Driven By Passion

Our team at SkeenaWild Conservation Trust is made up of passionate, dedicated individuals working to defend the future of wild salmon. With a diverse range of expertise in environmental science, advocacy, education, forestry, and community engagement, we are united by a shared mission: to ensure salmon thrive for generations to come. We champion sustainable practices and defend the natural resources of the Skeena Watershed, collaborating across disciplines to achieve our common goal of preserving this vital salmon stronghold.

Salmon are strong and capable of incredible strength and adaptability. If we succeed in our mission, we will give them the opportunity not just to survive but to thrive in an ever-changing environment.

By protecting their habitats and ensuring responsible development, we help salmon populations recover and flourish, securing their place in the food chain and in the lives of the communities that depend on them. Our success means giving salmon the chance to continue their vital role in nature and ensuring they remain a source of strength for generations to come.

Julia Hill Sorochan

Executive Director

Julia Hill Sorochan, SkeenaWild’s Executive Director, was born and raised in Northwest B.C. and has worked for SkeenaWild since it started in 2007.  With her roots deeply planted in the Skeena Watershed, Julia has been immersed in local conservation for most of her life. She is deeply committed to affecting the systemic change needed to ensure the long-term health of salmon, water, and communities in the face of mounting pressures and rapid change. 

More on Julia

She is currently working towards a Master’s degree in Environments and Management from Royal Roads University, where she is strengthening her ability to improve local agency and effective governance to build the resilience of our diverse communities and salmon ecosystems to respond to climate change.

Her expertise in conservation in the Skeena Watershed has been instrumental in guiding and advancing the organization’s strategic direction to implement environmental change and improve management approaches on the ground in Northern B.C. She believes deeply in justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation and strives to weave these principles into her leadership.

Nathan Meakes

Assistant Director

Nathan Meakes is Skeenawild’s new Assitant Director. With a lifelong commitment to conservation, experience as an angler, and a background in biology, Nathan brings a deep passion for the diverse ecology of the Skeena region. Since 2015, he has contributed to fundraising, advocacy, and policy oversight on fisheries issues within the Skeena.

More on Nathan

He is driven by the understanding that rigorous science, responsible fisheries management, and healthy habitats are essential for ensuring a positive future for the region’s fish populations.

Greg Knox

Chair of the Board of Trustees

Greg Knox has been the Chair of the Board of Trustees for SkeenaWild since April 2025. Before that, he was the Executive Director of SkeenaWild Conservation Trust from its inception in 2007. In 2013, Greg completed a Master’s degree in Environmental Management at Royal Roads University, where he developed a framework for implementing a collaborative freshwater salmon habitat-monitoring program in the Skeena Watershed. 

More on Greg

Greg has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement throughout his career. He has worked tirelessly to develop innovative programs and initiatives that promote sustainable practices to help communities safeguard our most vital natural resources: salmon and water.

With his deep knowledge of the Skeena ecosystem and steadfast guidance through many challenges over the years, Greg is a trusted leader and advocate for Skeena salmon. He’s played a critical role in advancing our understanding of our fisheries’ challenges and developing effective solutions to address them.

Greg sits on the Northern Panel of the Pacific Salmon Commission, is an advisor to the Pacific Salmon Watershed Fund, a board member of the Skeena Knowledge Trust, and a Steering Committee member of the Friends of Wild Salmon Coalition.

Dr. Michael Price

Director of Science

As Director of Science, Dr. Michael Price oversees all aspects of the organization’s science program, including research, monitoring, analysis, and writing. He works closely with a team of scientists and experts to develop and implement cutting-edge research projects, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of scientific discovery in the field of salmon conservation. 

More on Dr. Michael

Michael holds a Ph.D. from Simon Fraser University and currently is a Liber Ero Postdoctoral Fellow with the Moore Lab. He has published over 30 scientific articles and reports on salmon conservation and ecosystem management.

Throughout his career, Michael has demonstrated a passion for environmental stewardship and a deep understanding of the complex interactions between salmon and their ecosystems.

