California. Hunter chose WSP after having served as a scientific aid through CDFW for two years. One season in the Marine region, and another season in the Freshwater region. While working in the freshwater region at CDFW Arcata, He met two WSP Corpsmembers (Kat and Tiffany) who were placed there and told him about the program and inspired him to join. WSP provides so many unique opportunities from hands-on work with salmonids to habitat conservation, and even public outreach/education. Having graduated with a background in Wildlife and focusing primarily on terrestrial vertebrates, WSP provides great opportunities for those who are looking to start a career in Fisheries and watershed-related fields. Hunter is most looking forward to helping with integrating genetics from wild Steelhead trout into the Mad River’s Hatchery genetic pool, assuring populations are genetically fit for future generations. In his free time, Hunter loves to skateboard and has been skating for 18 years.

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Veronica Klenk

Placed at: California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Arcata

Ramapo College of New Jersey, B.S. Environmental Science

Veronica lived in New Jersey for her whole life before moving to Northern California, to follow her dream of working with Pacific Salmon. She chose to serve with WSP because it offers countless opportunities to learn more about salmonids and meet others who are equally passionate about watershed conservation and environmental stewardship. WSP also provides Veronica with the ability to be of service to her new community, and she is eager for the chance to organize and participate in restoration events. At CDFW Arcata, Veronica is excited to get hands-on experience with salmonids in all stages of their fascinating life cycles while exploring the local watershed and getting involved in the various research projects happening in the area. She hopes to continue her lifelong journey of discovery by attending graduate school after completing her WSP term. Veronica loves being outside and spends her free time hiking, camping, mountain biking, and birdwatching!​

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Cassidy Dupree-Sood

Placed at: Bureau of Land Management, Arcata

Florida State University, B.S. Biological Sciences, Emphasis: Marine Biology & Zoology; Minor: Chemistry

Cassie was born and raised in Virginia and has spent the last few years moving around the east coast pursuing a career in environmental conservation and education. Cassie moved to Humboldt in 2023 and is now beginning her second term of WSP. She chose to remain at her original Placement Site, the Bureau of Land Management, due to the diverse opportunities, supportive office culture, and potential for growth at the Arcata Field Office. Coming from a background in marine biology, Cassie has gone from working with sea turtles, manatees, and tropical reef ecosystems to monitoring threatened Coho Salmon in tributaries deep in the redwoods of the Pacific Northwest. Cassie is looking forward to building on the skills acquired in her first term and dipping her toes into different aspects of conservation such as permitting, NEPA, and the behind-the-scenes of collaborative process-based restoration efforts. In her free time, Cassie is a Holistic Health Coach, yoga instructor, divemaster, and artist… when she’s not reading a fantasy novel.

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Noelle Pickard

Placed at: Bureau of Land Management, Arcata

Georgia Institute of Technology, B.S. History, Technology, and Society; B.S. Literature, Media, and Communication

After serving her first term as a Team Leader, Noelle is excited to take advantage of all the unique opportunities offered to her at the BLM Arcata Field Office. Originally from Atlanta, GA, Noelle discovered a passion for Environmental History and interdisciplinary research during her studies at Georgia Tech. Following the completion of her senior thesis – an environmental history of the Klamath River from 1970 to current dam removal initiatives – she came across WSP and was inspired to apply. Planning to pursue a Ph.D. in History and continue her undergraduate research on restoration policy following this upcoming service term, Noelle is thrilled to have the opportunity to develop professional and technical expertise with WSP. She looks forward to networking with BLM's various partners, expanding her technical field skills, and learning more about the management of public land. participate in hands-on watershed restoration.​​

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Mariah Tofanelli

Placed at: Watershed Stewards Program, Eureka Office

California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, B.S. Environmental Science & Management, Emphasis: Environmental Education & Interpretation; Minor: American Sign Language & Special Populations; Sierra College, A.S. Sustainability Science

After growing up in Sacramento, CA, Mariah made the decision to relocate to Humboldt County, CA, to pursue a B.S. in environmental science. Mariah is deeply passionate about promoting environmental stewardship and awareness through environmental education. Her specific interests lie in place-based learning, graphic interpretation, volunteer coordination, and community-led programs. These passions drew her to WSP and the Eureka Office for a second term, attracted by its impressive track record as a career development program. She saw the opportunity to continue contributing to watershed recovery, environmental education, support her fellow team members, and assist in restoration event planning and coordination. A fun fact about Mariah is her wealth of environmental education experience, which spans Humboldt & Sacramento Counties, Yellowstone National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and even international locations. Outside of work, Mariah enjoys foraging, reading, hiking, and spending quality time with friends.

