PhD, UC Berkeley (Energy and Resources)
MS, UC Berkeley (Civil Engineering, Environmental Water Resources)
MPhil, Cambridge University, King’s College (History and Philosophy of Science)
AB, Harvard College (History and Science)

Dr. Micheli joined Sonoma County’s Pepperwood Foundation in October of 2009 as its inaugural Executive Director and now serves as the organization’s President and CEO. She brings more than 30 years of experience applying her technical, policy, and fundraising expertise to the design and implementation of ecological restoration, research, and education programs. She started her career at the US Environmental Protection Agency and then completed her graduate studies at UC Berkeley as a NASA Earth Systems Research Fellow in 2000.  She now focuses her research on relationships between climate, watershed health, and biodiversity and has published numerous peer-reviewed studies on river restoration, climate adaptation, and community-based approaches to biodiversity conservation.

Dr. Micheli specializes in facilitating interdisciplinary collaborations focused on using relevant research to craft collective solutions to today’s most pressing landscape conservation challenges.  She serves as the co-chair of Pepperwood’s Terrestrial Biodiversity Climate Change Collaborative (TBC3), a Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation Bay Area climate adaptation research initiative, with Dr. David Ackerly, Dean of UC Berkeley’s College of Natural Resources. She also chairs the Golden Gate Biosphere Reserve team of the international Large Landscape Conservation Peer Network facilitated by the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. She has been recognized as a Phi Beta Kappa scholar, a Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation Environmental Leader, a Bay Nature Institute Local Hero for Environmental Education, and a Fellow of the California Academy of Sciences.  She is a member of the American Geophysical Union and the Society for Conservation Biology. Dr. Micheli serves as a director of the Rebuild North Bay Foundation and as a science advisor to the Sempervirens Fund, the Chile-California Conservation Network, the Bay Area Open Space Council, and the Water Research Foundation.

Publications

Chornesky, E. A., D. D. Ackerly, P. Beier, F. W. Davis, L. E. Flint, J. J. Lawler, P. B. Moyle, M. A. Moritz, M. Scoonover, K. Byrd, P. Alvarez, N. E. Heller, E. R. Micheli, and S. B. Weiss. 2015. Adapting California’s ecosystems to a changing climate. BioScience 65:247–262.

Cornwall, C., S. Moore, D. DiPietro, S. Veloz, L. Micheli, L. Casey, and M. Mersich. 2015. Climate Ready Sonoma County: Climate Hazards and Vulnerabilities. Prepared as part of Climate Action 2020 by North Bay Climate Adaptation Initiative for Sonoma County Regional Climate Protection Authority, Santa Rosa, CA.

Halbur, M., E. R. Micheli, and S. Funke. 2015. Combining people, place and science: lessons learned from citizen science at Pepperwood. Poster presentation at Citizen Science Association, San Jose, CA.

Heller, N., J. Kreitler, D. D. Ackerly, S. B. Weiss, A. Recinos, R. Branciforte, L. E. Flint, A. L. Flint, and E. Micheli. 2015. Targeting climate diversity in conservation planning to build resilience to climate change. Ecosphere 6:65.

Micheli, L., L. E. Flint, S. Veloz, and N. Heller. 2015. PA13B-05: Generating relevant climate adaptation science tools in concert with local natural resource agencies. Oral presentation at American Geophysical Union, San Francisco, CA.

Funke, S., M. Halbur, N. Barden, C. Dodge, J. Robinson, and L. Micheli. 2014. Pepperwood’s TeenNat Diverse Youth Contributing to Conservation Science. Poster presentation at Toyota TogetherGreen Fellowship Conference, Washington, DC.

Gillogly, M., M. Halbur, C. Dodge, and L. Micheli. 2014. The Pepperwood Conservation Grazing Pilot Project: Managing for complexity in our coastal California grasslands. Poster presentation at California Invasive Plant Council, Chico, CA.

Ackerly, D., M. Oldfather, M. Britton, M. Halbur, and L. Micheli. 2013. Establishment of woodland vegetation research plots at Pepperwood Preserve. Terrestrial Biodiversity Climate Change Collaborative. Dwight Center for Conservation Science at Pepperwood, Santa Rosa, CA.

