North Coast Ranger Spotlight, Catsey Heath
Catsey Heath, Ranger at Eel River Estuary Preserve
Originally from Vermont, Catsey Heath joined the Wildlands team as a ranger in June 2024 at the Eel River Estuary Preserve. Catsey came to Wildlands after spending several years working for Humboldt County Parks where she led several beach cleanups throughout the region. Keep reading below to catch the full Q&A with Catsey…
“In just two hours of cleaning up an area known to be a hotspot for pallet beach fires, myself along with five other local students, collected six 5-gallon buckets of nails and a couple large bags of trash. ”
Q: In your opinion, why are community cleanups so important?
A: Community cleanups connect the community with nature and help spread awareness of the importance of keeping natural spaces clean for the overall well being of the ecosystem. These events are an opportunity to encourage communities to give back and help take care of the public spaces they use and enjoy.
I led many beach cleanups in my years working for Humboldt County Parks. The most memorable one was at Centerville Beach, where we’ll be hosting a cleanup this year on September 28th. In just two hours of cleaning up an area known to be a hotspot for pallet beach fires, myself along with five other local students, collected six 5-gallon buckets of nails and a couple large bags of trash. The students were astonished at how many nails each pallet leaves behind. It was a very productive and educational experience for everyone involved and we left feeling good about the positive impact made. The students then shared their experience with their friends, encouraging other students to stop burning pallets at beach parties.
Q: What inspired you to become a ranger and work in land conservation?
A: I have always had a great love and appreciation for the outdoors. Growing up my family spent a lot of time camping, hiking, and swimming. Two years after I graduated from high school I spent a winter working at a small ski area in southern New Hampshire. My boss at the ski rental shop managed the largest New Hampshire State Park campground, Greenfield State Park. He offered my best friend and I a job at his park and that's where my career working with the park service began. After several years working for New Hampshire State Parks and Colorado State Parks I joined Rocky Mountain Youth Corps for a backcountry trails season. This experience made me fall in love with trails and conservation work and led me to move to Humboldt to pursue year-round conservation work.
Q: What are some of your favorite ways to connect to nature?
A: My favorite ways to connect with nature are backpacking, swimming and hiking.
Q: What do you love most about living near the ocean?
A: I love the moderate coastal weather, taking long walks with my daughter and two dogs along our beautiful and quiet North Coast beaches, collecting agates and sand dollars, and watching the marine wildlife and birds.
Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies?
A: My favorite hobbies are a variety of outdoor recreation including hiking, biking, swimming, camping, backpacking, snowboarding and kayaking. I also enjoy seeing live music, listening to podcasts, and relaxing to a good movie.
Q: Do you have a favorite quote you'd like to share?
A: "Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed" - Mohandas Gandhi
Join Wildlands for a Coastal Cleanup Day
September 28 | 11 am - 1 pm
Centerville Beach & Sounding Seas Dunes Reserve
In an effort to preserve the beauty of California's scenic coastline and to protect marine life and coastal ecosystems, Wildlands is partnering with the Northcoast Environmental Center to host a beach cleanup day during National Cleanup Month. To RSVP for this event, click here.