Meet the team

Elba

Outdoor Education Director

There’s truly nothing like unwinding beneath a tree, feeling the breeze on your face, and soaking in pure happiness. Watching ladybugs crawl softly along my arm and observing butterflies as they pass by fills me with wonder and joy. Nature is my ultimate zen master, providing me with peace and happiness. I'm incredibly grateful to share its magic and hope to ignite a love for our wild world through teaching and storytelling. 

Jesus

Preserve Manager

Standing at the base of an oak tree, smelling the mountain air, and overlooking a creek with a pearly pink sunset reminds me of the importance of land conservation. My whole life has been in pursuit of such sceneries and it brings a sense of peace and belonging. Working to protect and conserve such landscapes so future generations may enjoy them is a rewarding experience that I’m so happy to take part in.  

Charlie

Assistant Preserve Manager

I moved to the area in 2011 after twenty years of teaching English and history on the East Coast.  With a long passion for the outdoors (in high school I did an incredible wilderness backpacking trip in Montana that really had a huge impact on my life) I was excited to explore the local mountains.  Discovering the Oak Glen Preserve not long after moving here, I started hiking the Yucaipa Ridge with the preserve manager.  Eventually I was hired as a ranger at Bluff Lake, and I’ve been with Wildlands ever since, learning botany and studying the unique biogeography of the San Bernardino Mountains. 

Andrea

Outdoor Education Coordinator

One of my favorite aspects of my job is overseeing the Junior Ranger Program, which challenges me to come up with new ideas every year. I love that my job allows me to work outside in nature rather than being stuck behind a desk all day. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, reading, spending time with my family, and exploring new places.

Kelly

Docent Coordinator 

 I love being a Naturalist because it gets me outside everyday! While I’m outside my favorite things to look for are owl pellets! I find them fascinating and love to investigate what the Owls in the area have been munching! 

Brinley

Naturalist

Nature Enthusiast! I have the absolute joy of spending my days outside, helping kids discover the magic of nature. As a passionate naturalist, I’m driven by a deep love for wildlife conservation and a genuine excitement to share all the knowledge I can about the natural world. Working with kids is my favorite part of the job—they ask the best questions, see things in amazing ways, and remind me daily why this work matters. 

Carolina

Naturalist

I grew up in San Bernardino and loved any opportunity I could get away from the city and go out into nature. When I’m outside, I enjoy looking for new animals, and taking pictures of anything I find along the path. I also like exploring new places and learning as much as I can about the world. 

Daniela

Naturalist

 I love the great outdoors because it makes me feel healthy and connected to nature. I grew up in the sandy Coachella Valley and love all things related to the desert. When I'm out and about you can find me searching for invertebrates and little critters. I enjoy experiencing new adventures and I can't wait for my next wildlife encounter! 

Heidi

Naturalist

Growing up in Norway, I was surrounded by nature, and that early connection to the outdoors has stayed with me ever since. I love hiking, exploring new places, and observing wildlife—especially our bears and snakes, which I find endlessly fascinating. When I’m not out on the trails, you’ll often find me volunteering on paleontology digs, at the beach with my kids or writing, as I also create movies and books and mentor fellow writers. 

Jim

Naturalist

Upon graduating from college with a degree in Biology, I discovered there was a hiring freeze in both the State of California and the federal government.  I ended up in the business world for almost 40 years.  After retiring, the Wildlands Conservancy’s Education Director decided to take a chance on me as a Naturalist. I think that after 4 years it has turned out to be the best for both of us. 

Jordyn

Naturalist

I am an animal and nature lover! As a Naturalist at the Oak Glen Preserve, I get to explore my passions and learn something new everyday. I love having my own personal connections here with nature, but witnessing the children and public come to the preserve and appreciate it in their own way is very rewarding to see! 

Ashley

Ranger

Jackie

Ranger

Mya

Ranger

I started with The Wildlands as a Naturalist in 2023. Every day since has been an adventure! You can find me out on the trails somewhere, or neck deep in the ponds, working towards a healthier, more resilient ecosystem.  Don't ask me what my favorite part about being a Ranger is, unless of course you want to hear about the San Bernardino Mountains for the next hour or so! 

Steve

Ranger

Dawson

Garden Fellow

Michael

Education and Kiosk Docent

You can see me at the Kiosk every Friday saying hello to new and regular visitors to Oak Glen. Being a Docent offers lots of different outdoor experiences and many opportunities to learn from our Naturalists and Rangers. My favorite aspect of volunteering at Oak Glen is the experience of the seasons changing-fall colors, wildflowers blooming, new birds and insects arriving. Every week brings a change that I can share! 

Gary

Education Docent

Long ago I was in the Air Force and was a Security Officer. It was my job to keep people safe and protect planes.  After my time in the Air Force my wife Becky and I became teachers. I taught fourth grade while she taught high school. We really love teaching! 

One day I had a chance to take my students to the Oak Glen Preserve and show them the Outdoor Education Program. I was enamored! It was so so cool for my students to learn about nature! So when I retired I decided to volunteer as an Education Docent. I help with kids as they learn about nature and the forest. As a Volunteer Docent I am part of the Education Program which allows me to work with students. When I'm not doing that I can do other things. For example Becky and I are Drone Pilots for the Conservancy. We image other preserves to help other Behold the Beauty. The Wildlands Conservancy is my second home and I really enjoy being here! I am doing my part for the Wildlands Conservancy! 

Becky

Education Docent

My husband Gary and I have been coming to this preserve since 1996. While on our first walk through this preserve we came across a young tree that was just planted. As a family, we watered that tree. Then every time we came back we watered that tree with our children, and then later with our grandchildren. It is so fun watching that tree grow and thinking back to the memories it brings. I am so glad that we have a place to go to, to explore and  see the beauty around us. This is one of the reasons why after I retired from almost 20 years of teaching, that I started volunteering here at the Oak Glen Preserve. Now my husband Gary and I work together as Docents, being out in nature, interacting with other people, and helping to introduce people to some of the exciting animals and plants that our area has to offer.