Halbur, M., M. Kennedy, D. Ackerly, L. Micheli, and J. Thorne. 2013. Creating a detailed vegetation map for Pepperwood Preserve. Terrestrial Biodiversity Climate Change Collaborative. Dwight Center for Conservation Science at Pepperwood, Santa Rosa, CA.

Heller, N., J. Kreitler, S. Weiss, D. Ackerly, and L. Micheli. 2013. Targeting climate diversity to increase the resilience of the Conservation Lands Network to climate change. Terrestrial Biodiversity Climate Change Collaborative. Dwight Center for Conservation Science at Pepperwood, Santa Rosa, CA.

Micheli, L., and D. Ackerly. 2013. The Terrestrial Biodiversity Climate Change Collaborative (TBC3): An interdisciplinary strategy for advancing science-based conservation. Terrestrial Biodiversity Climate Change Collaborative. Dwight Center for Conservation Science at Pepperwood, Santa Rosa, CA.

Micheli, L., and D. DiPietro. 2013. North Bay vital signs: An integrated ecosystem-climate monitoring framework for Sonoma County. North Bay Climate Adaptation Initiative, Santa Rosa, CA.

Weiss, S. B., A. Flint, L. Flint, H. Hamilton, M. Fernandez, and L. Micheli. 2013. Climate scenarios for San Francisco Bay Area. Terrestrial Biodiversity Climate Change Collaborative. Dwight Center for Conservation Science at Pepperwood, Santa Rosa, CA.

Micheli, E., L. Flint, A. Flint, S. Weiss, and M. Kennedy. 2012. Downscaling future climate projections to the watershed scale: A North San Francisco Bay case study. San Francisco Estuary and Watershed Science 4.

Townsend, S. E., L. Micheli, and M. Halbur. 2012. Using the Wildlife Picture Index to measure ecosystem health and connectivity. Poster presentation at The Wildlife Society, Reno, NV.

Jensen, M., M. Gillogly, M. Kennedy, and L. Micheli. 2011. Monitoring long-term vegetation response to climate change: Setting a baseline. Poster presentation at Organization of Biological Field Stations, Bodega, CA.

Micheli, E. R., and E. W. Larsen. 2011. River channel cutoff dynamics, Sacrament River, California, USA. River Research Applications 27:328–344.

Flint, L. E., A. L. Flint, S. B. Weiss, and E. R. Micheli. 2010. Hope for the forests? Habitat resiliency illustrated in the face of climate change using fine-scale modeling. Page 0834 American Geophysical Union Annual Meeting. San Francisco, CA.

Micheli, L., L. Flint, A. Flint, M. Kennedy, S. Weiss, and R. Branciforte. 2010. Adapting to climate change: state of the science for North Bay watersheds a guide for managers. Dwight Center for Conservation Science at Pepperwood, Santa Rosa, CA.

Ridolfi, K., P. Vorster, and L. Micheli. 2010. Indicators and performance measures for North Bay watersheds. North Bay Watershed Association.

Hayes, G., and E. Micheli. 2009. Monitoring plan for the Rutherfor Reach of the Napa River. State Water Resources Control Board, Sacramento, CA.

Micheli, E. 2004. Limiting factors analysis (salmonid abundance and distribution), Sonoma Creek watershed. San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board, Oakland, CA.

Micheli, E. R., J. W. Kirchner, and E. W. Larsen. 2004. Quantifying the effect of riparian forest versus agricultural vegetation on river meander migration rates, central Sacramento River, California, USA. River Research and Applications 20:537–548.

Avery, E. R., E. R. Micheli, and E. W. Larsen. 2003. River channel cut-off dynamics, Sacramento River, California, USA. Page 84 (46) American Geophysical Union Annual Meeting.

Micheli, E. R., and J. W. Kirchner. 2002. Effects of wet meadow riparian vegetation on streambank erosion. 1. Remote sensing measurements of streambank migration and erodibility. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 27:627–639.

Micheli, E. R., and J. W. Kirchner. 2002. Effects of wet meadow riparian vegetation on streambank erosion. 2. Measurements of vegetated bank strength and consequences for failure mechanics. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 27:687–697.

