OUR STAFF
Sam Easley- Executive Director
Sam@TransitionHabitat.org
Sam has worked on public lands in California and Wyoming since 2014. He has contracted with a variety of BLM and USFS offices to plan and execute restoration efforts, trail maintenance, and many other projects that land stewards are tasked with. When he's not in the office or enjoying THC's conservation lands, Sam is hiking with his dogs or traveling to see live music.
Carol Hill - Deputy Executive Director
Carol@TransitionHabitat.org
Carol has been a resident of the high desert since 1997. Graduated HMU-cosmetology – practiced 1981-1996. Worked in translations 1997- 2020. For many years, Carol was active in community activities that involved her children. She was a Girl Scout leader, a Cub Scout leader, PTA member and volunteered for the school. She enjoyed teaching her children about the beauty and importance of wildlife and nature. Carol was a board member and volunteer for Transition Habitat Conservancy since its beginning and has taken advantage of the many educational opportunities offered. Carol focuses most of her energy on policy building and compliance with the Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices.
Wendy Walker - Program and Office Administration Manager
Wendy@TransitionHabitat.org
Wendy worked for the Riverside Corona Resource Conservation District doing habitat restoration for four years before coming to Transition Habitat Conservancy. Wendy has studied California native plants and natural history all her adult life, and these field skills still come in handy when providing support for THC's programs, field staff, and volunteers. In her spare time, Wendy enjoys nature photography and exploring the outdoors.
Vern Biehl - Preserve Manager
Vern@TransitionHabitat.org
Vern and his wife Marge have lived in the west Antelope Valley since the 1950's. Since 1982, they have lived on the north slope of Portal Ridge, where they now manage the Portal Ridge Wildlife Preserve for THC. Their property was the first conservation easement for Transition Habitat, and they hope someday that it will be used as the home for future Preserve managers and an education center for equine communication and Leave No Trace horse packing. They are proud of their association with THC and their relationships with the people that make it such a great organization.
Sarah Berryman - Natural Resources Biologist
Sarah@TransitionHabitat.org
Sarah is from Southern California and has worked in many of the diverse habitats in the region. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from California State University, San Bernardino, with a focus on wildlife biology. She worked for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife prior to her time here at THC, where she contributed to the statewide black bear management plan by surveying the Angeles National Forest. She has engaged in various projects such as conducting surveys on Yosemite toads in the Sierras, participating in Desert tortoise conservation efforts in the West Mojave, investigating Chronic Wasting Disease in mule deer, engaging in mountain lion tracking and release operations, and contributing to the recovery initiatives for the endangered Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit in eastern Washington. Sarah's overarching objective is to inspire ecological awareness in others and motivate them to make a positive impact on the natural world.
Wesley Skelton - Land Steward
Wesley@TransitionHabitat.org
Wesley Skelton grew up on the land that now comprises part of the Portal Ridge Wilderness Preserve. He is skilled in construction and his hobbies include natural history, botany, and exploration. Wesley will assist Vern Biehl in managing the Preserve and maintaining trail access. Wesley’s family has a long history with THC as they sold 80 acres of their land to be conserved as part of THC’s Preserve.
Allyson Lavender- Transactions Manager
Allyson@TransitionHabitat.org
Allyson embarked on her career more than 25 years ago at The Wildlands Conservancy, where she gained valuable insights into desert conservation through her involvement in the Catullus acquisition, encompassing a staggering 587,000 acres within the Mojave National Preserve, Joshua Tree National Park, various federally designated wilderness areas, and what is now known as the Mojave Trails National Monument. During her tenure at Shelton Douthit Consulting, Allyson collaborated with numerous desert land conservancies to acquire parcels, often facilitating their transfer to the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, or State Parks. Her contributions at the Mojave Desert Land Trust were equally remarkable, as she played a pivotal role in acquiring over 119,000 acres of ecologically significant land and transferring more than 58,000 of those acres to public lands within National Parks, National Monuments, and wilderness areas.
Allie Keen - Land Steward
Allie@TransitionHabitat.org
Allie graduated from University of California, Riverside with a degree in Biology in 2023. She grew up in the high desert and has a love for local plants and wildlife and is excited to be a part of the THC team. Exploring the desert is one of her favorite things to do, whether it be hiking, on horseback, or in a vehicle. Allie loves to share her passion for the desert with others and hopes to learn all she can and teach others.