Hello! My name is Evelyn and, this year, I will be working at Hopland Research and Extension Center as a Community Education Fellow. This fellowship is made possible through GrizzlyCorps, an AmeriCorps program operated through UC Berkeley's Center for Law, Energy and the Environment that focuses on promoting regenerative agri-food systems and fire and forest resilience in rural communities across California. My work at HREC will focus on the continuous improvement and delivery of our K-12 and adult education programs, as well as expanding the reach and accessibility of our vocational training in regenerative grazing and sustainable animal husbandry. 

I grew up in South Lake Tahoe where I was fortunate enough to access all the beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains, giving me an early appreciation and awe for California’s diverse ecosystems. In 2024, I graduated from UC Berkeley with a B.S. in Conservation and Resource Studies, and a B.A. in Music. At Cal, I took an interdisciplinary, holistic approach to understanding natural resources–studying fire, rangeland, agro-, wildlife, freshwater, and political ecologies. After graduating, I spent a few months living and working on farms in Latin America in order to gain a better understanding of permaculture systems, improve my Spanish language skills, and engage in cultural exchange. I went on to work at a nonprofit in San Francisco that promotes conservation of vulnerable ecosystems worldwide through hands-on education programs with live insects. 

Beyond my love for the outdoors, I enjoy playing music with others, learning new crafts, rollerskating, and learning to dance. I am passionate about food sovereignty initiatives, promoting equitable access to environmental education, and building community resilience. I’m excited to get to know the Mendocino County community and landscape and can’t wait to meet the new lambs this winter!