Larsen, E., and E. Micheli. 1997. Controls on bank erosion and migration of the upper Sacramento River. American Geophysical Union Annual Meeting. Baltimore, MD.

Micheli, E., and J. W. Kirchner. 1997. Quantifying how herbaceous vegetation stabilizes stream banks: Monache Meadow, South Fork of the Kern River, Southern Sierra Nevada. American Geophysical Union Annual Meeting. Baltimore, MD.

Kondolf, G. M., and E. R. Micheli. 1995. Evaluating stream restoration projects. Environmental Management 19:1–15.

Micheli, E. 1994. River and watershed planning: The San Luis Rey River case study EPA/600/R-94/213. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Research Laboratory, Corvallis, OR.

Leidy, R. A., P. L. Fiedler, and E. R. Micheli. 1992. Is wetter better? BioScience 42:58–65.

Publication list last updated April 2016.

BS, Northland College (Biology)

Nicole grew up spending many summers and weekends in Sonoma County on the Russian River before studying Biology with an Environmental Education minor at Northland College in Wisconsin. Before Pepperwood, Nicole worked as a naturalist and educator at various institutions including SCICON and the Cable Natural History Museum. She also has experience working with animals and volunteered for 3 years at the California Raptor Center. As Environmental Educator, Nicole helps develop Pepperwood’s education curriculum, leads field trips, and visits our neighboring school systems to teach children about science and conservation. In her spare time, Nicole enjoys birding and dancing the Lindy Hop!

Career Certificate, SRJC (Natural Resource Management and Watershed Management)

Growing up in the Black Forest of Germany, Sonja developed a love for nature early in life. She trained and worked as a nurse until she came to live in the US, where she immediately fell in love with California’s varied environments. Sonja’s background is mixed bag of Ecological Restoration, Native Plant Nursery Practices, and Parks and Open Space Operations and Maintenance. After working as a volunteer at Pepperwood for more than two years, she now considers herself proud to be a part of such an exquisite staff. Sonja’s role as Facilities Assistant consists of assisting with a wide variety of preserve management and maintenance tasks.

Ben is an environmental anthropologist and cultural ecologist who specializes in understanding the systems of environmental management that are utilized by Native cultures throughout the world to establish long-term sustainability. With publications in ethnobotany, ethnographic art, and environmental science, Ben is also a well-known public speaker and instructor at Santa Rosa Junior College and Pepperwood. Ben also serves as a museum anthropologist and exhibit curator who has designed four small museums, including the Sarah Jesse Peter Museum at SRJC. As Cultural Resources Coordinator, Ben helps to incorporate the Native environmental perspectives of the Pomo, Miwok, and Wappo into Pepperwood’s long-term planning. Ben’s field research illuminates the preserve’s “prehistory” with a focus on the ancient obsidian tools found at Pepperwood’s cultural sites.

MS, Walden University (Science Education)

Margaret has worked in the field of environmental education for over 10 years developing curriculum and teaching natural history classes for the California Academy of Sciences, Santa Rosa Junior College, and Pepperwood. Prior to her career as a teacher, Margaret worked as a wildlife biologist studying endangered birds and bears in Alaska, Oregon, and on Midway Island. Margaret also holds a B.S. in wildlife biology.

MS, UC Davis (Soils and Biogeochemistry)
BS, UC Davis (Soils and Biogeochemistry)

As a native of Santa Rosa and avid outdoorsman, Ryan has spent much of his free time on the rivers, the wetlands, farmlands and coastal mountain ranges of the Bay Area and greater California. After high school, Ryan attended the University of California – Davis where he earned both his undergraduate degree and a Masters of Science in Soils and Biogeochemistry. His thesis work focused on mapping and modeling regolith thickness for the western slope of the Sierra Nevadas of California, and linking thickness to water storage and its effects on forest susceptibility to drought-induced mortality. As Pepperwood’s Research Technician, Ryan is helping to lay the groundwork for Pepperwood’s rapidly expanding wireless meteorological and soil sensor network, and is in charge of data management and acquisition from these systems.