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Rose Johnasen 

Placed at: Watershed Stewards Program, Eureka Office

California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, B.S. Environmental Science & Management, Concentration: Ecological Restoration; Minor: Hydrology and Watershed Management; Butte College, A.S. Natural Resource Management; A.S. Social and Behavioral Science

Rose Johnasen grew up in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas where she acquired A.S. degrees in Natural Resource Management and Social and Behavioral Science at Butte College. In 2021 she began attending California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, where she obtained a B.S. in Environmental Science with a concentration in Ecological Restoration and a minor in Hydrology and Watershed Management. Rose has been working in the field of ecological restoration since 2015. She’s thrilled to see various ways that WSP integrates watershed recovery and protection, outreach and education, volunteer recruitment, and professional development on a local and statewide level. Rose is passionate about community involvement; education and advocacy; diversity, in every sense; establishing resiliency through holistic approaches; co-creating sustainable solutions; and being effective and impactful with every resource. She looks forward to modeling best practices, planning events and organizing, managing volunteers and outreach, continuously developing team efficacy, supporting Corpsmembers, and building WSP’s capacity. Rose aspires to contribute to supporting the overall success of the Watershed Stewards Program, to promote ecological and communal prosperity, and to develop and enhance her personal knowledge, expertise, and network.

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Liam Hay

Placed at: CA Department of Fish & Wildlife Coastal Watershed Planning and Assessment Program

California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, B.S. Environmental Science and Management, Emphasis: Ecological Restoration

Liam is originally from Topanga, California, and moved to Humboldt County for school. Liam chose to serve another term with WSP to further his experience and knowledge of the local ecology and watersheds within Northern California. Liam is looking forward to expanding his work within the Eel River basin, particularly prior to the planned dam removal. Liam has found that the program aligns and expands his goals regarding community engagement, environmental education, and networking opportunities. Liam is excited to continue working on habitat enhancement projects but is especially excited about snorkel surveys on the Eel River.

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Stella Baumstone

Placed at: CA Department of Fish & Wildlife Coastal Watershed Planning and Assessment Program

California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, B.A. Environmental Studies, Emphasis: Ecology and Conservation

Stella is a non-native settler who grew up on unceded Sinkyone land in now-called Southern Humboldt County, where the South Fork Eel and Mattole rivers are an integral point of community. Her upbringing instilled in her a love of the river, and she is excited to spend the next year helping to monitor salmonid species in these watersheds. Stella is a recent graduate of Cal Poly Humboldt, where her studies focused on environmental justice, political ecology, knowledge production, and ecological restoration. Her education helped her to understand the connections between settler colonialism in California and declining fish populations. Stella chose to serve with WSP because it offers a wealth of hands-on experience and opportunities to interact with the community. She is most looking forward to exploring and learning more about the Eel River, and gaining experience in fisheries monitoring.​​

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Christine Burchinal

Placed at: California Conservation Corps / Eel River Watershed Improvement Group

University of Portland, B.S. Environmental Science, Emphasis: Earth Science; Minor: Sustainability

Christine is originally from San Jose, California, and attended college in Portland, Oregon. It seemed only fitting, then, that she would find her way to Northern California, conveniently positioned between both places that shaped her journey. Through her studies and work in the Pacific Northwest, she developed an understanding of and appreciation for the ecological, cultural, and economic significance of salmon. Now, she’s eager to apply her knowledge in hands-on restoration efforts within the stunning Eel River Watershed. She’s especially thrilled to organize the annual environmental education fair, Creek Days, in the spring. She is looking forward to a career as an environmental professional and to continue working in the field of natural resource management and conservation. In her free time, she enjoys connecting with friends, cooking, exploring the farmers market, and playing ultimate frisbee.​​​​​​

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Barbara Larrondo-Soto

Placed at: California Conservation Corps / Eel River Watershed Improvement Group

California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, B.S. Wildlife Biology, Concentration: Conservation and Management; Minor Scientific Diving

