Ventura County
Ventura County
Jamie Whiteford brings over two decades of experience in environmental science, agricultural best practices, and project management. Jamie holds a PhD in Soil and Water Sciences from the University of California, Riverside, an MSc in Oceanography and a BSc in Biochemistry from Old Dominion University. Before stepping into the role of Executive Director, Jamie served as the Director of Projects and Grants at VCRCD, where he led his team on over 100 conservation and restoration initiatives, collaborating with landowners, regulatory bodies, and agricultural leaders. Jamie’s career is marked by a commitment to sustainability, demonstrated through successful management of grant-funded projects focused on irrigation efficiency, carbon sequestration, and habitat restoration. His prior experience includes faculty positions in environmental and agricultural sciences at various colleges, where he was recognized for excellence in teaching and research. Jamie has published several works on environmental science and continues to be an active contributor to the field through presentations and advisory roles.
Deb Barringer, Restoration Ecologist, holds an M.S. in Ecology and has spent many years assessing and documenting human disturbance to landscapes. She was a consulting scientist with several firms when she conducted a variety of species surveys and contributed to environmental assessments and mitigation measures for federal, industry, and private projects. She uses her biological and gardening experience to plan appropriate native plants to restore habitat functions for local wildlife and for land recovery. She is on the Board of Ventura Audubon and a member of the Native Plant Society.
Jia Wiebe graduated from California State University Channel Islands with a B.S. in Environmental Science and Resource Management with a minor in Biology. For the last six years of Jia’s career, she had been working with Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SAMO) as a vegetation restoration field technician and crew lead. Over at SAMO, she had discovered her passion for conservation, restoration, and the protection of natural resources. She had a vast and essential role in planting over 100,000 native plants in the Santa Monica Mountains. She loves to educate the public, students, and her crew about the flora and fauna located in southern California. By establishing new and meaningful connections Jia hopes to spread her passion about conservation and to make sure the natural resources will be here for many generations to come. In her free time, Jia enjoys walking the beach with her dog, looking for sea-glass, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.
Vic is the Resource Conservation District Irrigation Specialist. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. Vic performs irrigation evaluations on farms to assist growers with best management practices for irrigation efficiency. He has been with the district for over 10 years and developed VCRCD’s Mobile Irrigation Laboratory.
Emily Nye is our Agricultural and Environmental Sustainability Specialist. She loves empowering and collaborating with the community on produce knowledge, farming techniques, regenerative agriculture, and all things nature. She is passionate about finding equitable solutions to build resilient communities. Her undergraduate and graduate training was in Pennsylvania focused on Environmental Science and Sustainability. She loved growing up on farmland and later working on an educational organic farm so much so she hopes to have her own farm someday. Outside of work, Emily enjoys hiking, backpacking, crafting, reading, and spending time with her dog and partner.
Johnagustin graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a degree in Agriculture and Environmental plant science with a concentration in Plant Protection. While in school, he focused on studying entomology, plant pathology, and vertebrate pest control. He also has a vast background in the nursery industry, from growing up in his family’s nursery. John, a Ventura County native, is excited to help the surrounding community. Outside of work, John loves to mountain bike, go to the beach, and collect rare plants
Lauren Zaragoza focuses on supporting the watershed health and fire and fuels management teams with the resource conservation district. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Cal Poly SLO in Environmental Management and Protection with a minor in Wildlife Biology and Latin American studies. Most of her time has been spent monitoring endangered and threatened salmonids across California where she ultimately grew a deep love for snorkeling river rapids. Additionally, she has contributed to the monitoring efforts of the Foothill yellow-legged frog, CA rockfish species, the Northern elephant seal, and has done a handful of work in native plant restoration. By forging new and meaningful partnerships she hopes to integrate the work of advocating for ecosystem health with community well-being and revitalizing cultural connections to the land. Outside of work you can catch her in the water (be it the rain, local swimming holes, or ocean waves) and scheming for her next big trip.
Alicia is deeply passionate about sustainability and enjoys exploring the outdoors. When she’s not in nature, she loves traveling and immersing herself in different cultures. Although she holds a degree in Accounting from the State of Arizona, her hands-on experience in agriculture has reignited her childhood love for the environment. This newfound enthusiasm has driven her to pursue a career in Environmental Science, where she hopes to make a meaningful impact on the planet.
Kevin Mason has a BS in Botany and Plant Pathology from Oregon State University and 9 years of experience doing botany fieldwork for different agencies. He is passionate about the interconnectedness of fire and native plant communities across the Pacific West, particularly with regard to Indigenous burning practices and their impact on native plant communities in the past and present. Prior to starting at VCRCD, he worked as a conservation technician at Feather River Resource Conservation District (FRRCD) in Plumas County CA. At FRRCD, he participated with under-burns in mixed black oak/conifer plant communities and monitored some of the effects of burning on native plant communities there. He has also monitored fire effects to native plant communities across southern California. Kevin looks forward to collaborating with people across Southern California and learning more about how fire can be used as a tool to protect communities of people and preserve ecosystems across Ventura County. Outside of work, you can find him crawling in the dirt looking for truffles or swimming in the ocean.
Mary graduated with Honors from the University of California, Santa Barbara, earning a B.A. in Environmental Studies and a Minor in Educational Studies. During her undergraduate career, Mary explored everything from conservation planning to climate justice, giving her a broad but informed perspective on environmental protection. In addition, her coursework in the Education Department provided her with a background on psychology and social and cultural development that gives her a unique perspective in the environmental field. Outside of work, you can find Mary soaking up the sun, crocheting a blanket, and spending time with her family and friends.
Rachel Ray pursued a degree in environmental science from California Lutheran University and focused on wildlife ecology and conservation. Since then, she has found her passion for habitat restoration and the plants that are found in a variety of ecosystems. Her previous work with the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy and Channel Islands Restoration has given Rachel the opportunity to work in many environments around Ventura County. The majority of her work has consisted of riparian restoration with the center of attention on Arundo donax removal within the Santa Clara and Ventura River. The connection she has made to this area and its inhabitants drives her dedication and enthusiasm to conserve the natural world around her. When Rachel is not working, she enjoys spending time outdoors in the sun, whether it’s at the beach or on a trail.
Alexander has an extensive background in wildlife conservation, environmental restoration, and wildland fire. He attended CSU Channel Islands where he majored in Biology. As a biologist he surveyed and monitored for protected species such as California Red-legged Frog, Desert Tortoise, Burrowing Owl, and many flora species such as Late blooming Mariposa Lily. When he isn’t working he enjoys kayaking, hiking and playing the guitar. After working with native plant species for many years, he has gained a deep interest in gardening and turning his backyard into pollinator friendly habitat.
Sophia holds a Bachelor of Science in Forestry with a concentration in Soils from Cal Poly Humboldt. Over the past several years, Sophia worked in agricultural research trials with Driscoll’s, supporting entomology and applied research projects focused on IPM, pollination, & crop optimization. Sophia is passionate about the environment, native plants, sustainable agriculture, and helping her community. Outside of work, Sophia enjoys crafting, gardening, hiking, playing guitar, and road-tripping with her partner and cat.
Riley holds a Master of Environmental Science and Management from the Bren School at UC Santa Barbara where he specialized in water resource management and conservation planning. Prior to starting with VCRCD, Riley worked on an organic farm for four years as well as worked as an environmental scientist completing field surveys, conducting water resource analysis, and cultivating native plants for restoration projects. Outside of work Riley is most likely running trails, swimming in a river, or trying to find the next best mountain top view.