BA, UC Santa Cruz (Environmental Studies and Economics)

Devyn Friedfel was born and raised in the Russian River area where he grew up learning to love the beauty and diversity of Sonoma County. While attending the Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC), Devyn organized volunteer restoration work days at Shone Farm to help control invasive plants and promote native species. Through the SRJC he had an opportunity to visit Pepperwood and dreamt of someday working there. Devyn moved to Santa Cruz County to finish his bachelor’s degree, then worked up and down the central coast with the UC Natural Reserve System, while simultaneously working as a field biologist for two environmental consulting companies. After 5 years of deeply missing Sonoma County he is happy to be back and a member of Pepperwood team. At Pepperwood, Devyn supports Preserve Manager Michael Gillogly in managing natural resources and infrastructure. He also runs our volunteer workdays in the field and assists with research.

BA, CSU Sacramento (Environmental Studies)

Michael first came to Pepperwood in 1994 to serve as the California Academy of Sciences’ Land Steward and Resident Biologist. Michael was promoted to Preserve Manager under the auspices of the newly established Pepperwood Foundation in 2005. As manager, Michael manages Pepperwood’s biological resources, oversees restoration and maintenance projects, directs field operations, and coordinates with researchers. Michael has led eco-tourism trips in Alaska and California and guides white water rafting expeditions throughout the western U.S. He lives on site at the preserve with his wife and their son.

Publications

Gillogly, M., M. Halbur, C. Dodge, and L. Micheli. 2014. The Pepperwood Conservation Grazing Pilot Project: Managing for complexity in our coastal California grasslands. Poster presentation at California Invasive Plant Council, Chico, CA.

Jensen, M., M. Gillogly, M. Kennedy, and L. Micheli. 2011. Monitoring long-term vegetation response to climate change: Setting a baseline. Poster presentation at Organization of Biological Field Stations, Bodega, CA.

Gillogly, M., and S. Brumbaugh. 2008. Grasslands of the Pepperwood Preserve. Grasslands 18:9–11.

MA, University of Connecticut (School Counseling)
BA, University of Connecticut (Psychology)

Holland comes to Pepperwood with 10 years of experience in the field of education and child development, including four years dedicated to environmental education in Sonoma County. She has called both coasts home, from a childhood spent roaming the hills of Napa County to studying Psychology and School Counseling at the University of Connecticut. As a firm believer in the multidimensional value of environmental education for all, Holland coordinates Pepperwood’s Community Education offerings, and administers and teaches for Students Conducting Environmental Inquiry (SCENIQ). In her free time, she enjoys camping trips, live music, and good meals with friends and family.

PhD, UC Berkeley (Environmental Science, Policy, and Management)
 
As a native to the SF Bay Area, Morgan grew up seeing the impacts of development on the diverse wild spaces that make the region unique, and considers biodiversity conservation a lifelong vocation. She has a PhD from UC Berkeley, where her dissertation research was on landscape-scale ecological connectivity. Specifically, she used spatial models and genetic analyses to explore the influence of human land use on mammals in California. As a Postdoctoral Researcher at Pepperwood, Morgan integrates expertise in ecological principles and geospatial modeling to help conservationists keep landscapes functional and connected. In her spare time, Morgan climbs rocks and explores the SF Bay Area with her dog.
 

Publications

BA, Boston College (Communications)

Tom was lured to the beautiful landscapes of Sonoma County from Boston, where he worked in digital communications, video production, and marketing. As Pepperwood’s Communications Manager, he oversees production of print and digital newsletters, annual reports, and other collateral, manages our web and social media presence, and serves as the primary public relations contact. Tom developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors growing up in New Hampshire and enjoys hiking, backpacking, and exploring the Pacific coast.

MS, Purdue University (Plant Biology)

As a native to Sonoma County, Michelle Halbur greatly values the biodiversity of the region and is honored to work on conservation and land management research at Pepperwood. She has an M.S. from Purdue University where she studied the conservation genetics and ecology of a rare vernal pool plant that occurs in the Santa Rosa Plain, Sebastopol meadowfoam. Since 2011, Michelle has served as Pepperwood’s Preserve Ecologist where she oversees Pepperwood’s Citizen Science and Visiting Scholars programming. She manages the majority of on-site research projects including the Wildlife Picture Index, grassland monitoring, plant phenology, breeding bird surveys, pond monitoring, the Stephen J. Barnhart Herbarium, and more. Michelle also helps to translate Pepperwood’s science for a variety of audiences, including students, interns, and the public.

