Meet Sonoma Coast Preserve Steward, Quinn Whisman

For Quinn Whisman, preserve steward at the 5,630-acre Jenner Headlands Preserve, no two work days are the same. Raised in Bodega Bay, Quinn has spent his entire life on the Sonoma Coast with the only exception being pursuing his bachelor’s degree in wildlife management at Cal Poly Humboldt. Quinn got involved with Wildlands back in 2021 at Jenner Headlands Preserve as a trail steward and has returned each summer, eager to help further the mission of The Wildlands Conservancy.

Quinn’s varied experience in grassland and stream restoration, forest conservation, and wildlife management is a natural fit for the Sonoma Coast team. “Wildlands multidisciplinary approach to caring for properties promotes ecocentric management of natural resources and the landscape, and I get to see aspects of all these things happening at the same time on the property,” Quinn says.

Wildlands believes that to pay to visit nature is to be dispossessed of a birthright, and this core belief resonates strongly with Quinn, ”I think Wildlands does such a fantastic job of encouraging people to get out on the land and making their experience stress free and enjoyable,” he says.

Quinn has a passion for conservation work, which stems from a deep appreciation for Earth’s natural beauty and resources. “I enjoy clean rivers to swim and fish in, and the ability to witness fantastic wildlife experiences,” Quinn says.

A self-proclaimed raptor enthusiast, Quinn is keen on spotting red-tails, ferruginous hawks, golden eagles, bald eagles, and owls on the preserve during his work day. He also enjoys hiking through the property to find orchids, consume thimbleberries, and admire the towering redwood and madrone trees. 

“What I enjoy most about my job here are the little things like tackling a hard day's work and being rewarded by driving through the property and seeing amazing views of our Sonoma Coast, and all the wildlife and plant sightings — I get to really geek out about it along the way,” shares Quinn.

Quinn’s favorite ways to connect to nature are through some of his favorite hobbies which include kayaking, hiking and camping. When he’s not out hiking or kayaking, you can find Quinn playing his guitar, harmonica or banjo.