We’re pleased to welcome Jackie White as our new Environmental Planner! A lifelong Eastern Sierra local, Jackie was born and raised in Mammoth Lakes and now calls Big Pine home. Jackie brings with her a deep understanding of local ecosystems, policy, and planning, and she’s eager to contribute her expertise as we expand our efforts to support landscape resilience.
We asked Jackie a few questions to get to know her a bit better.
Tell us a bit about your professional background.
At the beginning of my career, in 2015, I worked for Sonoma State University funded by the National Science Foundation on an entomology research project to conduct willow leaf beetle climate change studies in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. From there I continued to work for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife out of the Bishop Office as a Scientific Aid for the Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep Program conducting research. I also seasonally worked in the Western Cascades of Oregon conducting mule deer population studies. Prior to joining Whitebark Institute, I spent four years as an environmental consultant conducting flora and fauna studies and working as a project coordinator assisting in technical document production on a variety of projects throughout the west.
What aspect of working with Whitebark are you most excited about?
I am looking forward to contributing to our local communities in an environmental conservation and resiliency capacity. Engaging with the local community to enhance ecosystems based on stakeholder feedback and working collaboratively to achieve the goals and objectives on a variety of projects.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy a variety of activities including hiking and backpacking during the summer months and skiing in the winter months. I also enjoy observing and learning about the local flora and fauna in the area while spending long days in the backcountry. Another activity that I currently enjoy doing outdoors is aerial silks taught by local aerial artists.