His ongoing work with Skeena First Nations and the development of rebuilding plans for diminished salmon populations is helping foster their resilience to a rapidly changing world. 

Hup Wil Lax A
(Kirby Muldoe)

Director of Community Relations and Partnerships

Hup Wil Lax A, Kirby Muldoe, is SkeenaWild’s Director of Community Relations and Partnerships. Hup Wil Lax A is a proud member of the Tsimsian and Gitxsan People and has lived in Gitxsan Territory for almost his entire life. Hup Wil Lax A enjoys spending time on the water and land in the Skeena watershed and Pacific Ocean. His work focuses on building and maintaining relationships with individuals, organizations, communities, and Indigenous Nations across the Skeena Watershed and beyond.  

More on Kirby

Kirby is deeply committed to protecting and defending the Skeena River for future generations. He is dedicated to building relationships with people from salt waters to headwaters to better understand the impacts of industrial development on our environment, food sovereignty, and human rights through the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) principles.

Kirby’s work has been instrumental in advancing the mission of SkeenaWild, and he continues to be a driving force behind the organization’s success.

Kait Yehle

Director of Fisheries

Kait Yehle, SkeenaWild’s Fisheries Director and Biologist, works closely with our Director of Science, Dr. Michael Price. Kait focuses primarily on research, advocacy, and communications related to sustainable fisheries & salmon habitat management and how climate change impacts wild salmon.

More on Kait

Kait holds a M.Sc. from the University of British Columbia, where she studied natural resource management and conservation physiology. Conserving the Skeena’s vital ecosystems and habitat is a personal commitment for Kait, driven by a desire to ensure the well-being of salmon and the communities they sustain. 

“I’ve been privileged to explore the Skeena Watershed and find it truly unique in its beauty and connection with its people. I feel blessed to work alongside a small team of such passionate and talented individuals,”

says Kait. 

Adrienne Berchtold

Ecologist & Mining Impacts Researcher

Adrienne Berchtold is an Ecologist and Mining Impacts Researcher with SkeenaWild and focuses her research on the effects of mining on freshwater and salmon resources in Northwestern B.C.   

More on Adrienne

Adrienne holds a M.Sc. from Simon Fraser University, where she specialized in aquatic ecology. Since beginning with SkeenaWild in early 2018, she has been working diligently to understand   the technical aspects of mining and how they interact with salmon river systems.

Her work includes assessing mine environmental monitoring data, providing technical reviews of mining proposals, working with Indigenous Nations and communities to understand and advocate for responsible mining practices, and pushing for mining law reform in BC. She believes decolonization is inextricably connected to climate resilience and sustainable resource management and tries to hold this as a constant throughout her work.

Her passion for protecting the land and water and her commitment to community engagement have been instrumental over the years. 

“I get to work with so many amazing and inspiring people and do my part to protect what will matter most in the long run – our shared land and water” 

explains Adrienne. 

Marie Blouin

Education Programs Manager

With a background in education and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, Marie, our Education Programs Manager, focuses on developing curriculum-based initiatives that combine interdisciplinary content with local Indigenous knowledge to engage community members of all ages and backgrounds. Through hands-on, inquiry-based activities, she teaches about wild salmon, climate change, conservation, current events, and sustainability in both classrooms and outdoor spaces throughout the Skeena Watershed. 

More on Marie

As an environmental educator, Marie strives to provide knowledge and tools that empower people to make better-informed decisions and explore solutions, especially in light of the growing eco-anxiety caused by climate change. 

 “It is an honour to represent the voice of salmon and advocate for positive changes. I am privileged to work with diverse community members and to inspire the next generation of watershed stewards and policymakers” 

says Marie.

 

Sarah Railton

Registered Professional Forester

Sarah Railton is a Registered Professional Forester with deep roots in the watershed. Sarah facilitates and assists with various Indigenous-led Land Use Planning initiatives in the Skeena and Nass Watersheds and promotes best management practices for forestry operations. 

More on Sarah

Sarah is passionate about planning and implementing watershed restoration work, such as the Willow Creek Restoration project, part of the Healthy Watersheds Initiative, and advocating for natural resource management legislation and policy reform.

