Board of Directors
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Richard Johnson, Vice Chair and Interim Treasurer
As a 16-year resident of the Trinidad area, Richard enjoys spending time on the local beaches and trails. When not volunteering for TCLT, Richard and his wife Cindy enjoy traveling, and spending time with their local family and friends. Richard also volunteers for other non-profit organizations and agencies. In his spare time, Richard enjoys music and being outdoors as much as possible. “One of the great opportunities of my time in Trinidad has been working with TCLT. Helping to preserve and maintain this incredibly beautiful area has been a highlight of my experience here. I lived most of my adult life along the Southern California coast, and when the opportunity arose to leave the aerospace industry, the pristine coastline of the Trinidad area was the logical choice.” |
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Don Allan, Secretary
Don has lived in the Trinidad area since 1983, drawn here by the beauty of the coast line, the climate, the quaint charm of the town, and the many opportunities for outdoor adventures. His interests include backpacking, kayaking, photography, playing music, and walking from his house to the many amazing beaches. "I spent most of my career working in salmon restoration and trail building and the Trinidad coast line has been the perfect place for me to pursue my interests in trail building and studying natural processes. I have been a board member of the Trinidad Coastal Land Trust since 2004 and have been impressed by the caliber of our holdings, board members, volunteers, and more recently our paid staff. I embrace the TCLT mission and enjoy talking to the public about our mission and our projects, past and present." |
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Terry Bean, Board Chair
Terry is a retired Elementary School teacher and an avid kayaker, hiker and explorer. She has a passion for the Trinidad area. She served 6 years on the Breast and GYN Health Project board and is presently on the Explore the North Coast board. |
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Matthew Marshall
Matthew is the Executive Director of the Redwood Coast Energy Authority, a joint powers agency of Humboldt County local governments dedicated to implementing sustainable energy initiatives in the region. A graduate of Humboldt State University, Matthew serves on the board of directors of several local non-profits, including the Trinidad Museum Society, the Redwood Parks Conservancy, the Eureka Chamber of Commerce, and the Humboldt Folklife Society. He plays the bagpipes with the Humboldt Highlanders Pipe Band and is an Assistant Chief of the Westhaven Volunteer Fire Department. |
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Marley Jarvis
Marley is a PhD-trained marine scientist turned science communicator dedicated to connecting research to practice for meaningful change. She frequently works at the intersection of people, art, and science. Marley is currently a Science Communication Advisor and Consultant, as well as a Funding Research and Strategy Lead at Climate Finance Solutions where she synthesizes technical information on climate mitigation strategies and connects companies with grant funding opportunities. Prior to this role, Marley served as a Senior Outreach and Education Specialist at the University of Washington’s Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences where she delivered research updates to funders, policymakers, and public audiences. Growing up in Trinidad and studying marine science along the Northern California and Southern Oregon coasts, Marley is passionate about supporting community access to and stewardship of our local marine ecosystems. She is a musician, artist, scientist, and mom to a fiercely independent preschooler. |
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Perry King
When Perry King discovered that huge swaths of public access to the breathtaking Trinidad coastline were both protected and managed by the TCLT, he and his wife made volunteering to support this organization one of their top priorities after being lucky enough to buy a tiny home in the area. "To serve on the TCLT Board of Directors is part of my attempt to give back to this community and to this place of natural wonder that gives me so much, that lifts my spirits." Perry has a background as a wilderness guide, teambuilding facilitator and leadership trainer, served a short stint as a staff member for the Yolo Land Trust, protecting farm land to prevent urban sprawl, and currently works remotely as a training officer for the UC Davis Sponsored Programs Office, helping department administrators navigate the grant submission and award process. He and his wife make time to get out in nature every day, rain or shine. They have two grown sons, two dogs, and love each other so much it's ridiculous |
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Gael Hill
Originally from the East Coast, Gael has happily lived, studied, and worked in the West for most of her life - from the majestic Rocky Mountains to the Red Rock Southwest deserts to the grandeur of the beaches and forests of Northern California. Throughout her career she has been fortunate to serve as a Librarian-Information Specialist as well as a public lands advocate and protector. Her work with National Scenic Byways, State and National Parks, and many public lands conservation, heritage, and tourism groups contributes to her lifelong wish to continue to preserve and protect intellectual freedoms as well as access to public places. When Gael first hiked the trails and beaches in and around Trinidad several years ago, it was her hope to take part in protecting these amazing natural landscapes along the coastal waters and she is honored to be on the board of Trinidad Coastal Land Trust. |
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Mindy Hiley
Mindy is a native of Northern California and moved to Humboldt in 2009. Weekdays are spent on Woodley Island working for the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District while weekends she can be found hiking, foraging, kayaking, and snowboarding, depending on the season. Mindy considers herself a naturalist and enjoys knowing and learning about the plants and wildlife occupying her surroundings. I started volunteering for the TCLT in 2018 and have always enjoyed feeling like a part of the community. I’m excited to take the next step and serve on the Board of Directors. |
Staff
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Claire Nasr | Executive Director