Barbara is originally from Richmond, California. She moved to Humboldt County in 2018 to study wildlife biology and conservation. Although she moved away after graduating, the redwood coast’s branches and fog reeled her back to the area. She chose to serve with WSP to gain skills in areas she has less experience in, especially fisheries biology and found the program to be an incredible way to expand and create a dynamic skillset between environmental conservation, fieldwork, and education. She is excited to work alongside the California Conservation Corps (CCC) and Eel River Watershed Improvement Group (ERWIG) and better understand the scope of monitoring, project design, implementation and grant writing a nonprofit does, as well as plan the environmental education fair, Creek Days. She is hoping to contribute to her local community and make environmental education more accessible for non-native English speakers. An interesting fact about her is that she speaks Spanish and loves anything frog-related!​​​​

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Marwah Dawoody

Placed at: North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board

University of California, Santa Cruz, B.A. Environmental Studies; 2nd Year WSP Corpsmember

Marwah originally grew up in Southern California before moving up to Santa Cruz to study environmental studies at UCSC. There, she developed a passion for California’s many watershed systems and wetlands and the unique role they play in the bigger ecological picture. Her first year with WSP at CCWG & WWW further fostered this passion through wetland monitoring and restoration work along the Central Coast. She is excited to serve her 2nd year of WSP with the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (NCRWQCB) where she will continue wetland monitoring throughout the North Coast while gaining more experience with data analysis and policy development. A fun fact about Marwah is that she was originally an art major, and she still pursues painting and printmaking in her free time.

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Lou Guionnet

Placed at: North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board

University of Hawaii at Manoa, B.S. Marine Biology

Lou grew up in Palo Alto, camping with her parents in the Russian River and Yosemite and scuba diving in Monterey Bay. She continued her studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, following her passion for the ocean and earning a BS in Marine Biology. Lou focused on corals and other benthic creatures ending her studies looking a microplastics and their effects on the development of benthic larvae. Lou chose to serve with WSP to work alongside policymakers and data collectors to protect the unique ecosystems she grew up with and conserve the key resources of the land and waters. Being able to work with and learn from leading figures in major environmental protection agencies, NGOs and labs is a singular opportunity WSP offers to young aspiring professionals. Working at the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board Placement Site she is eager to delve into data visualization through GIS, learn more about the work that goes into permitting projects, and work with data in R to improve the Scott and Shasta watersheds. Lou enjoys nature through running, hiking, skiing and especially loves to dive. She hopes to add climbing and biking to the list and explore the beautiful area around Santa Rosa.

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​​​​​​​​​Val Kostelnik

Placed at: Point Reyes National Seashore

University of Vermont, B.S. Natural Resources, Focus on Forestry and Soil Ecology

Val was born and raised in Bolinas, California, at the southern tip of the Point Reyes Peninsula. He grew up in the valley of Pine Gulch Creek, and now gets to hike up and down that creek for his job! His Placement Site is Point Reyes National Seashore, where most fisheries work is on Coho Salmon. Val studied Natural Resources at the University of Vermont, with a focus on forestry and soil ecology, and though Vermont is beautiful he is thrilled to be back home. Despite this terrestrial background, Val has long been fascinated with water as a natural resource in California, where water is so scarce it is invaluable. WSP has helped him enter the water world of California and get to know the people and institutions involved not only in fisheries management but also in natural science work as a whole. And of course, become a small part in the life cycle of the incredible, mysterious fish we call salmon!

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Justin Jang

Placed at: Point Reyes National Seashore

University of California, Santa Cruz, B.A. Environmental Studies and Biology

Justin is from Pasadena, California. He fell in love with the outdoors from backpacking the San Gabriel Mountains. He recently graduated in the spring of 2024 from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Biology. He is interested in applying computational tools to ecological problems. For his senior research project, he created an ArcGIS solution to predict which areas of the UC Santa Cruz campus are most likely to cause bird-window collisions. He has volunteered for labs involving human-microbe relations, bioinformatics, and freshwater ecology. This summer, he completed a field study with the National University of Singapore investigating the impacts of development on coral health and fish diversity in Pulau Tioman, Malaysia. Justin has no prior salmon experience but is excited to learn all about them throughout the WSP term and looks forward to meeting the wider community and working together to preserve local natural resources. After WSP, Justin intends to pursue a Ph.D. somewhere in California and backpack the entire Pacific Crest Trail. Justin’s favorite animal is the praying mantis because it is the insect with the greatest range of motion in its neck (~180° rotation!!!)​

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​Emma Railey

Placed at: Marin Water Fisheries Program

International Master of Science (M.S.) in Marine Biological Resources, Concentration: Marine Habitat Restoration; Cornell University, B.S. Environmental and Sustainability Sciences, Concentration: Environmental Biology and Applied Ecology

