WSP Staff 

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Zia Schatz  

Program Manager for the Watershed Stewards Program  

Mentor since 2014 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

Corpsmembers who are clarifying their personal and professional life path bring a passion to the workplace that is refreshing and regenerating each new term. Team Leaders are in a unique role, supporting Corpsmembers in the field and taking the time to help each one connect to the overarching WSP mission. Watching Team Leaders engage with students and the public through outreach events, classroom lessons, and field trips is very rewarding. Their diligence and bravery in approaching teaching are amazing to witness. 

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

WSP is a special program of the California Conservation Corps and AmeriCorps which is a uniquely run organization with plenty of opportunity for collaboration with staff and professional development. Watching Team Leaders grow in this unique environment gives me endless appreciation for their service and heart. Team Leaders contribute diverse and fresh perspectives on program goals, as well as provide a model of willingness and positive action for our environment. 

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Jason Lopiccolo 

Program Coordinator, Region I for the Watershed Stewards Program 

Mentor since 2021 

  

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

I’ve had the tremendous fortune to mentor young professionals in the Natural Resources field both as an educator and teaching college lab courses in the biological sciences. Now I oversee WSP as the Program Coordinator for Region I and Mentor to the two WSP Eureka Team Leaders. The most rewarding part of this is helping mentees find out what they’re passionate about and connecting them to the resources they need to realize their professional goals in a meaningful and fulfilling way. 

  

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

As a professional development program for Corpsmembers are at the “core” of what we do. WSP staff can offer a wide breadth of organizational and institutional support for Corpsmembers, but they’re the ones who are out there doing the important, boots-on-the-ground work that makes WSP such a success. The Team Leaders placed at WSP offices act as important liaisons for WSP staff and other Corpsmembers and help to make WSP run smoothly. 

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Jody Weseman 

Program Coordinator, Region II for the Watershed Stewards Program 

Mentor since 2011 

  

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

I enjoy helping young leaders develop their professional voices and increase their capacity as resourceful community activists. I have the honor to work with driven, passionate, and articulate individuals who inspire me to grow further each year. I embrace my opportunity to provide WSP Corpsmembers with a platform to educate Californians about our fragile ecosystems and provide meaningful outlets to truly address climate change. 

  

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

As a WSP staff member/Mentor since 2011, I can say with certainty that WSP Corpsmembers drive WSP, and Team Leaders assist staff in steering! It is reinvigorating to onboard new Corpsmembers each year and feed off the optimistic/motivated energy of our younger generations. Together we create a wonderful community of environmental stewards. 

 

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Madeleine Roberts

Office Manager for the Watershed Stewards Program  

  

• What do you find most rewarding about being a WSP staff?

It's an incredibly impactful program for both Corpsmembers and the communities we engage with. There is a diverse array of opportunities to choose from, catering to the unique interests and needs of young adults from all backgrounds. As part of the team, I take pride in contributing to this larger mission by supporting the various programs and opportunities available to our Corpsmembers. While my role may not involve direct mentoring, I get to witness the positive outcomes of our collective efforts. Knowing that our work contributes to a more vibrant and resilient California that enhances the quality of life for surrounding communities, is truly gratifying!

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Alison Cordera

Materials Manager for the Watershed Stewards Program  

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a WSP staff?

Although I have only been with the Watersheds Stewards Program for a few months now, it has been tremendously rewarding so far. When I first started with the program, it was mainly being able to contribute to the restoration of our local watersheds and fisheries. But as I meet and interact more with the Corpsmembers, Team Leaders, Mentors, and other WSP members, it has become even more rewarding getting to know them and building a sense of community with like-minded people. At the end of the day, I know that our program is having a positive impact on our environment and our communities.

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California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Yreka

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Domenic Guidice  

 

Klamath River Project at California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Yreka 

Mentor since 2018 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

As a Mentor, I enjoy introducing new members to the joys and challenges of fisheries work. I enjoy seeing new members develop an appreciation for our natural resources. 

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

WSP Corpsmembers help to complete several field projects while completing individual assignments as well. These individual assignments help create and maintain important working relationships with the local community.  

 

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Rosemary Romero (she/her/hers)

Environmental Scientist with the Klamath Watershed Program

Mentor since 2023  

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• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals?

Learning about each Corpsmember's career goals and ensuring they are getting the most out of their experience at our site, so they are prepared for the next step in their career as Environmental Professionals.    

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• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization?

WSP Corpsmembers contribute to long-term fisheries datasets which are valuable to local communities, the state of California, tribal governments & organizations, neighboring states, and federal government agencies throughout the Klamath Basin.  They enhance our ability to maintain these datasets while bringing and sharing enthusiastic energy and diverse perspectives on the work we are doing. 

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Crystal Robinson

Klamath Watershed Program Environmental Scientist Supervisor

AmeriCorps member 2001-2003; Mentor since 2022

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• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals?

It is exciting to introduce young professionals to the field of biology. They offer new perspectives outside the usual box we all have been working in for decades. 

