GR: When I started as a fundraising consultant with CalTrout 15 years ago the organization was one of a portfolio of worthwhile clients. By the second year, I was so impressed with the organization’s potential – it’s people and community-based model - that I was glad to commit myself full time. My gratitude grows each year – it’s fulfilling to know that you are part of a team making real change on the ground. Global warming and species extinction would be overwhelming without this opportunity to address it meaningfully.
GR: My favorite part of the job is helping the regions translate their vision into programs on the ground. I also really enjoy leading and learning from the grants team – a remarkable group of smart, cooperative, kind, women. A recent highlight for me is the Diversity Equity Inclusion and Justice rubric that the grants team developed to support and evaluate the changes CalTrout is committed to making within our conservation model. Over the course of a year, the team conducted a literature review, evaluated a range of methodologies, discussed criteria at length, and finetuned the application to meet the specifics of our work. Together with regional staff, the grants team reviews projects at their launch – in terms of our goals for diversity, equity, inclusion and justice – with our partners, vendors, decision making processes, outreach, and communication.
GR: The move beyond a male dominated conservation field has opened other doors to progress as well. For example, we are better able to speak about the importance of relationships in getting the work done – relationships built by men and women alike – but more readily discussed by women.
GR: Sojourner Truth’s unwavering activism, her orientation to hope, and the signs she embroidered – I find especially inspiring.
GR: Do it. We need you.
GR: I visit the bay at dawn most mornings – I’ve come to know it and love it well.
Cover Photo: Gaby Roff and her art as a backdrop.
Complete the form below to be added to our volunteer database, with options to choose your interest areas and availability. You’ll be added to our volunteer mailing list and notified when there are opportunities in your region. Commitment levels vary, with some opportunities requiring more in depth training, while others you only need to show up.
Thank you for your interest in the Eel River Forum! We looking forward to sharing meeting updates and other info from the Eel River watershed with you as they develop.
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Thank you for your interest in Big Chico Creek and the Iron Canyon Fish Passage Project! We looking forward to sharing project updates, news, and stories with you from the Big Chico Creek watershed as they develop.
Thank you for your interest in Big Chico Creek and the Iron Canyon Fish Passage Project! One of our staff members will do their best to get back to you as soon as possible. However, please note that due to limited capacity we may not be able to respond to all questions or fulfill all requests.
Let us know if you are interested in volunteering and we will get in contact with you as soon as we can.
Thank you for your interest in the Elk River! One of our North Coast Region staff members will do their best to get back to you as soon as possible. However, please note that due to limited capacity we may not be able to respond to all questions or fulfill all requests.
Peter Moyle is the Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology and Associate Director of the Center for Watershed Sciences, at UC Davis. He is author or co-author of more than 240 publications, including the definitive Inland Fishes of California (2002). He is co-author of the 2017 book, Floodplains: Processes and Management for Ecosystem Services. His research interests include conservation of aquatic species, habitats, and ecosystems, including salmon; ecology of fishes of the San Francisco Estuary; ecology of California stream fishes; impact of introduced aquatic organisms; and use of floodplains by fish.
Robert Lusardi is the California Trout/UC Davis Wild and Coldwater Fish Researcher focused on establishing the basis for long-term science specific to California Trout’s wild and coldwater fish initiatives. His work bridges the widening gap between academic science and applied conservation policy, ensuring that rapidly developing science informs conservation projects throughout California. Dr. Lusardi resides at the UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences and works closely with Dr. Peter Moyle on numerous projects to help inform California Trout conservation policy. His recent research interests include Coho salmon on the Shasta River, the ecology of volcanic spring-fed rivers, inland trout conservation and management, and policy implications of trap and haul programs for anadromous fishes in California.
Patrick Samuel is the Conservation Program Coordinator for California Trout, a position he has held for almost two years, where he coordinates special research projects for California Trout, including the State of the Salmonids report. Prior to joining CalTrout, he worked with the Fisheries Leadership & Sustainability Forum, a non-profit that supports the eight federal regional fishery management councils around the country. Patrick got his start in fisheries as an undergraduate intern with NOAA Fisheries Protected Resources Division in Sacramento, and in his first field job as a crew member of the California Department of Fish & Wildlife’s Wild and Heritage Trout Program.