Emma was born on the Delmarva Peninsula and migrated up and down the eastern coast, primarily residing in upstate New York and eastern North Carolina. Regardless of where she has landed, Emma has always been drawn to the water, salty or not, and studying the wildlife that lives underneath the surface, including mussels, humpback whales, and seagrass, to name a few. After several years spent in academia, Emma is excited to join WSP and contribute to the invaluable data collection and salmonid monitoring being done by Marin Water. She is especially interested in conserving vital habitats for local species through a combination of research, place-based knowledge, and management. Emma is also thrilled to be a part of such a diverse, motivated cohort united by shared passions. When they are not in the creek, you can find Emma on a walk with their dog, searching for treasures at the local thrift store, reading a sci-fi/fantasy novel, or playing in the ocean.​

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Elena Campell

Placed at: Marin Water Fisheries Program

University of California, Berkeley, B.S. Environmental Sciences, Concentration: Biological Science

Elena has spent her life in various places around the Bay Area: she grew up in Redwood City, studied at UC Berkeley, and is now serving at Marin Water. Elena has always been drawn to water, leading her to join a freshwater ecology lab where she discovered a love for aquatic organisms. Eager to work more with fish, Elena studied Coho Smolt outmigration in the Lagunitas Creek watershed for their senior thesis. This work led her to the Marin Water Placement Site, where she is now working in Lagunitas Creek! Elena is excited to deepen their connection to this watershed and better understand the ecological processes and restoration projects taking place in Lagunitas Creek. Additionally, they are excited about the breadth of experiences that WSP offers through Placement Site activities, site sharing, WOW!, and WAVE; and is looking forward to making personal and professional connections with others in this field. In their free time, Elena enjoys bird photography and picking up trash on neighborhood walks!​​​​

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Neva Richardson

Placed at: San Francisco Estuary Institute 

Smith College, B.A. Environmental Science & Policy, Emphasis: Environmental Design; Minor: Landscape Studies

Neva was born and raised in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. She moved to the San Francisco Bay
Area after graduating from Smith College. Neva has worked for the San Francisco Bay Regional
Water Quality Control Board in the Toxics Cleanup Division and the California Department of
Fish and Wildlife in the Fisheries Program as an Environmental Scientist. Neva chose to serve
with WSP because she wanted to broaden and deepen her knowledge and experience in water
quality monitoring and data analysis. WSP offers the opportunity to gain high-quality and
hands-on experience in the watershed management field. Neva is looking forward to fieldwork
days on the boat in the San Francisco Bay and learning from her mentors and the Clean Water
Team staff at SFEI. In her free time, Neva loves to go trail running, swimming, camping, exploring
new towns, and attending community events.​

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Brandon Castillo

Placed at: San Francisco Estuary Institute 

University of California, Berkeley, B.S. Computer Science

Brandon Castillo is from North Highlands, CA (near Sacramento). He went to UC Berkeley and majored in Computer Science. Brandon joined WSP for an opportunity to pivot their career towards something more engaged in environmentalism while having mentorship and guidgance in a new field. Following this experience, they hope to pivot their career to environmental work and go to grad school. At SFEI, they hope to learn a lot more about the protection of the bodies of water in the Bay Area, and see how scientists are able to apply their research in a practical way. Outside of work, Brandon likes to drive around the country exploring its beautiful landscapes and hiking around whenever they can.

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Christopher Lopez

Placed at: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Lodi

University of California, Davis, B.S. Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology

Christopher is an aspiring fish and wetland biologist from Paramount, California. He recently graduated from UC Davis and earned his B.S. in Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology. He has worked on numerous habitat restoration projects along the coasts of Southern California prior to moving to Davis. While a student, he worked as a research assistant for the Fish Conservation Physiology Lab (FCPL), where he helped with experiments and reared Chinook Salmon and Sturgeon. Chris chose to serve with WSP because of the amazing fieldwork opportunities and mentorship that this program provides. He is also eager to contribute to the same community he works in whether in the classroom or in the field. Chris hopes to gain a lot of experience in the various fish sampling methods that the Lodi U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducts. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys cycling, geocaching, screen printing, and sharing meals with his friends!​​

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Phoebe Bertran

Placed at: US Fish & Wildlife Service, Lodi

University of California, Santa Cruz, B.A. Environmental Studies, Concentration: Conservation Science and Policy