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• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization?

WSP has brought educated scientists to our remote part of the world where it is often hard to find qualified individuals. Many of them have stayed on to work in the Klamath basin and their experience with fieldwork, as well as outreach and education, is a real asset to the natural resources. 

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Yurok Tribe Environmental Department  

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Josh Cahill (he/him/his) 

Environmental Protection Specialist-Water Quality 

WSP mentor since 2022 

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• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resources professionals?  

While it is rewarding to see the excitement and astonishment on new Corpsmembers’ faces when taking them into seldom-trodden work sites, the most fulfilling aspect of being a Mentor is exposing enthusiastic, budding professionals to the cultural significance and community impact of natural resource management. It is also gratifying to share my knowledge and experience with someone building their career path.  

• Share a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization?  

Having WSP has allowed us to split into more crews and complete more fieldwork. Training new WSP corpsmembers has also reinforced Yurok Environmental staff in our individual areas of professional expertise.  

 

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Louisa McCovey

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• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resources professionals?  

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• Share a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization?

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California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Arcata 

 

Colin Anderson

Environmental Scientist 

WSP Alumnus, Years 3 & 4

Mentor since 2015 (Working with Corpsmembers since 2000) 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

Seeing the growth in Corpsmembers is very rewarding. They come in wide-eyed and open to experience, then learn about working with fish and working as a team. We have a really amazing team here – really they are all Mentors. 

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

Having Corpsmembers at our site helps us stay fresh – by training someone who has never done this work before, Corpsmembers bring something new to the team and help us keep it real. I am constantly learning from them, and they help keep it exciting and fun. They also help remind us of our connection to the community, through the Watershed Awareness Volunteer Event. Without WSP, sometimes that connection gets lost, because we are so focused on the work we are doing here. 

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John Deibner-Hanson

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• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resources professionals?  

​It is very difficult to choose just one thing. The most rewarding components of mentorship inevitably come down to a tie between contributing to ecological serial reciprocities by taking what my mentors (WSP and otherwise) of the past gave me, molding and adapting it into something new and useful, passing it on to new members, and watching them take it, change it and keep pushing forward—and all of the leftover ice cream after WAVE events.​

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• Share a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization?

​Without Watershed Stewards gracing us with their efforts each year, I’m afraid we—as an office, an agency, and as fellow stewards of our watersheds—would become what I fear most:  Slowly aging humans growing further out of touch with the generations that will inevitably fill our shoes, and thus, with the best paths towards recoveries of many marvelous fish species. WSP Corpsmembers add an indispensable fresh and youthful perspective to our work as fish biologists and ecologists.

 

Seth Ricker 

Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

Site Supervisor since 2000 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

The best, most satisfying Corpsmembers are the ones who make the most growth during their time with us. They come in unprepared – for the job, the responsibilities – and they come out the other end being prepared for the real world. Our Site has a pretty good record – most of our Members have stayed in the industry. 

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

I appreciate WSP for a totally pragmatic reason: WSP Corpsmembers vastly increase the capacity for us to do the science we do here and look at it with fresh eyes. 

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Bureau of Land Management, Arcata 

 

Zane Ruddy 

Fish Biologist  

Mentor since 2015 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

I enjoy helping them build the bridge towards a long-term career, and helping them build skills that will make them successful. 

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Members have had on your organization? 

We are an office of individual specialists – we don’t have a “crew”. By having a WSP Member, it is an automatic way for us to double the effort we are putting toward a project. All of a sudden, twice as much can get done! 

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Sam Flanagan 

Geologist  

Mentor since 2015 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

Sharing time with people who are enthusiastic, motivated, and open to bring new ideas and fresh perspectives. 

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

Members improve the quality of work the Site does and are a positive presence. 

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Dan Wooden​​

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• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

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• What is a significant impact that WSP Members have had on your organization? 

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WECC - California Conservation Corps, Fortuna, Eel River Watershed Improvement Group, & Wiyot Tribe Natural Resources Department

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California Conservation Corps, Fortuna 

 

Wren Kaiser (They/Them)  

Project Manager 

WSP Alumni 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

 It’s great to see their enthusiasm for the work they do, professional development, and positive influence on other Corpsmembers.

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

Significant support to salmon restoration project implementation including technical proficiency and ecological/natural resource knowledge that enhances crews’ experiences.

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Brian Starks (he, him, his)  

Fish Habitat Specialist 

WSP Alumni 

Mentor since 2017  

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

The injection of fresh enthusiasm that new Corpsmembers bring every year is invigorating and keeps me on my game. Getting to answer questions about what we do and why we do it always keeps me thinking and helps me learn more about the techniques we use in fisheries restoration. The best ways to learn are to do and to teach, and everyone gets to do both with WSP Corpsmembers at our site! 