When reflecting on her work with SkeenaWild, Sarah says,

“I love these wild rivers and all the beings that depend on healthy wild watersheds. It is an honour to use my time on Earth to play a meaningful role in the stewardship of the waters and lands of our planet.”

Natasha Nahirnick

Estuary Protection Coordinator

Natasha Nahirnick is the newly minted Estuary Protection Coordinator at SkeenaWild. She is focused on advocacy, research, communications, and education to protect estuarine habitats, which are essential to support the early marine survival of juvenile Skeena salmon.

More on Natasha

Natasha holds an M.Sc. from the University of Victoria, where she studied coastal habitat mapping and marine resource management, focusing her studies on long-term eelgrass habitat changes and their role in juvenile salmon survival. Her time in environmental consulting has brought her to many estuaries along the coast of BC, assessing their condition, mapping their habitats, and identifying and implementing restoration opportunities. Natasha has been working in the Skeena Estuary on an ongoing basis since 2018, focused on monitoring eelgrass meadows and other estuarine values in relation to cumulative effects. She is excited to continue her work in the Skeena Estuary in this new capacity with SkeenaWild.

Nita Back

Office Administration

Nita Back was born and raised in Northwest, B.C. As SkeenaWild’s Office Administrator, she has been working with us for over a decade. Nita is deeply passionate about the Skeena, salmon, rivers, and people. Her love for the watershed is reflected in her dedication to her work at SkeenaWild and her commitment to the organization’s mission of protecting and conserving the natural, wild places of the Skeena watershed.   

More on Nita

As well as overseeing the day-to-day administration of the SkeenaWild office in Terrace, Nita is a critical member of the organization, providing essential support, ensuring the office runs smoothly, welcoming visitors, bookkeeping, merchandise sales, and helping organize community events. 

Nita is the heart of the machine. Her colleagues and peers highly value her positive attitude, hard work, and dedication.

Alice Arbuthnot

Communications Manager

Originally from the rolling hills of Scotland, Alice followed her dreams and moved to Canada in 2017, subsequently falling in love with the rugged wilderness of British Columbia. With roots now planted, she is proud to call the Skeena Watershed home. 

More on Alice

Alice has worked in marketing over the past decade across various industries, including film, advertising, tourism, and food. However, conservation has always been very close to her heart. Working with SkeenaWild allows her to combine her professional skills with her love for wild places and steadfast commitment to conservation. 

Alice focuses on digital communications and leads the hugely successful annual SkeenaWild Film and Photo Festival. Her expertise in storytelling and outreach helps us share our mission, work, and successes with the world, which will be instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of defending salmon and the Skeena Watershed.

Dan Mesec

Communications

Dan Mesec has lived and worked in the Skeena Region since 2009 and first began work with SkeenaWild in 2016. Since then Dan has helped elevate SkeenaWild’s communication strategies, develop video storytelling project that help empower local communities and Indigenous nations protect salmon habitat and ensure a healthy future for all the creature that call the Skeena home.

More on Dan

When he’s not photographing the the natural beauty of the Skeena and salmon, Dan can be found fishing free flowing rivers and climbing coastal mountains. He lives with his family in Smithers, B.C.

Ella Almgren

Environmental Program Coordinator (Education)

Ella Almgren is the Environmental Program Coordinator within the SkeenaWild Education Program. This is her fourth year as a summer student, and she is always thrilled to be back. She enjoys working with a team of people who share the goal of educating the community on salmon, sustainability, and conservation.

More on Ella

She is studying creative writing and journalism at Vancouver Island University and hopes to combine her passions to build a career in environmental journalism. When she’s not working or studying, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, whether it’s going for a hike or spending a day at the lake. She is excited for another summer of learning and growing as an educator.

Oasis Cleveland

Environmental Educator

Oasis Cleveland is excited to be returning for a second year as an environmental educator with SkeenaWild. She has a passion for working with kids and loves the outdoors. She brings a lot of energy and positivity to camp.  