Phoebe is originally from Nevada City, California. She recently graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a B.A. in Environmental Studies focusing on Conservation Science and Policy. Growing up spending lots of time outdoors and around rivers and streams, she gained a love for protecting and preserving nature. She chose WSP to pursue these passions as well as grow professionally from the opportunities to research, educate, and experience working in the field. At USFWS Lodi she is looking forward to increasing her knowledge of both native and invasive fish species within the Delta and working closely with professionals in the field. In her free time, Phoebe loves to ski, hike, bike, and explore the great outdoors!​​

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Alison Arntz

Placed at: US Fish & Wildlife Service, Lodi

University of California, Santa Cruz, B.A. Environmental Studies, Concentration: Agroecology; Minor: History of Art and Visual Culture

Alison is from Sonoma, California, and went to the University of California, Santa Cruz. She graduated with a degree in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Agroecology, and minored in History of Art and Visual Culture, generally focusing on the food systems and lifeways of indigenous American cultures, and how the natural environment shapes culture. Alison has worked in outdoor education and was drawn to WSP because of the unique balance of scientific fieldwork, community outreach, and education, within the ever-important context of watershed restoration. She is looking forward to serving at the US Fish and Wildlife office in Lodi, getting to know and advocate for the unique and sensitive species within the Sacramento River Delta, such as the federally endangered Delta Smelt. Additionally, she is excited to spend time on the water and to learn boat operating skills and techniques. Alison is a skilled fiber artist and is passionate about heirloom gardening, herbalism, prehistoric anthropology, and all kinds of music and dance.​​​

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Emilisa Chea 

Placed at: San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board

University of Davis California, B.S. Environmental Science and Resource Management, Emphasis: Natural Resource Management

Emilisa is from Oakland, California and during their academic career, they gained hands-on experience as a Lab Assistant at the UC Davis Wastewater Treatment Plant and conducted vital water quality testing/data analysis for the Davis campus and Putah Creek. Additionally, they led operations at the UC Davis Student Farm Market Garden, overseeing organic crop production, mentoring peers, and managing community-supported agriculture sales. Emilisa chose to serve with WSP to involve herself with environmental conservation within the community she grew up in and have the unique opportunity to network across different environmental sectors.  She looks forward to participating in water quality monitoring in the Bay Area and supporting urban salmonid habitat. ​

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Sasha Mariniuk

Placed at: San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board

University of California, Santa Cruz, B.A. Environmental Studies, Concentration: Biology

Sasha was born and raised in the Bay Area and is currently living in San Jose. He recently graduated from UC Santa Cruz with an Environmental Studies degree with a concentration in Biology. Sasha was lucky enough to become a Scientific Aide with the SF Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board in the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Division, which gave him an understanding of how municipal and industrial wastewater are managed. Knowing that he was looking for more field experience, the Watershed Stewards Program felt like the perfect step in Sasha's career as it would allow him to round out his professional skills in and out of the office. Sasha is most looking forward to learning about all the unique projects happening at the Water Board and exploring personal interests in water resource management. Outside of his service, Sasha spends the majority of his time competing in sports and is an avid Spikeball player.​​

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Bella Nishihira

Placed at: Grassroots Ecology

San José State University, B.A Environmental Studies; Minor: Environmental Restoration

Bella is originally from Union City, CA, and chose to serve with WSP because it closely aligns with her career goals and personal aspirations. She fell in love with the outdoors from a young age doing activities such as camping and hiking which helped stir her passion for environmental stewardship. During her undergraduate studies, Bella worked as a research assistant on a project that focused on the resilience and equitability of urban streams within Bay Area counties. She hopes that WSP will provide her with valuable skills such as community engagement, education, and field-based learning which she can apply to her career. She is excited to be placed with Grassroots Ecology because of their unique approach to ecological restoration and to expand her knowledge about native plants and various restoration techniques. ​​

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Jo Larsen

Placed at: Grassroots Ecology

California State University, Chico B.S Environmental Science, Emphasis: Hydrology