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

At the Fortuna CCC, we get the pleasure of having our WSP Corpsmembers put on the Creek Days Environmental Education Fair, which would certainly not happen without WSP. This is a great outreach event that reaches hundreds of elementary school students. The CCC doesn’t often get to educate people at such a young age, so to have that opportunity bodes well for the future of conservation. It is also wonderful to have the Corpsmembers working around traditional CCC Corpsmembers. The presence of WSP raises a great deal of interest in the program and gives our CCC Corpsmembers another very tangible career path to aspire to. 

 

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Eel River Watershed Improvement Group 

 

Isaac Mikus 

Executive Director of the Eel River Watershed Improvement Group.

WSP Mentor since 2017.

WSP Alumni Year 11 and 12

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• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals?

I feel I have a wonderful opportunity to impart the knowledge that I have accumulated over the last two decades about watershed restoration to an incredible, emerging, young workforce of natural resource professionals. Watching them get excited about restoration invigorates my passion for my job.

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

The WSP Corpsmembers who have worked with us have enhanced our restoration impact in enumerable ways. Their overall knowledge and ability to quickly learn technical skills, associated with conducting the groundwork for multiple projects, is priceless in allowing us to complete bigger and better restoration projects. WSP Corpsmembers have also planned and executed our “Creek Days” annual event, which inspires future generations with the love of the natural environment and the science of watershed ecology. We couldn’t do it without them.

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Wiyot Tribe Natural Resources Department

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Marisa McGrew (she/her) 

Fisheries/Natural Resources Specialist

WSP Alumus Year 26

Mentor since 2023 

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• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

As a former WSP Corpsmember, my Mentors played a significant role in my growth in the fisheries and restoration world. They supported me, presented new challenges for me to take on, and encouraged my enthusiasm throughout my term. I hope to do the same now that I’m a Mentor, while also incorporating indigenous knowledge and values. 

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• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

The Wiyot Tribe’s Natural Resources Department is a small but mighty department. I hope WSP Corpsmembers will bring fresh excitement and ideas to the table, and our department looks forward to providing an opportunity for future land resource managers to work alongside tribal land managers and doubling our efforts in all our projects. 

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Adam Canter

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• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

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• What is a significant impact that WSP Members have had on your organization? 

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Department of Fish and Wildlife, Coastal Watershed Planning and Assessment Program  

 

Allan Renger  

Senior Environmental Scientist  

WSP Alumni

Site Supervisor since 2013 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

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• What is a significant impact that WSP Members have had on your organization? 

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David Kajtaniak  

Environmental Scientist 

WSP Alumni

Mentor since 2009 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

I certainly enjoy their excitement and enthusiasm for their field of interest. I also enjoy being able to share and pass along my knowledge and skill set to help further advance their careers. 

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

Our WSP Corpsmembers have greatly helped spread a positive message and image of our Department to members of the public and other resource agencies and non-profits. Through our field surveys, they also provide a significant portion of the data sets that go into the monitoring and research for our programs. 

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Kaydee Boozel

Environmental Scientist

Mentor since 2023

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• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals?   

The most rewarding part is getting to work with and teach new Corpsmembers about fisheries science. It is always a fun and enlightening experience. WSP Corpsmembers generally bring great questions, attitudes, and perspectives into the field and I get to learn from them as well.  

  

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization?

WSP Corpsmembers play a pivotal role in the monitoring programs run through the CWPAP office. Day in and day out they are helping our programs thrive. Whether that is collecting data in the field, entering data, or any other tasks that go into monitoring stream systems, they are there to lend a hand.

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North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board 

 

Lance Le  

Water Resource Control Engineer 

Mentor since 2017 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resourceprofessionals? 

Much of my work is desktop and computer-based, and I enjoy exposing WSP Corpsmembers to computer programming and complex data or GIS analysis. This work requires a lot of problem-solving, introspection, and investigative independence, so seeing Corpsmembers exercise these parts of their minds is a most rewarding experience. Nature is beautiful and learning the abstract and mathematical representations we use to understand nature is its reward and also essential for future careers; helping Corpsmembers with this journey is the best part of being a Mentor for me.  

  

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

WSP Corpsmembers provide much-needed support to orphan projects that have too few staff working on them or require learning new skills that can be a significant time investment. Beyond their Placement Site work, having Corpsmembers just be present encourages our staff to interact across programs/units and out of their silos. 

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Bryan McFadin 

Flow and Riparian Protection Specialist 

Mentor since 2016 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

For me, the most rewarding thing about being a Mentor is working with smart, enthusiastic young professionals. I love the energy WSP Corpsmembers bring to their work, which is inspiring. 

  

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

WSP Corpsmembers have allowed us to do more flow and water quality monitoring than we ever could have accomplished without them. 

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Eli Scott (he/him)

Environmental Scientist

Mentor since 2021

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• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

Sharing experiences that integrate the scientific, social, and cultural aspects of natural resource management. At its best, the field truly integrates all of these elements. When emerging natural resources professionals see that integration in action, I believe it underscores how transformational our field can be.

