Partner Profile

I work directly with landowners within the Upper James River to establish riparian forested buffers on their properties along streams or creeks. Through establishment of these buffers, the streams and creeks are protected from surrounding runoff of the lands, shading and cooling the streams to provide more habitat, reduce flooding impacts, and many other benefits. When these streams and creeks eventually flow into the James River, they are cleaner and increase the health and water quality of the James.

I love being able to be outside and meet new landowners as well as talk to current and previous landowners. I value their input on what works or what doesn’t work and learn from them what trees they would love to see in their riparian buffers that will make an impact on the environment.

I have a marine biology and environmental management educational background and I have always been passionate about helping the environment. With this job, I can help improve water quality and plant trees which helps improve the air quality as well.

The partnerships and learning how others do similar work. The collaborative work is important so we can all work together to improve the environment and discuss how to handle challenges.