Christa grew up in Kansas City, Kansas, where childhood exploration of the forests and tallgrass prairies instilled in her a passion for the environment. Pursuing this passion and seeking better weather, she moved to the Central Coast to attend Cal Poly, where she received a B.S. in Environmental Management and Protection in 2021. Recognizing the…
Dylan grew up in Seattle, Washington and gained an appreciation for the mountains, clean water, and lush forests that surround his hometown. He graduated with a BS degree in Natural Resources Management and an MS degree in Forest Hydrology from Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo California. Dylan is enthusiastic about managing Land…
With over a decade of experience working in conservation and her M.A. in Biology, Ramona has focused on connecting the community to their environment. From working with youth in the outdoor space to international wildlife conservation, she has gained insightful experience in the non-profit world. She believes that everyone brings their own unique perspectives to…
Marie Weiher grew up in San Luis Obispo, California with cherished memories of being a young child running freely through the hills of northern Morro Bay and Cayucos. Following graduation from San Luis Obispo High School, Marie moved to San Diego and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations…
Mat was born and raised in Federal Way, Washington and moved to Arroyo Grande, California his junior year of high school. He then acquired an EMS degree from Allen Hancock College. After hiking the well-groomed trails of the central coast, Mat was inspired by the coast live oaks and started practicing the art of Bonsai.…
After a childhood in the redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Zarah studied horticulture and ecology at the University of California, Davis. For the last 20 years her work has focused on protecting and restoring California’s oak woodlands while supporting oak-based conservation initiatives throughout western North America. Zarah’s favorite things are harvesting acorns, climbing oaks,…
Roger has been working in environmental protection since 1972. He earned a BS and MS in Civil Engineering (Environmental), at U. C. Berkeley, and is a Registered Civil Engineer. Roger worked for the Central Coast Regional Water Board, whose Vision is “Healthy Watersheds.” This work included many land conservation projects with LCSLO and other conservancies…
Jim Grant has lived on the Central Coast since 1978 after moving from the Northern California town of Chico. Chico is home to Bidwell Park, a massive park of 3,670 acres, nearly 11 miles long, making it the third largest municipal park in California. This amazing park shaped Jim’s views regarding the value of public…
Johnine Talley was born and raised on the Central Coast of California. After earning her degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, she joined Talley Vineyards. She lives in Arroyo Grande with her husband, Brian and they have two adult daughters, Elizabeth and Olivia. Committed to giving back, Johnine was a founding member of the…
Celeste Royer has 40 years of experience as an environmental and outdoor education administrator. As a Californian who grew up loving the outdoors, she is dedicated to making natural environments and outdoor spaces accessible to all community members. Celeste works as a part-time consultant for Ten Strands, a statewide nonprofit focused on advancing environmental…