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

Every single Corpsmember has a significant impact on the North Coast Region. They have all provided foundational support that has furthered our work – from data historical collation and analysis to field sampling to presenting their projects at annual conferences and engaging the public and future generations with their WAVE and WOW! work. Their efforts become a pathway to bring the public closer to the critically important environmental and ecological work the Regional Water Boards do.

 

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Matt St. John

Environmental Program Manager – Climate Specialist

Site Supervisor since 2023 

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• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

I am a strong supporter of the value of on-the-job training for emerging natural resource professionals. I find it rewarding to have a role in helping Corpsmembers hone their technical and professional skills and refine their professional interests and aspirations. In addition, I am energized by the enthusiasm and dedication our Corpsmembers display.  

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• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization?

The Corpsmembers at the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board have made tangible contributions to a variety of water quality and flow-related monitoring and analysis projects, which have contributed to work products shaping important water resource protection policies. 

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Point Reyes National Seashore  

 

Michael Reichmuth 

Fishery Biologist 

Site Supervisor since 2012 (Working with AmeriCorps Members since 2006) 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

I enjoy providing a unique learning experience for young professionals. The biggest challenge for young professionals entering into the field of fisheries management is acquiring relevant field experience. Through this experience, WSP Corpsmembers also learn if they truly have the passion to dedicate their career to natural resource management. However, the biggest reward is seeing previous Corpsmembers become successful managers of their own program and knowing that you helped them to get where they are today. 

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

WSP Corpsmembers have increased the capacity of our program to both collect data on critically endangered Coho salmon and expand the message to the surrounding community. 

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Brentley McNeill 

PRNSA Fisheries Crew Leader

Mentor since 2017 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

One of the most rewarding aspects of working with WSP Members is the challenge it provides, the challenge of becoming a better Mentor, colleague, and steward. I hope the Corpsmembers are challenged in a similar way. It's also rewarding to see our Corpsmembers grow into their positions and become more comfortable and confident as the year progresses. Working alongside Corpsmembers who share an appreciation and respect for the natural world leaves me feeling optimistic about the future of resource conservation.   

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

WSP Corpsmembers are always eager to jump in head first, sometimes literally. Their energy and passion really helped our team hit the ground running and sets a tone for the entire season. Without the Corpsmembers, we could not meet certain monitoring objectives, and the resulting data gaps would limit our ability to assess coho and steelhead populations in Marin County. WSP Corpsmembers also help foster a healthy relationship between the Seashore and local communities through outreach efforts. In addition to WOW! and Watershed Awareness Volunteer Events, Corpsmembers manage Stream Team which provides volunteers another opportunity to improve fish habitat through streamside restoration. Needless to say, our program's scope of work has increased significantly thanks to WSP Corpsmembers.   

 

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US Fish and Wildlife Service, Lodi 

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Jeffrey McLain

Project Leader  

Site Supervisor since 2019

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

It is rewarding to see members gain confidence in the natural resources field and to partner with them in their career pursuits.

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

Many past Corpsmembers have decided to continue their careers with our organization and become employees. All of them have implemented successful outreach components per their WSP requirements and contributed to our positive workplace culture and our efforts to modernize our fisheries monitoring programs.

 

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Jennifer Whitt

Supervisory Fish Biologist

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• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging Natural Resources Professionals? 

The rewards for being a Mentor for emerging Natural Resources are plentiful. Still, the most rewarding is seeing young professionals find their place and their voice in helping change the world for the better. 

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

Our Corpsmembers have significantly impacted our organization by always being ready and eager to learn and contribute to our office's goals and objectives. They have shown a great work ethic and almost always a cheerful disposition. 

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Erika Holcombe

Supervisory Fish Biologist

Mentor Since 2022

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• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resources professionals?

Corpsmembers are passionate and dedicated. They improve the morale around the office and also remind me to stay excited about the work we are doing! It is rewarding to see their development over the years and how they become more confident in their own skills and abilities.

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization?

Corpsmembers assisted with monitoring fishes of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, including threatened or endangered species. Their participation ensures that we are able to meet sampling goals. Their restoration outreach events also provide an opportunity for Lodi FWS employees to participate in meaningful efforts for the community outside the office.

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Ryan Cook

Supervisory Fish Biologist

Mentor Since 2020

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• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging Natural Resources Professionals?

Realized potential. Having the privilege of working with individuals as they learn about fisheries resources and the part our agency plays in the natural resources community while figuring out how they will contribute to this community. Working with motivated individuals and seeing where they go in their careers is always rewarding.

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization?

In addition to helping our program support the FWS mission, WSP Corpsmembers bring a positive influence through their interactions with our crew.  Between the teaching projects, outreach activities, and general motivation, WSP Corpsmembers bring new and interesting topics that prompt a lot of conversation and networking.

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Marin Municipal Water District Fisheries Program 

 

Eric Ettlinger 

Aquatic Ecologist  

Mentor since 2010 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

The most rewarding part of being a Mentor is exchanging knowledge with bright, dedicated conservationists. I get to share my experiences in salmon conservation, and they share the latest science that interests them, what’s new in undergraduate and graduate education, the job and housing market situation, etc. Corpsmembers also bring fresh perspectives and insights into my work, which I’m extremely grateful for. 