More on Oasis

In September, she will be attending Vancouver Island University, where she will be working towards a Bachelor of Education with a minor in Psychology. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, playing sports, and relaxing at the lake. She is really looking forward to another summer with SkeenaWild. 

Anika Urchuk

Environmental Educator

Anika Urchuk will be working this summer as an environmental educator with SkeenaWild. As a student at Coast Mountain College, she has had the opportunity to study hands-on in the Skeena watershed. Although she is new to the region, she has come to appreciate the importance of conserving it.

More on Anika

She looks forward to applying her stewardship experience in this new role and gaining a deeper understanding of the science and efforts involved in preserving local ecosystems. She has a long-standing passion for permaculture and foraging for food. 

Julia Hill Sorochan

Executive Director 

More on Julia

Julia Hill Sorochan, SkeenaWild’s Executive Director, was born and raised in Northwest B.C. and has worked for SkeenaWild since it started in 2007.  With her roots deeply planted in the Skeena Watershed, Julia has been immersed in local conservation for most of her life. She is deeply committed to affecting the systemic change needed to ensure the long-term health of salmon, water, and communities in the face of mounting pressures and rapid change. She is currently working towards a Master’s degree in Environments and Management from Royal Roads University, where she is strengthening her ability to improve local agency and effective governance to build the resilience of our diverse communities and salmon ecosystems to respond to climate change.

Her expertise in conservation in the Skeena Watershed has been instrumental in guiding and advancing the organization’s strategic direction to implement environmental change and improve management approaches on the ground in Northern B.C. She believes deeply in justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation and strives to weave these principles into her leadership.

Nathan Meakes

Assistant Director

More on Nathan

Nathan Meakes has recently joined the team as Skeenawild’s new Assistant Director. With a lifelong commitment to conservation, experience as an angler, and a background in biology, Nathan brings a deep passion for the diverse ecology of the Skeena region. Since 2015, he has contributed to fundraising, advocacy, and policy oversight on fisheries issues within the Skeena. He is driven by the understanding that rigorous science, responsible fisheries management, and healthy habitats are essential for ensuring a positive future for the region’s fish populations.

Greg Knox

Chair of the Board of Trustees 

More on Greg

Greg Knox has been the Chair of the Board of Trustees for SkeenaWild since April 2025. Before that, he was the Executive Director of SkeenaWild Conservation Trust from its inception in 2007. In 2013, Greg completed a Master’s degree in Environmental Management at Royal Roads University, where he developed a framework for implementing a collaborative freshwater salmon habitat-monitoring program in the Skeena Watershed. Greg has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement throughout his career. He has worked tirelessly to develop innovative programs and initiatives that promote sustainable practices to help communities safeguard our most vital natural resources: salmon and water.

With his deep knowledge of the Skeena ecosystem and steadfast guidance through many challenges over the years, Greg is a trusted leader and advocate for Skeena salmon. He’s played a critical role in advancing our understanding of our fisheries’ challenges and developing effective solutions to address them.

Greg sits on the Northern Panel of the Pacific Salmon Commission, is an advisor to the Pacific Salmon Watershed Fund, a board member of the Skeena Knowledge Trust, and a Steering Committee member of the Friends of Wild Salmon Coalition.

Dr. Michael Price

Director of Science 

More on Dr. Michael

As Director of Science, Dr. Michael Price oversees all aspects of the organization’s science program, including research, monitoring, analysis, and writing. He works closely with a team of scientists and experts to develop and implement cutting-edge research projects, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of scientific discovery in the field of salmon conservation. Michael holds a Ph.D. from Simon Fraser University and currently is a Liber Ero Postdoctoral Fellow with the Moore Lab. He has published over 30 scientific articles and reports on salmon conservation and ecosystem management.

Throughout his career, Michael has demonstrated a passion for environmental stewardship and a deep understanding of the complex interactions between salmon and their ecosystems.

His ongoing work with Skeena First Nations and the development of rebuilding plans for diminished salmon populations is helping foster their resilience to a rapidly changing world. 

