WSP Mentors

WSP Staff

Zia Schatz
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.
Program Manager

Jason Lopiccolo
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.
Region 1 Program Coordinator

Jody Weseman
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.
Region 2 Program Coordinator

Madeleine Roberts
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!
Office Manager

Alison Cordera
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.
Materials Manager
WSP Mentors
Region 1 – Districts A and B

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.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Yreka

Rosemary Romero (she/her/hers)
Environmental Scientist with the Klamath Watershed Program
Mentor since 2023
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.
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.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Yreka

Crystal Robinson
Klamath Watershed Program Environmental Scientist Supervisor
AmeriCorps member 2001-2003; Mentor since 2022
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.
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.
Crystal Robinson
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Yreka

Josh Cahill (he/him/his)
Environmental Protection Specialist-Water Quality
WSP mentor since 2022
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.
Yurok Tribe Environmental Department

Anna Caro
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.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Arcata

Edgar Cruz
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.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Arcata

Hunter Perez
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.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Arcata

Veronica Klenk
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!
Bureau of Land Management, Arcata

Anna Caro
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.
Bureau of Land Management, Arcata

Edgar Cruz
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.
Eel River Watershed Improvement Group, and California Conservation Corps (ECC)

Hunter Perez
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.
Eel River Watershed Improvement Group, and California Conservation Corps (ECC)

Veronica Klenk
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!
Eel River Watershed Improvement Group, and California Conservation Corps (ECC)

Anna Caro
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.
Department of Fish and Wildlife, Coastal Watershed Planning and Assessment Program

Edgar Cruz
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.
Department of Fish and Wildlife, Coastal Watershed Planning and Assessment Program

Hunter Perez
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.
North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board

Veronica Klenk
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!
North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board

Anna Caro
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.
North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board

Edgar Cruz
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.
North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board

Hunter Perez
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.
Point Reyes National Seashore

Veronica Klenk
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!
Point Reyes National Seashore

Anna Caro
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.
US Fish and Wildlife Service, Lodi

Edgar Cruz
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.
US Fish and Wildlife Service, Lodi

Hunter Perez
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.
US Fish and Wildlife Service, Lodi

Veronica Klenk
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!
US Fish and Wildlife Service, Lodi

Anna Caro
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.
Marin Municipal Water District Fisheries Program

Edgar Cruz
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.
Marin Municipal Water District Fisheries Program

Hunter Perez
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.
Marin Municipal Water District Fisheries Program
Region 2 – Districts C and D

Anna Caro
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.
San Francisco Estuary Institute

Edgar Cruz
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.
San Francisco Estuary Institute

Hunter Perez
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.
San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board

Veronica Klenk
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!
San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board

Veronica Klenk
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!
Grassroots Ecology

Edgar Cruz
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.
Grassroots Ecology

Hunter Perez
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.
Grassroots Ecology

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

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

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

Hunter Perez
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.
Central Coast Wetlands Group

Veronica Klenk
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!
Central Coast Wetlands Group

Anna Caro
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.
Central Coast Wetlands Group

Edgar Cruz
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.
San Luis Obispo Steelhead Initiative

Hunter Perez
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.
San Luis Obispo Steelhead Initiative

Veronica Klenk
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!
San Luis Obispo Steelhead Initiative

Anna Caro
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.
San Luis Obispo Steelhead Initiative

Edgar Cruz
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.
San Luis Obispo Steelhead Initiative

Hunter Perez
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.
San Luis Obispo Steelhead Initiative

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

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

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

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

Veronica Klenk
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!
Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains

Anna Caro
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.
Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains

Edgar Cruz
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.
Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains

Anna Caro
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.
Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains