junio 22, 2023
Posted in: News Articles
¡Este mes tendremos noticias de Jen Kuszmar, nuestra directora de adquisiciones! Jen se crió en Georgia y después de asistir a la Universidad de Georgia durante dos años, se transfirió a la Universidad Estatal de Humboldt (ahora Cal Poly Humboldt), donde obtuvo una licenciatura en Silvicultura. Jen ha tenido la suerte de trabajar en los bosques, arroyos y pequeñas comunidades del norte de California como consultora, administradora de subvenciones y miembro de AmeriCorps. Se mudó al condado de Sonoma para trabajar con LandPaths y, finalmente, con el Distrito de Conservación de Recursos de Sonoma, antes de regresar al norte para trabajar con el condado de Humboldt como administradora de subvenciones para North Coast Resource Partnership. Jen finalmente encontró su camino de regreso al condado de Sonoma y comenzó a trabajar en Ag + Open Space como Coordinadora de Subvenciones Compartidas y desde entonces ha sido ascendida a Gerente de Adquisiciones. Siga leyendo para conocer su trayectoria profesional y sus pensamientos sobre la conservación de la tierra.
What’s your favorite Sonoma County place to get outside and why?
I love Jenner Headlands with its sweeping views of the coast and its variety of landscapes from grasslands to redwood groves and more. I also love how you can choose your own adventure between a more simple few mile loop or the challenging 15 mile round trip Sea to Sky trail. This property never disappoints.
Siempre llevo a los invitados al Parque Regional Taylor Mountain y a la Reserva de Espacio Abierto. Es un maravilloso ejemplo de nuestro trabajo: espacios públicos abiertos en nuestras comunidades, protección de nuestra identidad comunitaria con esta ladera icónica como telón de fondo, pastoreo para la producción local de alimentos y manejo de vegetales, y conservación de los recursos naturales. ¡Todos ganamos, ganamos!
What’s one fact, statistic, or interesting tidbit about land conservation that you enjoy sharing with others?
I am so appreciative of the forward thinking of the landowners who voluntarily work with us on a conservation easement or fee transaction. As a public agency that only works with willing sellers, I am always impressed with the foresight of landowners who want to see their land protected and conserved forever, for the benefit of all. Their choice to work with us is a wonderful gift to not only their families, but all who live, work, play, and visit Sonoma County now and in the future.
What’s your proudest moment working in land conservation and why?
I am so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had through our Matching Grant Program to work and partner with the folks behind many community-led projects. These projects provide a tangible benefit to see and experience open space within and near Sonoma County’s communities. Ag + Open Space’s Matching Grant Program funding ensures these properties are protected forever. The public agencies and nonprofits who make these community benefit projects a reality are such an inspiration and renew my faith in humanity. Though there are too many to name here, a few projects I was proud to have a small role in during my tenure as Matching Grant Coordinator include: the expansion of the Sebastopol Skategarden, the acquisition of the Cooper Creek addition at Taylor Mountain, and the development of the Graton Green.
What compelled you to pick a career in land conservation?
Growing up, I had no idea that this type of work even existed. I chose to study Forestry in college because I liked being outside. Through my time working on salmonid restoration projects as a member of the AmeriCorps Watershed Stewards Project, I gained an appreciation for the value of protecting our natural systems. My experience working at the Sonoma RCD taught me a lot about the critical role agriculture plays in the stewardship of our local food system as well as scenic and natural resources. The experience of working with Tribal members through the NCRP provided an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the care and connection indigenous peoples had and continue to have with the land.
Cuando me mudé por primera vez del condado de Humboldt a Santa Rosa para trabajar con LandPaths y más tarde con Sonoma RCD, conocí el trabajo de Ag + Open Space y, francamente, me quedé estupefacto de que existiera este tipo de agencia pública. A partir de ese momento, me propuse trabajar aquí algún día. Ha tardado mucho en concretarse, pero estoy muy contenta de que así fuera. Nuestra misión está alineada tanto con mi ética personal como con mi experiencia profesional. Me siento muy afortunado de trabajar aquí con mis increíbles colegas en nombre de los ciudadanos del condado de Sonoma.
What’s your favorite ice cream flavor and why?
As a kid, I rarely strayed from the classic Pralines and Cream. I still love this ice cream. I also love the helado de coco from La Michoacana in the Springs. My dad is a big-time ice cream fan, so really my favorite ice cream flavor is anything I’m eating with him.