Thanks to your support and encouragement, SLT staff grew in number and depth this past year. This added much needed support to implement the community’s vision of what SLT can provide and offer. SLT’s ability to focus on protecting the land we love increases as our staff increases. Join us in welcoming new staff, celebrating achievements, and thanking our summer intern!
Welcoming New Staff
Welcome, Jessica! Jessica Matthews joined Siskiyou Land Trust in June to fill the vacancy for a Conservation Project Manager position. Jessica is a native of Mount Shasta and holds a B.S. in Wildlife Biology – Conservation Biology/Applied Vertebrate Ecology from Cal Poly Humboldt. She has firsthand experience in preserving natural landscapes and a strong commitment to Siskiyou County. Jessica has worked at the Mount Shasta Bioregional Ecology Center, the Siskiyou Science Festival, and the HSI STEM Program at Cal Poly Humboldt. She has also served in the AmeriCorps CSU STEM VISTA program and is certified in Resource Development: Fundraising & Grant Writing, and Volunteer Mobilization. Inspired by her studies, research, life and work experiences, Jessica is eager to contribute to the community she grew up in.
Welcome, Sara! Sara Cowan joined SLT in April 2024 in a new Administrative Assistant role! A Siskiyou County resident starting in 2001, this Redding native developed a deep love for the outdoors through childhood adventures in Northern California’s wilderness. Professionally, she’s worn many hats, from assisting entrepreneurs and small businesses in administrative and marketing roles to working in case management and caregiving. Her superpowers include recognizing the connections between a mission statement and a database, finding something to love about everyone she meets, and an unrelenting urge to solve problems. She’s thrilled to be part of the team and eager to make a positive impact in conserving the natural integrity of our precious home.
SLT is beyond delighted to welcome Erica Harris to a new staff position as Stewardship Program Director beginning this October!
With a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from UC Santa Cruz and a certification from the Apprenticeship in Ecological Horticulture, Erica brings a diverse and rich background in environmental and agricultural practices to the Land Trust. Her career journey includes hands-on experience in nursery management, landscaping, organic farming, and research. As a wildland firefighter for the US Forest Service, Erica worked on hotshot, engine, and helicopter crews, gaining experience in fuels management and prescribed burning.
In addition to this technical expertise, Erica has made significant contributions to community organizing, including founding the Bay Area chapter of Skate Like A Girl, managing a thriving cooperative enterprise, and offering mediation services to support cooperatives. Her passion for wildlife is evident through active participation in birding, wildlife surveys, and educational outreach.
We feel eager and excited for Erica’s first day and look forward to sharing more with you about this new role.
“I’m thrilled to join SLT’s team in protecting the working and wild lands of Siskiyou County. Safeguarding our astonishing biodiversity and unique rural character is an incredible opportunity.” – Erica Harris
SLT is thankful for the incredible interest shown by over 30 applicants in total for these three positions.
You’re invited to come meet new and continuing staff at upcoming events. Join us Friday, September 13 at the SLT Garden 3:30-5:30 pm for refreshments and appetizers and Saturday, October 5 for SLT’s Annual Meeting and Community Gathering from 2-4pm at LuginBuhl Preserve!
Celebrating Achievements
Congratulations, Alexis! Now that SLT has a team of staff focus specifically on protecting land, we are pleased to announce that Alexis Robertson has been promoted to a leadership role as Acquisition Program Director. In her new role, she will oversee acquisition projects and staff. Alexis joined Siskiyou Land Trust in January 2023 as a Conservation Project Manager. We are grateful for the grounded organization and insight she brings to this important conservation work.
Congratulations, Emily! Emily Williamson joined SLT as a temporary employee in April to fill in for Conservation Coordinator, Hannah Link while on maternity leave. SLT is delighted to announce that Emily is staying on staff in a new capacity as Conservation Development Coordinator. In this role, Emily is supporting outreach and building relationships to enhance fund development engagement and capacity. Her top priority right now is donor outreach and preparing content for the annual report. Stay tuned for SLT’s 2023-24 Annual Report in the mail this fall.
SLT Staff Emily Williamson, Sara Cowan, Alexis Robertson, Jessica Matthews
Summer Intern Farewell
Seth Bleazard with 4-legged stewardship volunteer, Donkey
Did you see this guy in Sisson Meadow and wonder what in the world was he doing?!
SLT was able to bring on a summer intern this year, Seth Bleazard, who was instrumental in removing (and counting!) over 35 contractor bags of invasive thistle from Sisson Meadow. As we bid farewell to our summer intern, we reflect on how this internship has been a two-way journey of growth and learning. Not only has Seth contributed significantly to SLT (which may have included blood, sweat and tears while removing countless invasive blackberry and thistle plants), but his efforts have also opened new doors for our organization. His work has played a key role in shaping the future of our internship program, and we are grateful for the impact he has made.
Summer intern, Seth Bleazard’s last day with Siskiyou Land Trust was August 19. Seth has shown tremendous dedication to the land and we are so grateful for all of his hard work. SLT staff and garden volunteers gathered to celebrate Seth’s last day by planting natives, spreading wood chips, and tending the garden in his honor. Seth first connected with SLT while at Mt Shasta High School through his leadership and volunteer role in the Sustainability Club.
“I got involved in the Land Trust because I want to protect this land. As I’ve climbed and skied here and have come to love it, I’ve gained a sense of responsibility to be a steward for it. I want more people my age to develop this same feeling. The best way to learn to love the land is to spend time working for it.”
California Climate Action Corps Crew Coming in September
Siskiyou Land Trust is honored to host the 2024-25 CA Climate Action Corps fellowship program. The California Climate Action Corps (CCAC) is an AmeriCorps service program that’s part of a statewide initiative to address and mitigate the effects of climate change. Starting this September, three CCAC Fellows will join SLT staff for a year of service. Our selected fellows bring strong enthusiasm and a diverse range of skills to the team!
They are currently seeking affordable rental housing or individual rooms in Mount Shasta for late September 2024/early October – August 2025. If you or someone you know has rental housing available, we would love to hear from you. Please email Hannah Link at hannahlink@siskiyoulandtrust.org.
