Becca Hebron
District Manager, Natural Resource Specialist
Programs:
- Administration
- District Programs Oversight
- Soil Health & Direct Seed
- NRCS Contracts
- Education & Outreach
Contact Information:
rhebron@fostercreekcd.org
509-699-8344 (c)
509-888-6374 (o)
Becca developed a love for soil during her time in Bozeman, MT. It grew to a passion the more she learned about the soil's connection to food sustainability and the benefits it provides for the family ranch and farm. From Fargo, North Dakota, Becca graduated from North Dakota State University with a BS in Natural Resources Management and Soils. She has 7 years’ experience conducting soil research tracking soil and microbial responses to best management practice implementation, saline soil mitigation with use of cover crops, and many other research projects throughout North Dakota and here in North Central Washington. When she's not looking at the dirt Becca and her family are always out enjoying all things nature whenever they can, she's an avid forager, hiker, fisherman, camper and snowboarder.
Ryan Lefler
Grants and Contracts Manager
Programs:
- Habitat Restoration
- Noxious Weed Control and Mapping
- Biological Controls
- Douglas County Cooperative Weed Management Area
Contact Information:
rlefler@fostercreekcd.org
509-423-5990 (c)
509-423-6376 (o)
Ryan was born and raised in Royal City in Grant County, Washington. After graduating from Western Washington University with a BS in Environmental Science in 2014, he spent 5 years in California working for non-profits, state agencies, and private consulting in habitat restoration, wildlife biology, and large infrastructure construction projects. Ryan enjoys the pace of life and open space in Douglas County. In his spare time, he enjoys skiing, backpacking, and any other excuse to get outside.
Nate Schmidt
Natural Resources Specialist
Programs:
- Habitat Restoration
- Fire-Adapted Communities
- Noxious Weed Management
- Education and Outreach
Contact Information:
nschmidt@fostercreekcd.org
509-630-2369 (c)
509-888-6372 (o)
Nate found his spark for natural resources as a youngster playing in the woods, creeks and shorelines of the Great Lakes. He went to college in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains where he graduated with a B.S. in Environmental Biology. From there he drove west, working a handful of seasonal jobs in several states before landing in Washington, where he's been for 8 years. He's spent his time working for a few non-profit environmental organizations leading diverse crews of professionals and volunteers in conservation best practices, habitat restoration, and trail building. He's excited to grow his knowledge of the shrub steppe and its wonderful array of wildlife.
Maggie McGillivray
Natural Resource Technician
Education & Outreach Coordinator
Programs:
- Water Quality Monitoring
- Water Quantity Monitoring
- Education & Outreach
Contact Information:
mmcgillivray@fostercreekcd.org
509-449-5021 (c)
509-888-6374 (o)
Maggie has lived in Douglas County for the past 15 years, raising her children as 7th generation locals. Before planting roots in Waterville, she spent most of her childhood camping, hiking, and fishing all around the Pacific Northwest. As a result of such an adventurous upbringing, she developed a deep-rooted love and appreciation for the natural environment. She attended Central Washington University in Ellensburg, majoring in Anthropology. Her degree focus was on human and environmental interactions, which led her down many different paths: from species reintroduction projects in local watersheds, to multiple-agency collaborations to create sustainable fisheries, and lastly, raising a family to develop an appreciation for their heritage in agriculture and rural living. Maggie is committed to protecting the longevity and health of the land so that this community’s livelihood can continue to thrive for generations to come. She is thrilled to be serving Douglas County as a part of Foster Creek Conservation District.
Michelle Lockhart
Natural Resource Technician
Programs:
- Range & Agriculture
- Education & Outreach
Contact Information:
mlockhart@fostercreekcd.org
509-449-2158(c)
509-888-6372 (o)
Michelle has worked with a variety of producers including ranchers across the state of Montana and small-scale vegetable, flower, and sheep operations in upstate New York. She is a Landscape Architecture graduate from Purdue University, IN, and is excited to explore the ways communities connect with natural landscapes through agriculture and conservation in Douglas County. She has a Permaculture Design Certification through Oregon State and strongly believes in the ability of farmers and producers to sustain the lands and systems nourishing greater communities. While in Washington, one of her biggest goals outside of networking with producers is learning how to fly fish!