Last updated: November 27, 2024
Article
Meet the 2024-2025 San Francisco Bay Area Network Watershed Stewards

Courtesy of Justin Jang

NPS
And I’m Val Kostelnik, also a WSP Corpsmember, and Justin’s site-partner at Point Reyes. I grew up exploring Pine Gulch Creek in Bolinas CA, and now, after graduating from the University of Vermont with a degree in natural resources, I am overjoyed to get back to splashing around in the creeks near and dear to my heart! My college studies emphasized soil ecology and forestry, and though the world of salmonids is relatively new to me, I’m already fascinated by both the fish and techniques we use to monitor them. In my spare time, I’m studying the effect of fire on soil nematodes (teeny tiny worms), playing a lot of pickleball, and hiking around Point Reyes. I’m excited to bring the West Marin and greater Bay Area communities to see the salmon in their backyard through volunteer events, school field trips, and more.
Please stay on the lookout for events posted through the park’s social media!
For more information
- San Francisco Bay Area Network Salmonid Monitoring webpage
- Pacific Coast Science & Learning Center Coho & Steelhead webpage
- Contact Fishery Biologist Michael Reichmuth
See more from the Bay Area Nature & Science Blog