Pamela Koch Joins Sempervirens Fund’s Board of Directors
Grassroots protector of local redwood forests deepens ties to the organization
Apr. 2, 2015 — Sempervirens Fund, the nonprofit land trust devoted to preserving the redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains, has just appointed Pamela Koch to its Board of Directors. Ms. Koch has volunteered with Sempervirens Fund since 2013 as a member of the Campaign Committee, raising funds to advance the organization’s Great Park vision.
A long-time docent naturalist at Año Nuevo State Reserve, Koch first immersed herself in redwood conservation in 2012 when she learned that a timber harvest plan had been filed for 151 acres of old-growth and second growth redwoods in Redwoods Meadows Ranch near Bonny Doon where she lives. With no previous direct fundraising experience, Koch devised and implemented a plan to engage with neighbors to raise $250,000 and partnered with Sempervirens Fund to match those funds and buy the timber rights, permanently protecting the redwoods.
“Pam’s wonderful grassroots work to protect Redwood Meadows with our organization brings a valuable experiential perspective to our board,” said Fred Keeley, Sempervirens Fund Board President. “She really gets our vision for the Great Park – a vibrant redwood forest ecosystem – and understands that it takes creative partnerships and community engagement to make it happen.”
Koch has volunteered as a docent naturalist at Año Nuevo State Reserve for 8 years, leading tours for the public to view the elephant seals and their pups during the winter months. Earlier this year she joined the board of the Coastside State Parks Association, a nonprofit that supports 15 State Parks on the San Mateo coast. And she currently serves as Board President of the Redwood Meadows Homeowners Association.
“I care deeply about our parks and open spaces, and the value of getting people out to experience them. I have been impressed with Sempervirens Fund’s determination and creative, intelligent, and entrepreneurial approach to projects that support the parks and protect the redwoods,” said Koch. “I’m thrilled to join their board and further their mission at a time when strong park partnerships are needed more than ever. I also look forward to showcasing the amazing work that they are doing to care for the lands they own.”
Koch holds a master’s degree in business administration and certificate in health care management from Boston University, an undergraduate degree from Clark University, and is a former hospital administrator and health policy analyst. She splits her time between residences in Menlo Park and Bonny Doon.
Sempervirens Fund’s mission is to complete the Great Park, a connected redwood forest ecosystem in the Santa Cruz Mountains.