The NRF team works to implement projects of the Nisqually River Council, build partnerships, and support watershed-based learning in our communities. These projects cover topics such as salmon recovery, adult and youth education, sustainable forestry and climate change.
Contact our office at (360) 438-8715 or email our staff below!
Justin Hall, Executive Director
Justin Hall has over 15 years of experience working in the Nisqually Watershed. Prior to coming to work for the Foundation, Justin worked as a natural resources extension agent for Michigan State University (MSU) where he managed a program to link MSU Extension to the state wildlife agency, providing efficiency in both organizations to meet their common goals. Prior to that, Justin worked as a forester for the University of Washington at Pack Forest, located in the Nisqually Watershed. Justin Hall’s educational background includes Bachelors of Science in both Fisheries Biology and Wildlife Science and a Master of Science in Silviculture and Forest Planning, all from the University of Washington. He is a member of Class 40 of the AgForestry Leadership Program, developing a network of leaders in agriculture, forestry, and natural resources for Washington State.
Davy Clark, Nisqually River Education Project Program Director
Davy Clark’s journey in the Nisqually Watershed began over a decade ago when he started working at the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge leading environmental education programs for students of all ages (preschool through college). While connecting others to nature, his passion for environmental education grew and developed. Davy holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Education from the Evergreen State College. He loves getting youth outdoors for field experiences where students can learn, get messy, and experience the wonders of nature. Since joining the foundation he has implemented programs such as water quality monitoring, salmon carcass tossing / nutrient enhancement, tree plantings, Student GREEN Congress, and more. He looks forward to many years to come of working with the community to connect students to the Nisqually Watershed.
Julia Fregonara, Water Quality Program Coordinator
Julia Fregonara joined the Nisqually River Foundation as the Water Quality Program coordinator with NREP following two years as the education coordinator at the Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge, where she earned the nickname “the Shorebird Lady” from students. Previously, she also served in environmental education roles with the US Fish and Wildlife Service in West Virginia. Julia holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the College of Wooster.
Tristan Olson, Nisqually River Council Program Coordinator
Born and raised in Olympia, Washington, Tristan previously served two years as a Fulbright Scholar and Program Coordinator with the U.S. Department of State in Malaysia before joining NRF. While exploring the rainforests of Borneo, he developed a passion for environmental conservation and is excited to be working on protecting the natural environments of his home state. Tristan holds a bachelor’s degree in English Creative Writing with minors in Business Administration and Film Studies from Western Washington University. He enjoys hiking, scuba diving, and any time spent exploring the outdoors.
Alex Zinck, Environmental Educator
Alex grew up in the Pacific Northwest, and is passionate about contributing to the continued stewardship of the region’s unique ecosystems. In 2023, Alex earned a Bachelor of Science degree from The Evergreen State College with a focus in biology. Alex has experience in a variety of environmental science settings, from working as a research technician in an oyster aquaculture laboratory to researching benthic macro-invertebrates in streams and rivers. As an AmeriCorps Member this year, Alex is looking forward to facilitating programming that fosters excitement about science in youth and promotes diversity and inclusion in scientific education.
Colbi Stewart, AmeriCorps Environmental Educator
Originally from Central California, Colbi moved up to the Pacific Northwest with the opportunity to learn and play soccer at The Evergreen State College in the summer of 2019. After 5 years of learning and interdisciplinary studies in: ecological agriculture, climate and environmental justice, food justice, and integrated biology and chemistry, they then graduated with their Bachelors of Science degree. As an Americorps member this year Colbi is excited to have the opportunity to serve many school groups, and to engage in their excitement for new and different experiences.