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

WSP Corpsmembers continuously inject their optimism, perceptions, and energy into our work. Without their contributions, we could run the risk of becoming complacent and set in our ways. Simply by being asked insightful questions, I’m often prompted to examine my assumptions, which can lead to improved ways of doing this work.  

 

 

Suzanne Whelan 

Ecologist; Watershed Volunteer Coordinator 

Mentor since 2010 

 

Since 2009 Suzanne has been working on Mt Tamalpais as the Watershed Volunteer Coordinator for Marin Water. Outdoor volunteer programs are so valuable now more than ever, offering experiences for folks where they can perhaps get dirty, smell the earth, uncover unexpected organisms, flex their muscles while moving under the sun or the rain, and reconsider their connection to place and to each other. She finds joy in mentoring emerging environmental professionals and supporting their priorities for a better world. Exposing youth to nature- and science-based jobs empowers them with critical thinking, observation, and leadership skills! We humans must accept responsibility for the societal and environmental systems that we are a part of. The environment is not “out there” - it is here, wherever you are - be it the top of Tam or in the parking lot at Safeway. All elements are intertwined. Each of us has a role to play in solving the environmental crises. We must dream big, demand big, and help each other do our part every day even if the individual action seems small. 

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Jonathan Koehler 

Fishery Program Manager  

Mentor since 2020 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

I really enjoy helping young professionals develop their understanding of science, conservation, and our relationships with the natural world. It gives me hope for the future to see the next generation of environmental professionals eager to embark on this career path and hopefully make the world a better place.  

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

The Watershed Stewards Program has been an essential part of Marin Water's monitoring, education, and stewardship efforts for more than a decade.  WSP Corpsmembers help us collect high-quality fish population data, engage the public in conservation and restoration efforts, conduct hands-on habitat restoration, and assist with data analysis and reporting. 

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San Francisco Estuary Institute

 

Ariella Chelsky 

Senior Scientist

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

I'm looking forward to helping young scientists grow their skills and expertise through exposure to a diverse range of projects. I'm also excited to work with Corpsmembers to develop professional goals and identify a career path.

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• What is a significant impact that WSP Members have had on your organization? 

While we haven't been an official WSP site, we've worked with several Corpsmembers. They have been excellent additions to our lab and fieldwork. Their assistance allowed us to expand our monitoring program to new sites. Plus, one was so great we hired her and she now works on our team!

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Alicia Gilbreath

Senior Environmental Scientist

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• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

This would be my first time as a WSP Mentor but in general, I love mentoring others. I find it exciting to help guide emerging professionals and open opportunities for them using my established network of colleagues and collaborators. As a former collegiate athlete and long-time lover of teamwork and collaboration, I especially enjoy bringing mentees onto a well-established team where they can benefit from a variety of expertise, experience, and personalities as they further hone their own unique qualities of working with others.

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Members have had on your organization? 

We have previously had the privilege of working with WSP Corpsmembers stationed at the San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board. Specifically, the direct impact of my program is that the Corpsmembers have helped with stormwater monitoring during storm events. This has been an important addition to our awesome SFEI monitoring team because we have to maximize our reach during sometimes limited storm events for any given season. It's been rewarding to have the Corpsmembers work with us because they tend to be curious, open to learning, and have great attitudes so they fit right in with our team.

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San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board  

 

Kristina Yoshida 

Environmental Scientist (SWAMP Coordinator)  

Mentor since 2015 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

The most rewarding part of being a Mentor is working closely with WSP Corpsmembers to help them figure out their next career path and to also help them get the necessary tools and contacts to achieve these goals. Hopefully, my experience doing natural resource work in the academic, non-profit, and government sectors gives the WSP Corpsmembers useful insight into potential careers. It is also great to see WSP Corpsmembers quickly grow during their time at the Water Board and feel like they are important and useful members of our agency. 

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

The WSP Corpsmembers play a crucial role in fulfilling the water quality and bio-assessment sampling that is necessary to inform management decisions. They also serve as important liaisons between the Water Board and the community by providing stream restoration workshops and environmental education. The WSP Corpsmembers also bring new perspectives and useful tools that are in high demand at our agency, such as GIS skills. 

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Rebecca Nordenholt  

Environmental Scientist 

WSP Alumna Year 21

Mentor since 2020 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resources professionals?  

I was a WSP Corpsmember in Year 21, so I know what a positive impact mentorship and this program can have on your career. I’m so grateful I can support emerging natural resources professionals as a WSP alum.  

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization?  

Our WSP Corpsmembers bring such life and enthusiasm to our office. The education and service aspects of the program help us connect with community in a way that otherwise wouldn’t be possible. 

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Kevin Lunde 

Site Supervisor since 2012 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

Helping WSP Corpsmembers gain the skills and experience necessary to progress along a successful career path in resource protection.  

