Slater Sorensen at Chimacum Ridge Community Forest.
Slater serves as an AmeriCorps Forest Enhancement Steward at Chimacum Ridge Community Forest, where he supports hands-on stewardship and forest health work across this complex landscape. His interest in conservation began early, sparked by watching stream biologists at work in the Olympic lowlands. Growing up in South Puyallup, he spent plenty of time outdoors, developing an appreciation for the natural world that would later shape his path.
That path has taken a few thoughtful turns — from studying environmental engineering and hydrology, to earning a degree in psychology with a focus on community psychology. Through two terms with the Washington Conservation Corps, Slater found his passion for conservation working in wetlands, along streams, and in prairie systems. Now, he’s continuing that work at Chimacum Ridge, building his skills in forest stewardship and ecological observation.
A short conversation with Slater makes clear not only how knowledgeable he is, but how much he delights in this work and sharing it with others. He’s already contributed to several articles about land management efforts on Chimacum Ridge, including Caring for a Working Forest: Restoration in Action on Chimacum Ridge and Small Plant, Big (and Bad) Impact: Wild Basil at Chimacum Ridge.
“I am so excited to be part of the Jefferson Land Trust team while I work at Chimacum Ridge Community Forest,” Slater shares. “What I love about this team is the embrace of an interdisciplinary approach to meeting conservation goals.”
When he’s not out in the field, you might find Slater kayaking in Discovery Bay, drawing, or keeping an eye out for great blue herons.
