Elias grew up in Bowdoin, Maine, where he spent much of his younger years outside – riding bikes, hiking, and exploring nature. He worked for Maine Coast Heritage Trust during summers in college where he discovered a love of trail construction and learned the importance of coastal protection. After graduating from Warren Wilson College with a degree in Sustainable Forestry, he moved to northern California to join the AmeriCorps program and became part of the team at Bear Yuba Land Trust. Having spent his youth outdoors, Elias understands the value of protecting natural landscapes and sensitive areas for wildlife habitat and ecosystem health. As a land manager, he cares about restoring natural land processes and protecting the ability for future generations to experience the land.
Elias began flying drones five years ago as a hobby and quickly integrated his passion for photography and flying things into his stewardship work. Now, as a FAA Certified Remote Pilot, he uses drones to facilitate monitoring of properties in remote areas, monitoring restoration projects, and helping conservation organizations create supplemental imagery programs.
Outside of work, Elias volunteers with Bicyclists of Nevada County (BONC) to help build and maintain local trails. He is also a board member of Forging Nevada County Forward, a non-profit focused on providing resources and opportunities for community members to explore their artistic, personal, or vocational interests. He looks forward to sharing beautiful landscapes from above with the Placer Land Trust conservation community and managing some of the incredible lands PLT has protected.
