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Welcome Elke!

Our newest team member

September 16, 2016

Hello, my name is Elke Gomez and I am so pleased to be the newest member of the Urban Ecology team here at the Sacramento Tree Foundation!

My earliest years were spent in Germany, where I was born and raised, and I believe that's where my absolute love for the natural world began. I was surrounded by lush green forests and rolling emerald colored hills, there wasn't a day that passed that I didn't explore the outdoors. Whether I was chasing my little brother barefoot through the soft grass, climbing the tallest trees, or throwing snowballs at friends, "outside" was always the place for me. I was then and I am now always at peace in nature.

I studied Field Ecology and earned my certificate in May 2014. Through my education I gained first-hand knowledge in field methods in ecology, natural history of California ecosystems, entomology, ethnobotany, restoration ecology, plant, marine, and environmental biology, as well as environmental regulations. I learned how to identify, sample and study a variety of flora and fauna. I obtained skills such as quantitative and qualitative field research techniques and procedures applicable to plants and animals, and different methods of recording data and observations. I've also had the opportunity of assisting my professor with field research studying several bat species and ringtail ecology all throughout the Sutter Buttes.

In my free time, I am a multifaceted artist who favors clay sculpture, wheel throwing and collage. I also enjoy yoga, hiking, travel, kayaking, and spending time with loved ones, including my fur-babies.

I have dedicated many hours volunteering in Yolo, Sacramento and Yuba County, I find great satisfaction giving back to my community, and to the earth. I thoroughly believe in and try to live my life by Gandhi's quote, "be the change you wish to see in the world." And so here I am, a Restoration Field Technician re-creating environments, building communities and spreading the word. I am so proud to be a member of the Sacramento Tree foundation team.