Publications

Halbur, M., E. R. Micheli, and S. Funke. 2015. Combining people, place and science: lessons learned from citizen science at Pepperwood. Poster presentation at Citizen Science Association, San Jose, CA.

Funke, S., M. Halbur, N. Barden, C. Dodge, J. Robinson, and L. Micheli. 2014. Pepperwood’s TeenNat Diverse Youth Contributing to Conservation Science. Poster presentation at Toyota TogetherGreen Fellowship Conference, Washington, DC.

Gillogly, M., M. Halbur, C. Dodge, and L. Micheli. 2014. The Pepperwood Conservation Grazing Pilot Project: Managing for complexity in our coastal California grasslands. Poster presentation at California Invasive Plant Council, Chico, CA.

Halbur, M. M., C. M. Sloop, M. J. Zanis, and N. C. Emery. 2014. The population biology of mitigation: Impacts of habitat creation on an endangered plant species. Conservation Genetics 15:679–695. Kluwer Academic Publishers.

Ackerly, D., M. Oldfather, M. Britton, M. Halbur, and L. Micheli. 2013. Establishment of woodland vegetation research plots at Pepperwood Preserve. Terrestrial Biodiversity Climate Change Collaborative. Dwight Center for Conservation Science at Pepperwood, Santa Rosa, CA.

Halbur, M., M. Kennedy, D. Ackerly, L. Micheli, and J. Thorne. 2013. Creating a detailed vegetation map for Pepperwood Preserve. Terrestrial Biodiversity Climate Change Collaborative. Dwight Center for Conservation Science at Pepperwood, Santa Rosa, CA.

Townsend, S. E., L. Micheli, and M. Halbur. 2012. Using the Wildlife Picture Index to measure ecosystem health and connectivity. Poster presentation at The Wildlife Society, Reno, NV.

Jensen, M. 2011. Ecological and genetic consequences of habitat mitigation on an endangered California vernal pool plant: Sebastopol meadowfoam (Limnanthes vinculans). M.S. thesis. Purdue University.

Jensen, M., M. Gillogly, M. Kennedy, and L. Micheli. 2011. Monitoring long-term vegetation response to climate change: Setting a baseline. Poster presentation at Organization of Biological Field Stations, Bodega, CA.

Jensen, M., and N. C. Emery. 2010a. Conservation and community among the Santa Rosa Plain vernal pools. Fremontia 38:40–43.

Jensen, M., and N. C. Emery. 2010b. The effect of soil compaction on an endangered California vernal pool plant species Sebastopol meadowfoam (Limnanthes vinculans). Poster presentation at Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN.

BA, Sonoma State University (Environmental Studies: Conservation and Restoration)

Steven is a lifelong resident of Sonoma County. He grew up on a small farm in northwest Santa Rosa and has always had a connection to the land. He was introduced to Pepperwood in 2010 through classes taken at the Santa Rosa Junior College. The preserve captured his interest and he immediately became a Pepperwood volunteer. After taking the California Naturalist classes at the SRJC, he became a Pepperwood Steward and began working on the wildlife camera project. Now a member of the Pepperwood staff, Steven coordinates volunteers, manages data and equipment, and performs field work on the Wildlife Picture Index research project. He has since graduated from SRJC and then Sonoma State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies. Steven enjoys hiking on and off trail in our local hills.

BS, UW-Madison (Geography & Environmental Studies)

Kelly grew up in Wisconsin where she spent most of her time exploring the outdoors. After graduation, Kelly moved to Sonoma County and fell in love with the diverse landscapes, people, and food. She initially spent 3 years in the wine industry managing data entry, record keeping, and compliance. Kelly became a California Naturalist, which led her to pursue a career that blends her “data nerd” side with her passion for conservation science and the environment. As Pepperwood’s Program Associate, Kelly provides administrative support to the Operations, Communications, Development team. In her free time, Kelly loves camping, cooking, and board games.