Claire is a passionate marine ecologist with a wealth of experience in environmental education and policy, She is dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the Trinidad coastline while fostering accessibility for all. A Lifelong Connection to Coastal Conservation Claire has nurtured a deep connection to coastal ecosystems, stemming from her decade of work in marine mammal ecology, demography and conservation. These experiences laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to preserving the fragile balance of marine life along our shores. Her master’s thesis research at Cal Poly Humboldt involved studying and understanding the intricate spatial dynamics of marine mammal and seabird populations alongside human use like boating and fishing in Trinidad, contributing invaluable insights into the region's ecological health. During this time, she worked closely with the Trinidad Coastal Land Trust. A Passion for Environmental Education Dedicated to raising awareness about marine life and conservation, Claire has a strong background in K-12 and college level environmental education. She has empowered thousands of individuals, from students to community members, with the knowledge, passion and enthusiasm needed to protect our coastal environment. Navigating Marine Policy Claire has also successfully worked in marine policy as a California Sea Grant fellow through collaborations with federal agencies like the California Coastal National Monument and Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. One of her main goals as executive director is to ensure Trinidad Coastal Land Trust remains a formidable advocate for conservation, actively working with the community to protect our coastline for generations to come. A Commitment to Community Engagement What truly excites Claire Nasr is the opportunity to engage with the vibrant Trinidad community and all its stakeholders. Her vision involves fostering collaboration and promoting inclusivity, bringing together people from all walks of life to promote coastal conservation and accessibility. Claire is dedicated to preserving the natural wonders of the north coast while ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, can enjoy and benefit from these precious resources. |
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Elizabeth Hinojosa | Coastal Stewardship Coordinator
Elizabeth is a graduate of Cal Poly Humboldt's Bachelor of Science Forestry, Natural Resource Conservation Program. She was involved in "Conifer drought responses in northern California" research and fire research in the Sierras. She has always been interested in project work focused on fire and ecological restoration. She finds changing landscapes in the face of climate change fascinating and feels there is a need for more research, adaptive management, and public outreach. Elizabeth has gained a lot of experience as a crew lead working with diverse groups and agencies. She has also served as a Spanish-speaking guide for underserved latine families, inspiring childrens' interest in science through nature excursions. She joined the Trinidad Coastal Land Trust as the Coastal Stewardship Coordinator in the fall of 2023. |
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Alex Catling | Environmental Educator and Volunteer Coordinator
Alex is passionate about fostering connections to the natural world through experience. Prior to moving to Humboldt, Alex worked in Southern California where she worked with K-12 students in the Orange County hills and coast. There she taught about the chaparral, oak woodland, riparian, coastal sage scrub, and coastal and marine ecosystems. She is currently studying Environmental Science & Management, with a focus in Environmental Education & Interpretation, and minoring in Scientific Diving at Cal Poly Humboldt. Alex strives to make outdoor spaces more accessible and equitable by partnering with local organizations to bring Humboldt County youth to Trinidad’s lively coastal environment. She is excited to be a part of the Trinidad community and bring her experience to the Trinidad Coastal Land Trust. Alex is eager to support the TCLT by continuing to make coastal access more accessible and equitable to Humboldt County and those who long to be a part of the coastal community. Alex enjoys spending her freetime outside hiking, camping, scuba diving, or tidepooling. When not in nature, she enjoys spending time at home in the garden with her chickens and beloved cats. “The land is the real teacher. All we need as students is mindfulness.” - Robin Wall Kimmerer |
College Corps Fellows
Jael Villamil | Cal Poly Humboldt Student -- Computer Science Major
Jael is a dedicated Computer Science student at Cal Poly Humboldt, passionate about using technology to drive positive change. Currently, he is actively working with the Trinidad Coastal Land Trust through the College Corps program, where he engages in community-driven conservation initiatives. Jael is committed to integrating his technical skills with his love for the environment, striving to develop innovative solutions that promote sustainability
Jael is a dedicated Computer Science student at Cal Poly Humboldt, passionate about using technology to drive positive change. Currently, he is actively working with the Trinidad Coastal Land Trust through the College Corps program, where he engages in community-driven conservation initiatives. Jael is committed to integrating his technical skills with his love for the environment, striving to develop innovative solutions that promote sustainability
Mary Loso | Cal Poly Humboldt Student -- Geology Major
Mary is a College Corps fellow attending Cal Poly Humboldt, aspiring to acquire a bachelors of science in geology. She’s interested most in Earth systems history, climatology, and geo-engineering. When not working or studying, she's an avid runner and musician.
Mary is a College Corps fellow attending Cal Poly Humboldt, aspiring to acquire a bachelors of science in geology. She’s interested most in Earth systems history, climatology, and geo-engineering. When not working or studying, she's an avid runner and musician.
Hala Quinlan | Cal Poly Humboldt Student -- Marine Biology Major
Hala is a marine biology student at Cal Poly Humboldt with a passion for the ocean and its inhabitants. Currently, Hala is interning with the Marine Mammal Education and Research Program (MMERP), where she helps collect data on marine mammals and engage with the public through educational initiatives. In her second year as a Fellow with College Corps, she is thrilled to be working with the Trinidad Coastal Land Trust. Her role allows her to contribute to revitalizing community-based organizations while supporting the campus’s strategic priorities. Originally from California's Central Valley, she has a love for travel -- especially adventures with her cat! Alongside her passion for animals, she enjoys exploring art and celebrating Halloween all year round.
Hala is a marine biology student at Cal Poly Humboldt with a passion for the ocean and its inhabitants. Currently, Hala is interning with the Marine Mammal Education and Research Program (MMERP), where she helps collect data on marine mammals and engage with the public through educational initiatives. In her second year as a Fellow with College Corps, she is thrilled to be working with the Trinidad Coastal Land Trust. Her role allows her to contribute to revitalizing community-based organizations while supporting the campus’s strategic priorities. Originally from California's Central Valley, she has a love for travel -- especially adventures with her cat! Alongside her passion for animals, she enjoys exploring art and celebrating Halloween all year round.
