Emily (she/her) came to Sonoma County from her hometown of San Jose to attend Sonoma State University, from which she graduated in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in Geography, Environment, and Planning with an emphasis in environmental systems. She participated in a land management internship to develop skills in managing public and private land through both ecological and cultural lenses for a resilient future, which is where she developed an interest in land stewardship. She has also spent the past two seasons as a Sonoma County regional park aide, helping to maintain park lands and learning to connect the community with the beauty in their backyard. When she isn’t working, you can find her swimming in the Russian River, tidepooling on the coast, hiking new trails, or curled up with her cats and a good book. She is excited to return as a California Climate Action Corps fellow on the Conservation Works team for the 26/27 term, to support climate education, health, and resilience in the place she has grown to love and call home.

Aaron (he/him) grew up exploring the mountains and coast through running, biking, surfing, and climbing in his hometown of San Luis Obispo. After witnessing the effects of severe drought and wildfire within his community, he was inspired to pursue a career protecting natural ecosystems and addressing climate change. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Environment and Sustainability and a minor in Climate Change from Cornell University in 2024. While at Cornell, he contributed to plant collection and curation while working for the Bailey Hortorium Herbarium. After graduating, he conducted wildlife damage management for USDA Wildlife Services in Kauai, helping mitigate the negative effects of invasive species. Aaron has now joined Conservation Works as a California Climate Action Corps fellow for the 2026-2027 year and is excited to contribute to climate action projects and engage with the community throughout Sonoma County.

Hadley (she/her) was born and raised in Southern Louisiana, where some of her fondest memories involve kayaking on the bayou, cycling beneath oak trees, harvesting muscadines and blackberries, and watching fireflies dance through the night. Growing up in Louisiana gave her an appreciation for the ways that the natural environment shapes people and the places they call home. 

Hadley originally attended Louisiana State University as a Psychology major, but courses in Horticulture, Environmental Science, and Agronomy sparked an unexpected passion for environmental work. Following that passion, she served as an AmeriCorps member with Serve Louisiana at a community farm in Baton Rouge. From harvesting okra and planting fruit trees, to leading a youth farm program, she put her hands and heart into every opportunity to learn more about land stewardship, community engagement, and environmental education. Most recently, she worked as the Programs and Events Coordinator for a nonprofit arboretum, organizing events ranging from naturalist presentations to children’s nature camps. 

As a 2026-27 California Climate Action Corps Fellow with Conservation Works, Hadley is excited to strengthen connections between people and the natural environment through hands-on climate action to help build a more sustainable future. Through her work as a fellow, she hopes to foster the same sense of connection, stewardship, and resilience that she has witnessed throughout her life, while continuing to learn from the people and landscapes of Northern California. 

In her free time, you can find her exploring coastal hiking trails, trying new routes at the rock climbing gym, or enjoying a sunny day outside with a good book.