A born and raised San Jose resident, Jo developed a deep connection with the local ecosystem, from the San Lorenzo Garden of Eden to Alviso Slough. Her love for water and commitment to water quality grew through her experiences living in the Bay Area and taking hydrology classes at Chico State. This led Jo to work in the environmental chemistry lab on campus, where she joined her professor and academic advisor in measuring nutrients in agricultural runoff as part of the Soil Carbon Accrual Project. Driven by this passion, Jo joined the Watershed Stewards Program (WSP) to explore how she can impact California's waterways through restoration, community engagement, and education. WSP offers the unique opportunity to wear many hats and gain diverse skills and knowledge—straight out of college—through various sites across California. At Grassroots Ecology, Jo is excited to learn more about the role of native plants in stabilizing stream banks and fostering a healthy ecosystem. Additionally, she is excited to engage her local community and inspire the next generation of land stewards. An avid hiker, snowboarder, kayaker, and surfer, Jo is hoping to connect her fellow outdoor enthusiasts with the health of our local ecosystems and the biosphere as a whole.​​

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​​Daphne Ganter

Placed at: NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center

University of California, Santa Cruz, B.S. Marine Biology

Daphne grew up in Lafayette, California in the East Bay. She moved to Santa Cruz to attend UC Santa Cruz for college where she graduated this past year with a major in Marine Biology. Daphne chose to serve as a WSP Corpsmember to kickstart her early career in environmental science and become exposed to a space where conservation meets scientific practices. Daphne is grateful to be a part of a program that excels in preserving our beloved watersheds while educating the public on the importance of these ecosystems. She believes that our natural world must be protected in the midst of climate change and is proud to be participating in the conservation of watersheds and the restoration of native species throughout California. In particular, Daphne believes that the Watershed Stewardship program provides young adults at the beginning of their career experience and insight into the field of environmental science and education, introducing them to a network of opportunities for them to expand and further their emerging success. At NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Daphne is thrilled to be a part of the conservation initiative helping the endangered and threatened salmonid species that inhabit Santa Cruz watersheds. She loves working in the field and is excited to spend most of her days trekking through the creek while interacting with and observing fish. Overall, Daphne is a huge animal lover who has two cats and a dog who she loves spending time with. She also enjoys visiting local farms and petting the animals as she hopes to one day have a farm of her own.​

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Lucy Ihnken

Placed at: NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center

University of California, Santa Cruz, B.S. Marine Biology

Lucy is from Berkeley, California and she graduated in June 2024 with a B.S. in Marine Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz.   At UCSC, she interned at her current Placement Site, working directly with WSP members to monitor and process data from the Coho and Steelhead salmonids in the Lifecycle Monitoring Station. WSP provides an amazing opportunity for her to learn about and protect local watersheds. This hands-on work is fulfilling and fun, plus it offers a wealth of experience in various skills. She is most looking forward to being outside every day and getting her hands on as many fish as possible. An interesting fact about her is that she can accurately locate and label every country on a blank map of the world.  ​​​​​

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Petra Boester

Placed at: The Central Coast Wetlands Group

University of California, Santa Cruz, B.A. Environmental Studies, Emphasis: Conservation Science and Policy; 2nd Year WSP Corpsmember

Petra was born and raised in the Bay Area and grew up in the foggy town of  Half Moon Bay. While at UCSC, Petra worked in field research in a plant disease lab and an animal behavioral lab. In her final quarter at UCSC, Petra chose to study abroad in Costa Rica, where she fell in love with the tropical rainforest and vibrant coral reefs. Petra is excited to serve a second term of service with WSP at Central Coast Wetlands Group in Monterey, which specializes in wetland monitoring and restoration. Additionally, with the partner organization Coastal Conservation & Research,  Petra is eager to increase her knowledge of wetland ecosystems and gain hands-on experience conducting monitoring and restoration of the estuary habitat of Monterey County. During her free time, Petra enjoys hiking, trail running, scuba diving, backpacking, mountain biking, and competing in triathlons. 

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Jaden Schrock

Placed at: The Central Coast Wetlands Group

University of California, Santa Cruz, B.A. Environmental Studies, Emphasis: Conservation Science and Environmental Policy

Jaden grew up in Sonoma County, but she has been residing in the Santa Cruz mountains for several years now. While in junior college, Jaden worked as the stewardship coordinator for Friends of the Petaluma River, a small nonprofit in her hometown. During her time at UCSC, Jaden worked as a habitat restoration field assistant at Younger Lagoon Reserve, where she helped to restore the property’s freshwater wetland, coastal prairie, and coastal scrub communities. Jaden chose to serve with WSP because of the valuable field experience and mentorships the program provides. She is looking forward to learning more about wetland ecology and conservation at her Placement Site. In her free time, Jaden loves to camp, garden, and hike with her dog.