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

WSP Coprsmembers bring vitality and excitement to the office which helps rejuvenate other staff.  

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Grassroots Ecology 

 

Kristen Williams  

Habitat Restoration Director 

Mentor since 2018 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

I enjoy seeing how much they grow over the course of the program.  

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

WSP Corpsmembers come with a fresh perspective and often provide valuable feedback and suggestions for how to improve programming. 

 

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Tyler Feld (he/him) 

Project Lead for Grassroots Ecology  

Mentor since 2021 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

I feel so grateful to support their learning, help them discover long-term career goals, and provide support, resources, and tools to achieve those goals. Watching them grow even over the short period of time we have had them on our team has been such a joy! 

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization?  

WSP Corpsmembers have allowed our team's sites to flourish by having more ideas for projects, curriculum, and more hands to complete our restoration work. Our Corpsmembers have created new signage to teach the public about our local ecology, created resources for our organization and partners, and have been wonderful working with our staff and volunteers. 

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Alex Von Feldt  

Executive Director  

Mentor since 2013 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

It is rewarding to be able to offer a supportive and fun environment for WSP Corpsmembers to engage with the community to improve the health of our watersheds. 

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

WSP Corpsmembers bring technical expertise, new ideas, and enthusiasm to our programs, and make the experience so much better for our volunteers and students. 

 

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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Southwest Fisheries Science Center 

 

Cynthia Kern 

Associate Project Scientist UCSC

WSP Mentor since 2016 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resources professionals? 

I run a student intern program in addition to the WSP mentoring. I find it very rewarding to work with individuals striving to learn more about our environment and the challenges we face as stewards of our natural resources. 

  

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

Our site provides an opportunity to experience many techniques related to salmonid conservation which includes electrofishing, aquatic bioassessment, adult and smolt tagging and trapping, spawner ground surveys, snorkel surveys, and hatchery releases. A solid crew of responsible, dedicated, and committed individuals is necessary to make our projects successful. The WSP corpsmembers are an important addition to our field research crews and contribute both integrity and enthusiasm which ultimately enhances our data collection. 

 

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Rosealea Bond 

Associate Specialist UCSC

Mentor since 2018 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

Though this is my first year as an official Mentor, from my past experiences with WSP Corpsmembers I find it incredibly rewarding to see members' personal growth including increased self-confidence, refined interpersonal communication, and expanded resiliency to what life throws their way.   

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

Our WSP Corpsmembers have provided exceptional outreach opportunities that educate and inspire our community about the recovery of local threatened and endangered salmon populations. 

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Joseph Kiernan 

Research Ecologist  

Mentor since 2013 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

The most rewarding aspect of being a WSP Mentor is watching each Corpsmember develop professional skills and competencies, and an understanding of how salmon monitoring and research directly aid conservation efforts.

 

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

Hosting and working with WSP Corpsmembers has significantly improved our capacity to engage in activities critical to NOAA’s mission, particularly research and monitoring to identify factors limiting salmonid recovery in California. Moreover, WSP Corpsmembers greatly enhance our ability to perform outreach and engagement and convey the importance of salmon conservation to broad and diverse audiences.

 

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Central Coast Wetlands Group, Moss Landing and Watsonville Wetlands Watch 

 

Kevin O’Connor 

Program Manager at the Central Coast Wetlands Group 

Mentor since 2015 

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• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

Exposing them to all of the work we do at CCWG and the organizations we interact with gives the mentors a good idea of the possibilities for having a job in this field of work. 

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

The WSP Corpsmembers have done extensive testing of new wetland and riparian assessment methods. They have also contributed significantly to our wetland restoration and water quality enhancement efforts. New ideas and fresh faces every year have a positive impact on CCWG. 

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Jenny Balmagia  

CCWG Watershed Coordinator 

WSP Alumna 2015 & 2016

Mentor since 2020 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resources professionals? 

I am most looking forward to helping others have a similarly influential WSP experience as I did as a Corpsmember with CCWG in 2015/16. By exposing Corpsmembers to the breadth of work we do and always contextualizing tasks in the bigger picture I hope to help them get the most out of their service term and define their ideal career path. 

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization?  

Added capacity! We are a very small organization and wouldn’t be able to accomplish everything we do without them. Also, as a completely grant-funded organization, it’s great to have WSP Corpsmembers to work on projects we’re interested in doing but for which we don’t have specific funding. 

 

 

Sarah Stoner Duncan  

CCWG Project Coordinator

Mentor since 2017 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

I enjoy introducing Corpsmembers to the diverse projects at the Central Coast Wetland Group and seeing what inspires them. It's rewarding to watch them discover their interests and grow professionally as they find their place in the field. I also learn from them, as they bring fresh ideas and perspectives.

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• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

The Corpsmembers bring much-needed capacity and enthusiasm to our small organization. They have been instrumental in helping our staff successfully implement projects ranging from restoration and monitoring to education and outreach. Additionally, they often bring unique skills that enhance our capabilities.

