Doug Houston

Doug is President of Houston Magnani and Associates, a government relations and counseling firm headquartered in Sacramento. In his professional capacity, Doug advocates for local, regional and state park improvements, non-motorized trail enhancements, open-space and watershed protections and equitable access to the outdoors. He is also President of Parklands Group, Read more…

Karen Keene

Karen considers herself a native Californian, despite being born in Maine, as she has lived most of her formative and adult years in northern California. Following her passion for land use and natural resources policy, Karen completed graduate coursework in City and Regional Planning at California Polytechnic, San Luis Obispo. Read more…

Jeff Ward – Stewardship Director

The Stewardship Director oversees our stewardship program which includes monitoring the conservation and agricultural easements, and managing lands owned by Placer Land Trust.  The Stewardship Director coordinates restoration and enhancement projects on our preserves, leads preserve tours, and works with community volunteers to ensure that our preserves are protected for Read more…

Kara Walker – Donor Relations Director

The Donor Relations Director leads Placer Land Trust’s fundraising and communications activities. This includes cultivating and stewarding relationships with community stakeholders, members and donors; coordinating the fundraising efforts of the Board of Directors; and leading special events and campaigns to raise awareness for Placer Land Trust. Kara Walker joined PLT Read more…

Janet Voris – Acquisition Manager

The Acquisition Manager works closely with the Executive Director to meet organizational land acquisition goals, namely securing acquisition project revenue and managing acquisition projects. Janet grew up on 120 acres in Beavercreek, Oregon, where she spent her childhood wandering in the woods, exploring nature, and helping on the family farm. In her Read more…

Joe Sims – Land Manager

Joe Sims grew up along the Delaware River, where he developed an early appreciation for ecological and social aspects of watersheds and the wildlife that depend on them. After graduating from Temple University with a degree in Environmental Science and a minor in Geography, he ventured west to work with Read more…