Josh Smith –Watershed Stewardship Program Director
While Josh brings nearly two decades of hydrology and ecology experience to his position, his extensive local knowledge is potentially his most valuable asset. Over the past decade, Josh’s work has been focused on developing plans for restoration work in the region. He started with widespread monitoring and outreach to learn about conditions in the watershed, developed assessments to treat the problems identified, and grew strong partnerships and funding for required interventions and restoration projects.
Over the last several years, he’s begun implementing local projects: restoring the Hayfork Community Wetlands, conducting road upgrade projects to reduce sediment pollution, leading riparian planting efforts and water conservation initiatives and, in partnerships with the Yurok Tribe, conducting a Spring Chinook habitat restoration project on the South Fork Trinity River. Josh also helps manage the Watershed Center’s Youth and Recreation programs.
He has a degree in Environmental Studies with a minor in Geology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He enjoys outdoor activities. Backcountry skiing, backpacking, and mountain biking are his current favorites. These activities have been extremely valuable for learning more about the ecoregion that he loves. He also enjoys sharing his love of the outdoors with his wife and two daughters.
Email Josh: josh@thewatershedcenter.com