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San Luis Obispo Steelhead Initiative  

 

Freddy Otte 

Biologist with the City of San Luis Obispo 

Mentor since 2013 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

I find being able “to pay it forward” is extremely rewarding since this is the opportunity that was given to me as I was coming up in the restoration field. Being able to teach my skills to the next generation allows me to provide the fish and resources we are protecting, more support and protection for the next generation.  

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization?

The biggest impact that WSP Corpsmembers have brought to our organization is capacity. Here at the City, there is not a team of biologists to help monitor fish and habitat, so having the Corpsmembers here has allowed us to gather the needed baseline data to better communicate our story of protecting our local Steelhead. I don’t want to think where our fish would be if WSP was not an integral part of our restoration team. 

 

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Meredith Hardy (She, her) 

Fish Habitat Specialist at the California Conservation Corps Los Padres Center 

Mentor since 2009 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

I am very passionate about the work we do to restore steelhead habitat and find opportunities to make our watersheds more resilient to climate change. Working with the CCC and WSP enables us to get things done on the ground that make a difference. WSP Corpsmembers are an amazing resource to gather baseline data to enable us to develop projects for implementation. Beyond the work that is performed by our Corpsmembers, mentoring is the most rewarding that makes coming to work such a delight. The Corpsmembers bring so much to the table and being able to share our passion and knowledge is incredibly fulfilling.  

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

Having WSP Corpsmembers working alongside CCC traditional Corpsmembers has been amazing. They learn so much from each other. I often hear our WSP Corpsmembers remark that working with the CCC crews is one of their favorite things they do. We have also seen so many of our WSP Corpsmembers go off to graduate school and/or become professionals in the restoration field. It is immensely reassuring that our fight to recover salmonids will continue long after we move on to sitting on the river bank watching the river flow and salmon grow! 

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Makenzie O'Connor 

Morro Bay NEP Monitoring Projects Manager

Mentor since 2021; WSP Alum

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resources professionals?  

The excitement, drive, and genuine interest of our CMs! It’s always refreshing to have new, excitable young professionals in this field.  

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization?  

A huge impact. The Estuary Program has had WSP Corpsmembers for almost 10 years, and they’ve helped us in a variety of capacities including restoration projects, GIS work, monitoring projects, and outreach. Many of our paid staff have also been WSP alumni (including myself)!  

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Steph Wald 

Watershed Project Manager with the Central Coast Salmon Enhancement 

Mentor since 2009 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

Watching the progression (the light bulb goes on) of doing individual tasks to seeing how the tasks fit into the restoration picture. 

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

We are finally conducting regular surveys of our watersheds and have increased "eyes on the creeks" more than ever before. 

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Tim Delany 

Restoration Hydrologist

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• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

The most rewarding thing is teaching people flow monitoring methods in the field and showing emerging natural resources professionals a window into the nonprofit restoration world; how we develop projects and how WSP's work plays a role in that.

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

WSP Corpsmembers have often contributed critical monitoring data that we use to permit and design projects, but they have also been instrumental in writing and reviewing materials that we need to advance restoration planning.

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Hallie Richard

Conservation Programs Manager for the Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District (CSLRCD), 2024

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• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

Having worked alongside several interns, CCC crews, and past WSP Corpsmembers, I love watching them try new tasks and discover areas of resource conservation that they feel passionately about.

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

We had the opportunity to partner with previous SLOSI Corpsmembers on a stream restoration project in 2023. The Corspmembers were an integral part of the native species revegetation effort. The following season, the plants are thriving and the streambanks are stable, thanks to the SLOSI Corpsmember's planting skills and hard work.  

 

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California Department of Fish and Wildlife Coastal Monitoring Program, Santa Barbara 

 

Kyle Evans 

Environmental Scientist  

Mentor since 2018 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals?

The most rewarding thing about being a Mentor is having the chance to introduce young professionals to as many different projects and aspects of fisheries work as possible. It’s my goal to provide Corpsmembers with the opportunity to work completely through a project and to get an idea of the day to day work of fisheries professionals.   

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

The members are involved with a variety of stream surveys and allow us to cover a large number of steelhead watersheds. Without the Corpsmember's hard work and dedication monitoring efforts throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties would be significantly reduced. 

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Dane St. George  

Environmental Scientist  

Mentor since 2021 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resources professionals?  

I enjoy helping WSP Corpsmembers expand their knowledge, skill set, and confidence in ecological field work. I also enjoy the fresh perspectives Corpsmembers bring to our office. 

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization?  

WSP Corpsmembers are an integral part of our annual steelhead monitoring, and several have taken the initiative to help develop training resources for future Corpsmembers and CDFW staff. 

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Casey Horgan (he/him) 

Environmental Scientist 

Mentor since 2022 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resources professionals? 

