Slater Sorensen.
We’re delighted to introduce you to Slater Sorensen, our new intern for Chimacum Ridge Community Forest!
Slater joined us in July and will work with us at least through the end of 2025 (hopefully longer, as funding allows). In this role, he’s working closely with Community Forest Manager Ryen Helzer, community volunteers, and contract crews on the field operations necessary to maintain the community forest and prepare it to open next month, including tending to trails, clearing brush, performing forest health assessments, collecting data, and more.
“It’s my hope and best intention to commit myself to service, science, and community,” Slater says. “The value I hold above everything is an ethic of care. I love being boots-on-the-ground in my work. I hope to contribute to any small, incremental change in a happier and healthier biodiverse ecosystem and connected people. I think everyone should have a life that includes witnessing beautiful things like our streams, wetlands, and forests.”
Slater was raised in the South Puget Sound region. He holds a B.A. in psychology with a focus on multicultural counseling and developmental psychology. “This track reinforced my love for people and critical analysis of the quality of our environment on our development,” he says. “At the end of the day, though, I knew my passion and stress levels were suited to working in ecology and doing my best to restore habitats.” He’s particularly interested in wetlands, and has dedicated much time to volunteering in wetland restoration and stormwater quality monitoring.
A Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crew helping complete the first .2 miles of the multi-use trail at Chimacum Ridge in April 2025.
Following his graduation from college, Slater spent two years serving with the Washington Conservation Corps (WCC). He first learned about Jefferson Land Trust while working on habitat restoration projects in East Jefferson County. He served on the WCC crew we contracted to help complete the multi-use trail on Chimacum Ridge in March 2025.
“It was an easy choice to apply for the Chimacum Ridge internship,” he says. “I could see the dedication the Land Trust commits to ecological preservation as well as community betterment. I love this work because these interconnected systems are so multifaceted, and it fills my heart with excitement.”
Now several weeks into his internship with the Land Trust, Slater says the position is bringing him “immense fulfillment.”
“From my first week I felt incredibly welcomed by all the staff at the Land Trust. I’m truly surrounded by lovely passionate people. It’s a privilege to be part of a greater body of knowledge and strategizers for conservation and community involvement.”
When Slater’s not out exploring nature, you’re likely to find him immersed in art-making: sketching and drawing over underpaintings or applying mixed media.
Welcome aboard, Slater!
