Welcoming new team members at Conservation Northwest
Conservation Northwest / Apr 19, 2021 / Our Staff
Get to know our new staffers, Jen Syrowitz, Meghan Madden, Jordan Ryckman, and Sara Bellevue!
New faces at Conservation Northwest
Jen Syrowitz, Conservation Program Manager
Where are you from and how long have you lived in the northwest?
I was born and raised in the great white north, spending my formative years on the Manitoba Prairies. We moved to Washington in 2010 and intend to stay on the west coast, where everything organic sticks to the earth.
Why conservation northwest? what about this organization appeals to you?
I have appreciated the work of Conservation Northwest since moving to Washington state, admiring the organization’s laser focus on landscape-scale connectivity to improve sustainable outcomes for wildlife populations. But what drew me to work for the organization are the individuals responsible for that work—the teams that Conservation Northwest builds to achieve conservation goals are diverse, dedicated and passionate about keeping the northwest wild. I’m thrilled to be invited to this table.
what do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
We spend a good deal of time exploring the evergreen mountains, sagebrush plateaus and coastal beaches of Washington and British Columbia—backpacking, canoeing, fishing, snowshoeing, hunting upland game and harvesting shellfish. We also enjoy international travel, often with friends.
Who is your environmental hero?
My graduate school prairie chicken mentor, John Toepfer (d. 2018) who changed my personal and professional life in a myriad of ways. And, of course, First People’s traditional ecological knowledge, Aldo and Estella Leopold, Olaus and Mardy Murie, Fred and Fran Hamerstrom, Teddy Roosevelt—all the ancestors whose shoulders we stand upon.
Jen Syrowitz leads our Forest Field Program work on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, working with Central Cascades Conservation Associate Laurel Baum, as well as on the southern half of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, including the Wenatchee, Cle Elum and Naches ranger districts.
Meghan Madden, Director of Development and Operations
Where are you from and how long have you lived in the northwest?
I grew up mostly in Eugene, Oregon so I’ve been a Northwesterner my whole life. I moved to the East Coast for grad school right after college and ended up staying for 12 years. I always felt like it was temporary, though, and the not the place I was meant to be. I moved to Seattle in 2017 and plan to stay.
Why conservation northwest? what about this organization appeals to you?
When I came back to the Pacific Northwest after being gone for many years, I viewed it in a completely different way. It was something that I took for granted as a kid, but now I know how important it is that people are working to preserve and restore the nature we have around us. I don’t think anyone that hikes, camps, skis, climbs, visits national parks or national forests, etc. should do so without thinking about how much effort it has taken to ensure what we have now still exists and will be there in the future. Conservation Northwest does that. It’s amazing to work for an organization that has had such an amazing impact in our state and our local ecosystems.
what do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
During the summer I love to hike and explore the region. There’s still a ton I haven’t seen and am excited to experience. During hibernation I like to read, watch movies (especially horror movies, Halloween is my favorite holiday), and snuggle up with my dog and two rabbits.
Who is your environmental hero?
I don’t have one single hero. There is so much work to be done and there are thousands of people who contribute in different ways. From grassroots nonprofits to policy makers at the U.N., we all play a part in protecting our environment.
Meghan Madden oversees our operations and leads our Development team, including our membership program, Wildland Partners monthly giving club, business partnerships and much more. Every donation helps keep the Northwest wild!
Jordan Ryckman, Conservation Associate
Where are you from and how long have you lived in the northwest?
I am from Spokane Valley, Washington, and moved to Ellensburg in 2014. I have lived in the Pacific Northwest my whole life and I don’t think I could ever leave because it hosts such an amazing variety of biological and cultural beauty.
Why conservation northwest? what about this organization appeals to you?
I became aware of Conservation Northwest when I was completing my Master’s at Central Washington University. They helped provide volunteers who came out and helped me set up small mammal trapping transects and pitfall arrays. I was so impressed with the work that Conservation Northwest does and the people who help support it, and I am continually impressed with the collaborations and effort put in by Conservation Northwest. I am so happy to join this team and to share my passion for wildlife and connectivity with others.
what do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
When I am not working, I love to go camping, hiking, kayaking, and birding. I am also what I call a hobby-hopper, because I love to learn new things and this leads me to try many different things, like woodworking, painting, stain glass art, fly tying and more.
Who is your environmental hero?
There are so many influential people that have paved the way for someone like me to come in and make a difference. One of my environmental heroes is Tony Clevenger for his work with wildlife crossing structures, and his research on their success. Another one of my environmental heroes is the woman who introduced me to this field and helped mentor me through my own research, Kristina Ernest, a professor at Central Washington University.
Based in Ellensburg, Jordan Ryckman develops and implements strategies that protect and restore wildlife habitat, increase habitat connectivity across barriers, and foster scientific, social, and political networks in order to assist our Sagelands Heritage Program.
Sara Bellevue, Development and Operations Associate
Where are you from and how long have you lived in the northwest?
I’m a third generation proud Washingtonian—born in Seattle September 1982 and raised in the beautifully scenic Hood Canal/ Olympic Mountains, namely Hoodsport. I moved back to the Seattle area 10 years ago.
Why conservation northwest? what about this organization appeals to you?
Growing up on the Olympic Mountains, I noticed a decline in wildlife and wildlands. I no longer see any of the familiar animals I once did growing up, and logging and development has made the once vast and gorgeous landscape barely recognizable. The dedicated work Conservation Northwest does makes me hopeful for the future of our great outdoors, and I feel honored and proud to be a part of the amazing organization.
what do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
Gardening is one of my main passions. I also loved attending live music events (and hopefully will again soon!), enjoying a pint or two at any of the amazing breweries in and around Seattle, and baking—I recently mastered the art of the macaron.
Who is your environmental hero?
Syliva Earle and Jane Goodall—these amazing women are such an inspiration. There are not enough words to express my undying admiration and respect for both of these truly fascinating and wonderful human beings!
Part of our Development team, Sara Bellevue coordinates the operations of our Seattle office, processes gifts and memberships, supports donor stewardship, and serves as first point of contact at info (at) conservationnw.org.