So far I have enjoyed getting to know WSP Corpsmembers and playing a role in helping them gain an increased awareness and understanding of the unique aspects of the local ecosystems we work within and helping them recognize how their efforts are playing an important role in the monitoring, sustainment, and hopeful recovery of endangered southern California steelhead. Ultimately, I hope my mentorship helps to guide Corpsmembers in their future career path endeavors.  

 

• Share a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization?  

During the summer of 2022, the two WSP Corpsmembers assigned to our office led an effort to assess and report on the habitat conditions within approximately 6.4 miles of Mission Creek in Santa Barbara County, which has been designated a Core 1 priority for southern California steelhead recovery efforts by the National Marine Fisheries Commission. The collected data, analysis, and reporting completed by the Corpsmembers are being utilized to help plan and direct habitat restoration efforts in Mission Creek in response to the significant environmental impacts caused by the road grading project carried out in 2019 by Southern California Edison that generated over 100,000 cubic feet of sediment debris into the Mission Creek Watershed.   

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Vivon Crawford 

Restoration Program Director, Ojai Valley Land Conservancy

Mentor since 2022

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• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals?   

It is incredibly rewarding to see young environmental professionals make connections across disciplines - seeing the interconnectedness of their Steelhead surveys, OVLC's mitigation projects  

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization?

WSP Corpsmembers have been incredibly helpful with a wide range of OVLC's projects - oak woodland and riparian restoration projects, vegetation surveys, river cleanups, and social trail closures. But the most exciting project they've helped with was conducting a plant survey for a trail reroute to ensure we documented plant populations to inform the restoration plantings we planned to do the following fall. 

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Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains 

 

Rosi Dagit 

Senior Conservation Biologist 

Site Supervisor since 2013 (has worked with Members since 2011) 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resource professionals? 

The most rewarding thing about working with Corpsmembers is watching them grow into the responsibilities of the work, and expand their skills, knowledge, and expectations for their own careers. We work hard to provide our Corpsmembers with a variety of professional experiences so that they can "try" out different roles and figure out where they want to go next. Each of our Corpsmembers has gone on to do great work, not all in fisheries, but all are incredibly successful contributors to our world. It is humbling to take part in shaping the next generation of stewards. 

 

• What is a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization? 

It is difficult to overstate how much the WSP Corpsembers have contributed to our organization. From the more routine snorkel surveys to more difficult data analysis, their enthusiasm, flexibility, and can-do attitude have enabled us to accomplish so much! Year 20 Corpsmembers not only did a super job in the field but also helped analyze a huge backlog of BMI samples. The Year 21 Corpsmember made it possible for us to complete drought-related species recovery, as well as analyze water temperature data to look at the ongoing impacts. The Year 22 Corpsmember has made his mark both with local schools, (supervising Trout in the Classroom and providing extensive in-the-field experiences for over 150 students) and in tackling some much-needed data analysis looking at spawning patterns. The more mundane day-to-day contributions are just too numerous to list, but we appreciate all of their contributions large and small! I think it is safe to say that our ongoing research and restoration work would not have been nearly as effective without their help. 

 

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Jamie King  

Conservation Biologist  

Mentor since 2021 

 

• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resources professionals?  

I enjoy getting to know the WSPers individually, learning their stories and path to joining us, and having fun doing field work with them 

 

• Share a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization?  

WSP Corpsmembers are vital to our ongoing efforts in documenting the presence and abundance of steelhead trout and other resources in the Santa Monica Mountains and conveying that information to resource agencies and the public. They also help lead many restoration and educational efforts here in the greater LA area. We are so proud of their accomplishments and appreciate all the good work they do and the energy they always bring! 

 

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Marilyn Brody French 

Education & Outreach Supervisor  

Mentor since 2021 

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• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resources professionals?  

I find working with early career professionals to be one of the most hopeful aspects of my job as a conservation scientist and environmental educator. It is a constant reminder that there are new generations of informed and enthusiastic individuals who are choosing to offer their skill sets and fresh perspectives to our field. It is especially wonderful having these team members work as environmental educators where their (often youthful) energy helps bridge the gap between local environmental science and the diverse community surrounding human-impacted natural spaces.  

 

• Share a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization. 

The RCDSMM is grateful for the opportunity to provide mentorship to WSP Corpsmembers who play an integral role in our organization’s success. They offer boots-on-the-ground restoration and monitoring support and take on leadership roles for our education programs and community events.  

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Alyssa Morgan

Conservation Biologist

Mentor since 2023

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• What do you find most rewarding about being a Mentor for emerging natural resources professionals?  

I love getting to see individuals develop/foster a passion for conservation and our beautiful ecosystems. Everyone has a different system, species, or place that speaks to them, and it's beautiful to see how much everyone truly cares. 

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• Share a significant impact that WSP Corpsmembers have had on your organization. 

The WSP position at the RCDSMM is a wonderful addition to all aspects of our team, from in-field biology to our education programs. Every year we get to teach as well as learn from a new individual who brings their own knowledge and ideas to the table. This keeps our office dynamic and pushes for the best environment we can foster.