BA, UC Berkeley (Environmental Sciences)
MBA, Dominican University

Cassandra has worked in the environmental non-profit industry for the past decade. A native of Los Angeles, she was surrounded by the concrete forest. Moving to the Bay Area she was immediately lured to the outdoors and the possibilities it provides. In the past she has researched food webs, monitored fish populations, managed invasive species, enhanced habitats, and worked with inner city youth in the outdoors. As Pepperwood’s Finance and Operations Manager she seeks to bridge the gap between business and the environment. She is motivated by the belief that through effective business management more can be achieved to create a healthier environment and society.

The honorable Clint McKay, who is Wappo, Pomo, and Wintun, is Pepperwood’s Cultural Consultant and Chair of the Native Advisory Council.  His importance to Pepperwood cannot be overstated. Clint is the descendant of several important local culture bearers that include the late Laura Fish Somersal and the late Mabel McKay.  He is a Native speaker of the Wappo language and he also speaks some Pomo.  He is a culture bearer with extensive Native oral historical knowledge, not only of Pepperwood but also of the entire region. Clint is a capable naturalist with a deep understanding of plant communities and traditional Wappo methods of nurturing them.  He is a gifted basket weaver and he served as Chair of the California Indian Basket Weavers Association for two terms.  Mr. McKay is also a traditional Wappo spiritual leader and he is the headman of a traditional dance group.  Having him as Chair of the Pepperwood Native Advisory Council is very appropriate.

MAT, San Francisco State University (Education)
BA, Whitman College (Anthropology)

Jesse has over seven years experience working as an environmental educator for organizations prior to Pepperwood, including the Kern Environmental Education Program and the Outdoor School at Rancho Alegre, CA. A true nature enthusiast, Jesse is especially intrigued by plants, reptiles, and amphibians and is a doting keeper of several snakes. Jesse graduated from Whitman College in Washington state and is an Eagle Scout. He is a lead educator with our Students Conducting Scientific Inquiry (SCENIQ) program and serves as a nature interpreter for public hikes and other Pepperwood offerings.

BA, San Diego State University (Communications)

Sloane grew up in Sonoma County and spent her childhood exploring the creeks and vineyards of the Russian River valley. She is trained in Public Relations and Art History and previously served as the membership coordinator for the Skirball Cultural Center of Los Angeles. She has also devoted many years volunteering for various organizations in both educational and leadership positions. Sloane is focused on cultivating critical relationships with members of the Pepperwood community by supporting our volunteer program, handling community rentals, overseeing our facilities calendar, and assisting with events. She is a certified yoga instructor and especially loves guiding those who are new to the practice. In her free time she enjoys gardening, cooking, hiking and dancing. She lives Sebastopol with her husband and two children.

MA, Claremont Graduate University (Public Policy Studies)
BA, Pomona College (English)

As Pepperwood’s Director of Advancement, Margie works with our President & CEO and Board of Directors to grow the organization’s impact through fundraising and strategic planning. With a career spanning 30 years, Margie has served in executive, consultant, and Board roles in the nonprofit sector in California, Colorado and Wisconsin, working with educational institutions, cultural and environmental organizations, health and human service agencies, foundations, and numerous public-private partnerships. She brings extensive experience in major gifts fundraising, capital campaigns, membership and direct response marketing, donor-centric communications, nonprofit management, board governance, and strategic planning for nonprofit organizations.

In the San Francisco Bay Area, Margie has served as Vice President for Development with the California State Parks Foundation; Chief Advancement Officer with Catholic Charities – San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin; Vice President of Advancement with the California College of the Arts; Director of the Campaign to Restore the War Memorial Opera House; and Director of Major Gifts with the San Francisco Symphony. In Colorado, she headed the Denver Center for the Performing Arts Renovation Campaign and served as Vice President of Development for the University of Colorado at Denver.  In Wisconsin, she served as Campaign Director at St. Norbert College and as Executive Director for the Green Bay Symphony Orchestra. She has also provided fundraising and organizational development consulting services for a range of non-profit organizations nationwide.