Jamison’s work with wildlife in her own backyard

Unlike some of our staff members, Jamison’s native terrain is Escondido. She grew up in the home of the Escondido Creek, until she was sixteen and moved to San Marcos. Throughout her childhood, Jamison had a love for wildlife and a desire to see animals thriving in their natural habitats.

While pursuing her associates degree from Palomar Community College, Jamison was unsure what career path she wanted to pursue. After learning about Humboldt State University’s wildlife program, she came to a decision. A life spent working in the outdoors, protecting wildlife and natural resources was her perfect fit. 

Jamison’s journey to the Conservancy began in 2020. She came back to San Marcos and was looking at jobs online when she happened to see the Escondido Creek Conservancy posting for a Conservation Land Manager Assistant on the Land Trust Alliance job board. She heard back from the Conservancy several months after applying for the position, while simultaneously working for the san dieguito river park. Eventually, Jamison fully transferred over to the Conservancy that same year. 

Despite growing up in Escondido, Jamison was never aware of the Conservancy before this point. She was eager to learn more about the Conservancy’s work with the Escondido Creek watershed and protecting wildlife corridors. 

“I thought how amazing, in this growing urban environment there is this group dedicated to protecting Escondido’s natural resources,” Jamison said. “I wanted to be a part of that. I wanted to contribute and advocate for these precious pockets of undeveloped land, as I know how important they are to our remaining wildlife.” 

Jamison initially worked on monitoring and caring for most of the preserves, as well as helping to improve data management. Currently, she is a preserve manager and is leading a small Coastal Sage Scrub and Riparian expansion at Quarry Preserve.

Jamison hopes to have a positive impact on wildlife and leave behind a clear record of what is occurring on the preserves for future generations to understand.  

“I want people to know the impacts of the work others have done to improve these lands, such as restoration and species monitoring,” Jamison added. “I hope in my position that I improve the conditions of the preserves I manage and wildlife continues to thrive on our preserves.”