Hup Wil Lax A
(Kirby Muldoe)

Director of Community Relations and Partnerships 

More on Kirby

Hup Wil Lax A, Kirby Muldoe, is SkeenaWild’s Director of Community Relations and Partnerships. Hup Wil Lax A is a proud member of the Tsimsian and Gitxsan People and has lived in Gitxsan Territory for almost his entire life. Hup Wil Lax A enjoys spending time on the water and land in the Skeena watershed and Pacific Ocean. His work focuses on building and maintaining relationships with individuals, organizations, communities, and Indigenous Nations across the Skeena Watershed and beyond. Kirby is deeply committed to protecting and defending the Skeena River for future generations. He is dedicated to building relationships with people from salt waters to headwaters to better understand the impacts of industrial development on our environment, food sovereignty, and human rights through the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) principles.

Kirby’s work has been instrumental in advancing the mission of SkeenaWild, and he continues to be a driving force behind the organization’s success.

Kait Yehle

Director of Fisheries

More on Kait

Kait Yehle, SkeenaWild’s Fisheries Director and Biologist, works closely with our Director of Science, Dr. Michael Price. Kait focuses primarily on research, advocacy, and communications related to sustainable fisheries & salmon habitat management and how climate change impacts wild salmon.

Kait holds a M.Sc. from the University of British Columbia, where she studied natural resource management and conservation physiology. Conserving the Skeena’s vital ecosystems and habitat is a personal commitment for Kait, driven by a desire to ensure the well-being of salmon and the communities they sustain. 

“I’ve been privileged to explore the Skeena Watershed and find it truly unique in its beauty and connection with its people. I feel blessed to work alongside a small team of such passionate and talented individuals,”

says Kait. 

Adrienne Berchtold

Ecologist & Mining Impacts Researcher

More on Adrienne

Adrienne Berchtold is an Ecologist and Mining Impacts Researcher with SkeenaWild and focuses her research on the effects of mining on freshwater and salmon resources in Northwestern B.C.   

Adrienne holds a M.Sc. from Simon Fraser University, where she specialized in aquatic ecology. Since beginning with SkeenaWild in early 2018, she has been working diligently to understand   the technical aspects of mining and how they interact with salmon river systems.

Her work includes assessing mine environmental monitoring data, providing technical reviews of mining proposals, working with Indigenous Nations and communities to understand and advocate for responsible mining practices, and pushing for mining law reform in BC. She believes decolonization is inextricably connected to climate resilience and sustainable resource management and tries to hold this as a constant throughout her work.

Her passion for protecting the land and water and her commitment to community engagement have been instrumental over the years. 

“I get to work with so many amazing and inspiring people and do my part to protect what will matter most in the long run – our shared land and water” 

explains Adrienne. 

Marie Blouin

Education Programs Manager

More on Marie

With a background in education and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, Marie, our Education Programs Manager, focuses on developing curriculum-based initiatives that combine interdisciplinary content with local Indigenous knowledge to engage community members of all ages and backgrounds. Through hands-on, inquiry-based activities, she teaches about wild salmon, climate change, conservation, current events, and sustainability in both classrooms and outdoor spaces throughout the Skeena Watershed. 

As an environmental educator, Marie strives to provide knowledge and tools that empower people to make better-informed decisions and explore solutions, especially in light of the growing eco-anxiety caused by climate change. 

 “It is an honour to represent the voice of salmon and advocate for positive changes. I am privileged to work with diverse community members and to inspire the next generation of watershed stewards and policymakers” 

says Marie.

 

Sarah Railton

Registered Professional Forester

More on Sarah

Sarah Railton is a Registered Professional Forester with deep roots in the watershed. Sarah facilitates and assists with various Indigenous-led Land Use Planning initiatives in the Skeena and Nass Watersheds and promotes best management practices for forestry operations. 

Sarah is passionate about planning and implementing watershed restoration work, such as the Willow Creek Restoration project, part of the Healthy Watersheds Initiative, and advocating for natural resource management legislation and policy reform.

