Emma van der Veen

Emma graduated from Pomona College in Claremont, California with a degree in Biology (ecology focused) and Music. She has worked multiple research-based technician jobs and has worked in the biological consulting industry, learning about various California and Washington ecosystems and species of concern along the way. Originally from the California Bay Area, she has grown up being exposed to the outdoors, focused on connecting with nature and curiosity, and valuing service to her community, which continues through this position. Emma hopes to make outdoor spaces fun, safe, and accessible to everyone she leads, regardless of experience level and background. Throughout college and her working life, she has found herself working in the California Sage Scrub ecosystem, and is happy to continue that trend now. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her dog, playing the violin, creating ceramic art, and crocheting.