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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Matthew Marshall, Board Chair
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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Sherri Provolt
Sherry is a lifelong resident of Trinidad where she still resides with her children and grandchildren. She has thirty years of experience working in rural communities with a focus on education and health. She attended Humboldt State University through the Indian Teacher Education and Personnel Program (ITEPP) obtaining a Master of Arts Degree in Education and a California Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential. She currently works at Humboldt State University in the Early Outreach Program Department providing college and career guidance to high school students. Sherri is also a member of the Yurok Tribe and has served as the Orick Council member since 2018. As a Council member, she has worked closely with State and National Parks protecting cultural sites and assisting with the development of interpretive centers. She is a gatherer, traditional dress maker, and loves to spend time hiking and traveling. |
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Aiko Michot
Aiko first became involved with TCLT by attending guided walks and participating in the Seabird Community Science Program. These experiences have really opened her eyes to the importance of protecting public access and the unique biodiversity found on the Trinidad coastline. Aiko also serves as a science high school teacher and mindfulness instructor. She is passionate about environmental activism and works enthusiastically with students in developing their voices to advocate for a more sustainable future. During her summers, she enjoys volunteering as a research assistant supporting biologists in the field. |
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Rachael Smith
Rachael spent her childhood running into cold waves, exploring tide pools, and playing on the beach which informed a lifelong love and reverence for the northern CA coast. She has spent her career facilitating human connection with nature as a scuba diving instructor, wilderness guide, and overseas educator. She believes our collective journey towards a more peaceful, balanced future involves developing respectful, reciprocal relationships with nature. She enjoys working with teenagers, teaching yoga, and going on outdoor adventures. |
Terry Bean
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.
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.
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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Faith Dickens Espinoza | Administrative Manager
With a deep love for the environment and a strong understanding of the importance of behind-the-scenes administrative functioning, Faith is excited to support the work of the Trinidad Coastal Land Trust. Faith’s commitment to local environmental and tribal issues is reflected in her work as Co-Founder of All Relations, whose mission is to defend the rights, responsibilities and sovereignty of Indigenous Peoples and their relationship to the land and water, to counter climate disruption, and to work to protect and rebalance Earth’s ecosystems. Faith also serves as Board Secretary for Citizens Protecting Humboldt Bay. A longtime Humboldt County resident, graduate of Humboldt State University’s Studio Art program, and a certified Paralegal, she brings extensive administrative experience, a passion for supporting organizations working for positive change, and the ability and willingness to wear many hats in service to the environmental cause. Faith is also devoted to mental health advocacy, and works with survivors of mass violence through the Disaster Distress Helpline. In her free time she can be found exploring our local forests, rivers, and beaches with her family. |
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Alex Catling | Environmental Education 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 free time 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. |
