Don Scoles, Executive Director
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Don Scoles is responsible for open space property acquisition; habitat management; and operations including administration, membership, fundraising, grants, outreach, and education. Don came to SDHC in 2009 with over 20 years of experience in the environmental planning and compliance field where he evaluated projects pursuant to environmental laws and regulations such as the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and resource agency permits. He is extensive experience in restoration, erosion control, hazardous materials review, stormwater, and field implementation of environmental commitments during construction. Don received his Bachelor of Arts in Geography with an Emphasis in Environmental Studies and a minor in Biology from San Diego State University, and has completed a Professional Certificate in Hazardous Material Management. |
Kathleen Pollett, Conservation Manager
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Kathleen Pollett’s responsibilities include overseeing existing long-term management of open space preserves, drafting estimates for Long-term Management, Conservation Easements, and Operating Agreements, preserve management duties, including general biological and sensitive species surveys, invasive removal, and vegetation mapping; and providing operational support, including administration, website maintenance, and ensuring compliance with accreditation standards. Kathleen came to SDHC in 2018 after working in the biological field for more than 20 years, including 10 years with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. She previously was the Program Coordinator for the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program and Central Coast Team Lead Biologist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service where she worked predominantly with Ranchers designing voluntary habitat restoration. She has a Master’s Degree in Biology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology with Botany and Chemistry minors.
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Austin Parker, Assistant Habitat Manager
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Austin Parker's responsibilities include performing monitoring visits, biological surveys including sensitive plant and wildlife species and protocol surveys, invasive species removal, and general project management. Austin holds a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service permit for the California gnatcatcher and has worked with many other at-risk bird populations such as coastal cactus wren, least Bell’s vireo, burrowing owls, and peregrine falcons, among other species. Before joining SDHC in 2018, Austin worked with federal agencies such as the USGS and National Park Service as well as non-profit organizations and private consulting companies in various southern California habitats. Austin continues to serve as a wild land fire resource advisor for the National Park Service and has worked on fires in California and Oregon. Austin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and a minor in International Relations from the University of San Diego. In 2018, Austin will complete his Masters of Arts in Biology from Miami University Ohio through the San Diego Zoo Global’s Institute for Conservation Research. |
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Kathy Tonsgard, Accountant
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Kathy Tonsgard's responsibilities include developing and managing the annual budget, managing the general ledger, tracking endowments, scheduling the release of funds, month-end and annual reporting, and bank reconciliations. Kathy is new to San Diego as of October 2016 and comes to us from beautiful Alaska. Kathy and her family are very involved in horse rescue in San Diego County and she volunteers on a couple of Boards supporting these rescues. Kathy obtained her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Alaska, her MBA from University of Phoenix, and her Juris Doctor from Concord Law School in Los Angeles. Kathy came to SDHC in 2017 with over 25 years of experience in the accounting and finance field. |
Mary Applon, Bookkeeper
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Mary Applon's responsibilities include assisting with accounts receivable and accounts payable, managing the annual budget, preparing invoices, tracking endowments, scheduling the release of funds, and preparing thank you letters to our donors. Mary enjoys being active in the community and is involved with various organizations around San Diego County to help end hunger and assist our golden aged generation in maintaining a healthy living environment. Mary obtained her Bachelor of Science from California College and the University of Redlands and came to SDHC in 2016 with over 8 years of experience in the accounting and finance field. |
Our Consultants
Jim Rocks, Habitat Manager
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Jim Rocks, Owner and Principal Biologist of Rocks Biological Consulting, serves as SDHC's habitat manager. His responsibilities include habitat management, biological surveys, and public outreach and education. Jim began working with SDHC in 2007 and has over 16 years of biological experience in California, primarily in San Diego County. He has extensive experience conducting endangered species surveys and holds U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Permits for the California gnatcatcher, quino checkerspot butterfly, and all California fairy shrimp. Additionally, Jim has expertise in botanical surveys, wildlife, and general biological surveys; wetland delineation; native plant revegetation/restoration; and construction monitoring. Jim holds a Master of Science in Biological Sciences from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville and has consulted with such clients as the San Diego Natural History Museum, MCAS Miramar, Pacific Gas & Electric, the City of San Diego, FEMA, and the San Bernardino Water Conservation District.
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San Diego Habitat Conservancy
2770 Historic Decatur Road, Suite 205
San Diego, CA 92106
Phone: 619-365-4839
SDHC@sdhabitat.org
2770 Historic Decatur Road, Suite 205
San Diego, CA 92106
Phone: 619-365-4839
SDHC@sdhabitat.org