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Jack Tierney

Placed at: Watershed Stewards Program, San Luis Obispo Office

California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, B.S. Anthropology and Geography, Concentration: Public Health

Jack was born and raised in Santa Cruz, CA where his love for the outdoors began.
His education at Cal Poly SLO allowed him to explore how humans interact with and are shaped by the environment from a cross-cultural perspective. He chose to serve with WSP to gain further insight into how organizations work to improve watershed quality and foster community engagement in the environmental movement. Jack looks forward to exploring communities throughout his Southern CA district and gaining insights into how different organizations try to mend our earth. As a Team Leader in San Luis Obispo, he is looking forward to connecting with Corpsmembers, inspiring local students through WOW!, and learning about the fascinating salmonid life cycle. 
In his free time, Jack enjoys surfing, mountain biking, chicken pot pies, tennis and backpacking.

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Aaron Reingold

Placed at: Watershed Stewards Program, San Luis Obispo Office

California Conservation Corps, Los Padres District, Crewleader; Natural Resources Specialist; Legislative Intern

Aaron Reingold hails from San Diego, California. After high school, they moved to San Luis Obispo to enroll in the California Conservation Corps, focusing on forestry health, riparian habitat restoration, and education. Aaron joined WSP to learn about program development and coordination in the environmental field. They are excited to engage local community members in watershed protection. Using the experience gained in WSP, they hope to start a career in state service. In their free time, Aaron likes to play the piano.

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Maeve Gallagher

Placed at: San Luis Obispo Steelhead Initiative

University of Puget Sound, B.S. Geology

Maeve grew up in Berkeley, CA, and went to school at the University of Puget Sound where she got a B.S. in geology. She spent her summers in college working as a whitewater rafting guide in the Pacific Northwest, and there began to fall in love with rivers and understand the importance of protecting salmonids. Her undergraduate work focused on hydrogeology and freshwater biogeochemistry, and she joined WSP to add to her knowledge base and learn more about freshwater ecology while gaining hands-on experience in the field. She is looking forward to the opportunity to learn all she can about Steelhead Trout and riparian ecosystems and to work with many different mentors at her diverse Placement Site in San Luis Obispo. In her free time, Maeve loves to be doing anything outside and with friends, and she's at her happiest deep in a river canyon.

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Shannon Swan

Placed at: San Luis Obispo Steelhead Initiative

University of California, Santa Cruz, B.A. Environmental Studies, Emphasis: Conservation Science and Policy

Shannon is from Southern California and went to school at UCSC. There, she studied environmental studies with a concentration in conservation science. She joined WSP because she wants hands-on work in conservation. During her time at Santa Cruz, she fell in love with conservation science and now can't wait to learn more about freshwater ecology. She is most excited for days in the creeks working with Steelhead and working with all the different partners at her Placement Site in SLO SI. Shannon loves hikes, camping, and anything that involves being outside in nature. Her favorite place in the world is Avenue of the Giants up by Humboldt. 

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Joe Mendoza

Placed at: California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Santa Barbara

California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, B.S. Wildlife Ecology, Concentration: Conservation and Management

Joe was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. He moved throughout the county and eventually settled down in Santa Clarita, CA. After Joe’s completion of his high school G.E.D., Joe sought to pursue higher education. He started enrolling in courses for transfer at his local community college to contribute towards his goal of completing his bachelor’s degree. After much deliberation, Joe enrolled in the Wildlife program at Cal Poly Humboldt to pursue his bachelor’s degree in Wildlife ecology, conservation, and management. Upon further research, Joe set his eyes on joining the Year 31 cohort for WSP. He felt that both his goals and the WSP’s aligned perfectly with his career ambitions as Joe had been looking to add Fisheries related work to his resume. For Joe, wildlife conservation and management are important not only for the people of this world but for the native wildlife that has inhabited the planet and its respective ecosystems. With human development changing the way ecosystems function and process, Joe thinks that it is vital to see how ecosystems and different forms of wildlife correlate with one another and how we can find ways that benefit both sides seamlessly. In Joe’s perspective’ WSP provides young professionals valuable tools and skills that will benefit them in their various environmental careers paths whilst setting examples for the younger generations that come after us. Not only does Joe think that WSP provides valuable tools and skills but provides the ability to reach outreach to those interested in science related to natural resources and its many flavors. For a while, Joe had been looking forward to getting the opportunity to work in Santa Barbara specifically with the California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW). CDFW had been on Joe’s radar for a while so when he saw the opportunity to work with endangered Steelhead in the County of Santa Barbara, he didn’t hesitate to apply. Joe had some kind words to say about his fellow WSP members and co-workers at the CDFW office in Santa Barbara stating: “I love coming into the office every day and getting to chat with my fellow co-workers and WSP members about fish. There is just something about fish that has always piqued my interest since I was a little kid so getting the opportunity to work with CDFW fisheries professionals is such a great experience. Everyone at the office is very supportive and wants us to succeed and it feels great knowing that we are doing everything in our power to help endangered species such as Oncorhynchus mykiss hopefully rebound back to their historic numbers.” On his off days, Joe loves fishing, camping, and visiting different food spots as he is a big foodie. In general, Joe loves the outdoors and loves to take the time to enjoy the planet and its many wonders. Joe plans on eventually becoming a wildlife biologist for the US Geological Survey and hopes to work with amphibians and fish in the Pacific Northwest. He hopes to eventually find stability in his wildlife career endeavors and plans to eventually call a place home.​

