The seasons are changing from summer to fall, and Placer Land Trust is seeing a few transitions as we increase our capacity to take on all the exciting work ahead. Please join us in welcoming our two newest staff members!
Land Manager Joe Sims grew up along the Delaware River, where he developed an early appreciation for 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 the Colorado River Indian Tribes. He continued his career in the Southwest, later joining efforts in the San Bernardino National Forest before moving to Joseph, Oregon, where he worked alongside the U.S. Forest Service to help prevent the spread of invasive species.
Following several seasons in Oregon, Joe returned to the Southwest to work along the Rio Grande River, supporting rural communities in protecting critical riparian habitat and water resources. Now back in California, he is excited to be collaborating with the community members of Placer County to safeguard vital habitats. In his free time, Joe can often be found cycling or hiking with binoculars in hand, searching for new fishing spots and birds to add to his life list.
Stewardship Specialist Bellamy Wooten grew up in the Rolling Plains of Texas, where early experiences in student leadership shaped her commitment to community service. It wasn’t until Winter Storm Uri in 2021, though, when small towns like hers faced extreme circumstances, that her interest in climate resilience and equitable public policy was sparked.
Bellamy earned a bachelor’s degree in Geography and Sustainability Studies from the University of Texas at Austin, where she also interned at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Colorado River Alliance, and Public Citizen, exploring environmental compliance, education, and policy. Her most exciting endeavor there was studying vegetation response in the savannas of Botswana, an experience that confirmed the career path she wanted to take.
After graduating in December 2024, Bellamy moved to Sacramento for an AmeriCorps fellowship, supporting the California Health Collaborative in policy implementation, grant writing, and developing a streamlined, citizen-science process for Tobacco Product Waste collection. When she’s not in the field or at the office, you’ll find her hiking, camping, and most recently, birding across Northern California.
Welcome, Joe and Bellamy — we’re so glad you’re here, and we’re looking forward to diving in together on the many exciting projects ahead!
