Growing up half-feral in Montana and western Washington, the forests, mountains, rivers, and coastlines of the West were Sarah’s nearest companions and daily teachers. Her family lived close to the land and close to the bone, and she absorbed lessons in self-sufficiency, creative problem-solving, justified outrage, and the essentiality of questioning authority.

Sarah’s understanding of the West’s political and physical geography, the dynamics of the many stakeholders in the field of conservation, and the regional and global ecological threats in this time of multiple overlapping crises (climate, biodiversity, and racial and social justice) are founded in a bone-deep connection to the West. To this work, Sarah brings a keen mind, an intrepid spirit, a ready wit, and a perspective that sees both the forest AND the trees.

Sarah’s resume reflects a long-standing commitment to the yeoman’s work of conservation advocacy. She practiced public interest environmental law in private practice and at Western Environmental Law Center. Then, over the course of 9 years, Sarah was WildEarth Guardians’ Legal Director and Conservation Director, before returning to Western Environmental Law Center as their Wildlands and Wildlife program director.  Not reflected in her resume is a love of wild places and of walking as a primary mode of travel and recreation, an obsession with tea and licorice (don’t even ask “which kind?” there is only one kind), well-developed baking skills, and a voracious appetite for books. Sarah is thrilled to return to WildEarth Guardians to serve on the Board of Directors during these pivotal times.