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Summer Seligmann

Placed at: California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Santa Barbara

 Loyola University Chicago, Masters of Public Policy; B.A. Environmental Policy; Minor: Political Science 

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Summer came to Southern California last year to pursue a career in environmental restoration and conservation. She is driven to protect our planet and wants to understand all aspects of environmental stewardship – from political advocacy to hands-on watershed restoration. Summer chose to serve with WSP to deepen her understanding of our waterways and what we can do to protect them. She is most excited about the diverse experience WSP offers Corpsmembers. At the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Santa Barbara, Summer will be doing a mix of Steelhead surveys, public volunteer events, classroom education, and upland restoration with the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy. Summer’s favorite animal is a Double-crested Cormorant, and if she was a fish, she would be a Northern Pike!

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Alex Dixon

Placed at: California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Santa Barbara

University of California, Santa Barbara, B.S. Geohydrology

Alex grew up in Boulder Colorado but studied Geohydrology at UCSB. He chose to serve with WSP in order to gain important river restoration experience, as he ultimately hopes to go into water management with a focus on dam removal. He also thinks trout are cool. Alex is inspired by books on the water history of the American West as well as personal canyoneering and kayaking experiences. He is looking forward to sharing some of that inspiration in his WOW! Curriculum, and is also stoked for steep exciting creek hikes during Redd surveys this winter. Alex is a test tube baby (and a twin). 

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Ninah Munk

Placed at: California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Santa Barbara

University of California, Santa Barbara. M.S. Ecology, Evolution, & Marine Biology; University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa B.S. Marine Biology

Ninah earned her B.S. in Marine Biology from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa where she became fascinated with coral reef ecology. After graduating from college, she was employed as a research technician at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology and conducted post-baccalaureate research on the resilience of coral early life histories to thermal stress. Ninah continued studying coral ecology in French Polynesia as a graduate student at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her thesis entitled “Host and Symbiont Physiology During Wound Regeneration in Acropora pulchra under Warming Conditions” demonstrates how high regenerative capacity underscores coral resilience. In addition to pursuing research, Ninah particularly enjoyed the service aspects of her role as a graduate student, including serving on departmental committees and mentoring undergraduates. As a Corpsmember of the Watershed Stewards Program, Ninah is excited to apply her training as an ecologist to natural resource conservation, learn from natural resource professionals and practitioners, and engage in hands-on watershed stewardship in her home state of California.

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Dray Banfield

Placed at: Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains

University of Washington, B.A. Environmental Studies; Minor: Writing 

Dray is from San Francisco. She moved to Seattle to attend the University of Washington and receive a BA in Environmental Studies and a minor in Writing. Dray chose to serve with WSP because she saw it as an opportunity to give back to the state that has given her everything. Growing up in California allowed Dray to explore a diverse range of environments and immerse herself fully in truly vibrant natural spaces. Seeing events like wildfires and floods tear apart some of the most robust ecosystems across California and the world drove Dray to pursue a career that would protect these spaces and allow them to thrive. Dray believes WSP provides a unique opportunity to engage directly with some of the most crucial habitats in the state while also working with communities to share knowledge about the significance of California watersheds. Dray is grateful to be working with the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains because it uses a holistic approach to environmental action by tapping into areas including biological research, education, media, and wildfire resilience. Dray loves the ocean and has sailed across the equator!

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