Tahoe Resource Conservation District

MEET THE TRCD STAFF!

Holly Nattress has been working for the District since July 2001. She spends her time assisting the Board, putting together agendas, typing minutes, setting up meetings, and helping staff with miscellaneous projects. Holly has been a Tahoe resident for over 20 years.

Eben Swain graduated from Clark University with a Master’s Degree in GIS and Environmental Science. Eben landed in the Lake Tahoe Basin in April of 2005 and has since been employed by the TRCD. As Resource Conservationist for the Backyard Conservation Program, Eben is dedicated to working closely with public entities and partner agencies to help protect natural resources in the basin. Eben is an avid outdoor enthusiast and makes it a point to be thankful for the plethora of opportunities that the Basin provides in this arena.

Jenny Francis has been working with natural resource issues in Lake Tahoe for nine years, and graduated with a degree in Conservation Biology from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2001. As Program Director for an Invasive Species Program, for both Tahoe Resource Conservation District (TRCD) and the Nevada Tahoe Conservation District, she serves as chair for the Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species Working Group and Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Lake Tahoe Basin Weed Coordinating Group. Basin-wide projects Jenny is currently leading include; the implementation of outreach campaigns for both terrestrial and aquatic invasive species, management of invasive weed and native/adapted plant consultations for homeowner’s under the Backyard Conservation Program, coordination of aquatic invasive weed removal and monitoring activities, and implementation of a watercraft inspection program for Lake Tahoe.

Dana Olson graduated from the University of Illinois in 1998 with a BS in Natural Resources and Environmental Science. Since then, life has taken her many places including Macedonia as a Peace Corps Volunteer. She moved to South Lake Tahoe in 2003 after working as a park ranger in Vermont.

Courtney Walker graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a B.S. in Environmental Science in 2004. As the Assistant Conservation Planner for the BMP Retrofit Program, Courtney helps homeowners plan BMPs for their homes and plan public outreach events in the community. Growing up in the area, Courtney is dedicated to improving lake clarity. She enjoys skiing, hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, canoeing, and swimming.

Michael Broadhurst graduated from Delaware Tech in 1997 with a degree in Environmental Technology. He has been working in the environmental industry since 1995. As Engineering Technician, Michael develops Site Plans that will bring landowners into compliance with local ordinances.

Cara Schmidt graduated from Lake Tahoe Community College with an AA in Natural Science. She has lived in Lake Tahoe for eight years, and has been working for TRCD since 2004. In her spare time, Cara enjoys snowboarding, music, art, hiking, and spending time with her dog.

Lesley Higgins has been a Lake Tahoe resident since 2003 and has switched careers to conservation after working in wildlife ecology and animal behavior in Australia, California, and Mississippi. She graduated with a B.A. and Ph.D. in Biology and a M.S. in Marine Science from the University of California at Santa Cruz. Lesley’s interests lie in ecosystem management, combining erosion control with forest health and habitat enhancement. She enjoys helping homeowners understand how BMP implementation, defensible space, and native plants can achieve a desirable landscape that is integrated with the Lake Tahoe watershed.

Sarah Ford graduated from the University of Vermont in 2003 with a B.S. in Environmental Science. Originally from Vermont, Sarah has worked on forestry and water quality projects in various locations ranging from the Northeastern U.S. to South America. Sarah has been working at TRCD since April 2006 as a Conservation Assistant, educating Tahoe residents about BMPs and backyard conservation. In her spare time, she enjoys snowboarding, hiking, biking, and traveling.

Jennifer Cressy graduated with a B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 2005. As an Engineering Technician for the Backyard Conservation Program, Jennifer assists homeowners with the BMP planning and implementation process. Jennifer spends her leisure time playing outdoors, cooking, and gardening.

Nicole Cartwright graduated with a B.S. in Biological Sciences from California State University, Chico in 2006. She is the Conservation Planner for the Invasive Species Program. Nicole enjoys all outdoor activities, such as backpacking, hiking, fishing, and snowboarding. She also enjoys good company, and good laughs.

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Cara Stafford graduated with a B.S. in Conservation Biology from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science & Forestry in 2007. She serves as a Conservation Assistant for the Invasive Species Program. After doing weed work on Catalina Island and in Kings Canyon National Park, she has developed a strong interest in invasive species. Cara enjoys hiking in the Sierra Nevada and photographing wildflowers.

Dan Deegan has been living in Lake Tahoe since 2004 and graduated from Sierra Nevada College in 2007 with a B.S. in Environmental Science. In January 2008 he became an Americorps member and started serving with the Invasive Species Program at the TRCD. Dan enjoys exploring the Sierra Nevada and the Great Basin with a good pair of boots, map, camera and sometimes a snowboard.