STAFF UPDATES / SUMMER 2023
This season, our staff is going through a transition, welcoming new faces and saying goodbye to others. Coraylln Moss, a graduated senior at Nordoff High School, is now leaving her position at OVLC after 3 years as a nursery intern. Her work was outstanding. She was our quickest transplanter, and always had a good song to share while working. By the end of her time at OVLC, she knew every native plant in the nursery and where they belonged in their natural environment. It is clear she has a deep relationship with the ecosystems around her.
Wyatt McLean, Nursery Assistant, has left after one year of working in the nursery to pursue a deeper role with habitat restoration at Channel Islands Restoration. He was a strong keel for the nursery, in which he had a friendship with every plant, caring for them with undivided attention. Wyatt helped instill new practices and systems that help the nursery produce twice what it supported a year before.
In addition to promotions, we are thrilled to introduce Mia Riddle as our new Nursery Manager and Carrie Drevenstedt as Development Database Coordinator. Additionally, we welcome two new Restoration Field Crew, Elana Denver and Martin Schenker, and two high school Nursery Interns, Celeste Ayala and Laurence Cockrell.
As we navigate through these changes, we remain grateful for the growth each season brings, evolving and enriching the development of our staff and the organization as a whole.
LINDA WILKIN PROMOTED TO PRESERVE MANAGER
We are thrilled to announce that Linda Wilkin has been promoted to Preserve Manager. In her new role, Linda will continue to be actively present on the land, engaging with preserve users and maintaining trails and infrastructure. Additionally, she will be assuming new responsibilities. As the organization moves into the long-term care of our previous oak woodland restoration sites throughout the valley, Linda will take on the primary responsibility of stewarding these sites as the trees mature and eventually become self-sustaining.
Furthermore, Linda has made remarkable strides in expanding our volunteer program over the past three years. Now, she will be taking on even more significant responsibilities, focusing on training and educating volunteers to enhance their skills and capabilities. If you encounter Linda on the preserves, don’t forget to congratulate her on this well-deserved promotion!
ADAM MORRISON PROMOTED TO DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Adam Morrison has been promoted to Development Manager. Adam’s impact is undeniable. Having demonstrated exceptional leadership as Volunteer and Events Coordinator, he spearheaded the successful return of All About Ojai and OVLC’s docent program, while significantly expanding our volunteer network. In his new role, Adam will continue to leverage his expertise in event coordination and volunteer management while playing a pivotal part in enhancing OVLC’s giving capacity and driving strategic growth. With a proven record of accomplishments and a deep understanding of our mission, Adam’s promotion underscores his integral role OVLC’s future success. Quail yeah!
WELCOME MIA RIDDLE, OVLC’S NEW NURSERY MANAGER
Mia Riddle is a California native whose curiosity has led her all over the state, to Brooklyn, and back again. After working in nonprofits, music, and web design, she was bitten by the farming bug and spent ten years working in sustainable agriculture. She moved to Ojai to be closer to family, where the familiar flora of the region rekindled a passion for native plants. This led to studies in ecological restoration and completion of a Graduate Certificate in Natural Resource Management. She is looking forward to expanding the native plant nursery production at the OVLC. You can find her biking around the preserves with her rambunctious, flower-loving three year old.
WELCOME CARRIE DREVENSTEDT, DATABASE COORDINATOR
Living in California for 15 years, Carrie loves being so close to both the ocean and mountains. With a Master’s degree in Neuroscience and her own research firm, she still felt like something was missing. A longtime fan of OVLC, the opportunity to join the staff gave the her chance to join an organization she believes in and meet others in the community with shared goals. She loves to explore the outdoors as much as possible with her husband, camping, hiking, watching wildlife (especially whales), and visiting state and national parks. An ANFT certified Forest Therapy guide, you might find her wandering the trails and hugging a tree or two. We are as thrilled as she is to have her as a new member of the team!
RHETT WALKER TRANSITIONS TO DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE
BUT HE’S STILL RHETTSTORATION IN OUR HEARTS!
Rhett Walker, a vital member of our Restoration Field Crew, is now stepping into the role of Development Associate. Leveraging his restoration experience, Rhett will focus on grant reporting, volunteer coordination, and event assistance. Notably, he’s currently driving the donation process for this year’s Mountainfilm on Tour virtual auction. We’re excited for Rhett as he embarks on his next chapter at OVLC. The man has a sure-fire passion for working with volunteers, and we have no doubt that our volunteers are going to get the attention they deserve under Rhett’s reign.