When reflecting on her work with SkeenaWild, Sarah says,

“I love these wild rivers and all the beings that depend on healthy wild watersheds. It is an honour to use my time on Earth to play a meaningful role in the stewardship of the waters and lands of our planet.”

Natasha Nahirnick

Estuary Protection Coordinator

More on Natasha

Natasha Nahirnick is the newly minted Estuary Protection Coordinator at SkeenaWild. She is focused on advocacy, research, communications, and education to protect estuarine habitats, which are essential to support the early marine survival of juvenile Skeena salmon. Natasha holds an M.Sc. from the University of Victoria, where she studied coastal habitat mapping and marine resource management, focusing her studies on long-term eelgrass habitat changes and their role in juvenile salmon survival. Her time in environmental consulting has brought her to many estuaries along the coast of BC, assessing their condition, mapping their habitats, and identifying and implementing restoration opportunities. Natasha has been working in the Skeena Estuary on an ongoing basis since 2018, focused on monitoring eelgrass meadows and other estuarine values in relation to cumulative effects. She is excited to continue her work in the Skeena Estuary in this new capacity with SkeenaWild.

Nita Back

Office Administration

More on Nita

Nita Back was born and raised in the Northwest, B.C. As SkeenaWild’s Office Administrator, she has been working with us for over a decade. Nita is deeply passionate about the Skeena, salmon, rivers, and people. Her love for the watershed is reflected in her dedication to her work at SkeenaWild and her commitment to the organization’s mission of protecting and conserving the natural, wild places of the Skeena watershed.  As well as overseeing the day-to-day administration of the SkeenaWild office in Terrace, Nita is a critical member of the organization, providing essential support, ensuring the office runs smoothly, welcoming visitors, bookkeeping, merchandise sales, and helping organize community events. 

Nita is the heart of the machine. Her colleagues and peers highly value her positive attitude, hard work, and dedication.

Alice Arbuthnot

Communications Manager 

More on Alice

Originally from the rolling hills of Scotland, Alice followed her dreams and moved to Canada in 2017, subsequently falling in love with the rugged wilderness of British Columbia. With roots now planted, she is proud to call the Skeena Watershed home. Alice has worked in marketing over the past decade across various industries, including film, advertising, tourism, and food. However, conservation has always been very close to her heart. Working with SkeenaWild allows her to combine her professional skills with her love for wild places and steadfast commitment to conservation. 

Alice focuses on digital communications and leads the hugely successful annual SkeenaWild Film and Photo Festival. Her expertise in storytelling and outreach helps us share our mission, work, and successes with the world, which will be instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of defending salmon and the Skeena Watershed.

Dan Mesec

Communications

More on Dan

Dan Mesec has lived and worked in the Skeena Region since 2009 and first began work with SkeenaWild in 2016. Since then Dan has helped elevate SkeenaWild’s communication strategies, develop video storytelling project that helps empower local communities and Indigenous nations protect salmon habitat and ensure a healthy future for all the creatures that call the Skeena home. When he’s not photographing the the natural beauty of the Skeena and salmon, Dan can be found fishing free flowing rivers and climbing coastal mountains. He lives with his family in Smithers, B.C.

Ella Almgren

Environmental Program Coordinator (Education)

More on Ella

Ella Almgren is the Environmental Program Coordinator within the SkeenaWild Education Program. This is her fourth year as a summer student, and she is always thrilled to be back. She enjoys working with a team of people who share the goal of educating the community on salmon, sustainability, and conservation. She is studying creative writing and journalism at Vancouver Island University and hopes to combine her passions to build a career in environmental journalism. When she’s not working or studying, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, whether it’s going for a hike or spending a day at the lake. She is excited for another summer of learning and growing as an educator.

Oasis Cleveland

Environmental Educator  

More on Oasis

Oasis Cleveland is excited to be returning for a second year as an environmental educator with SkeenaWild. She has a passion for working with kids and loves the outdoors. She brings a lot of energy and positivity to camp. In September, she will be attending Vancouver Island University, where she will be working towards a Bachelor of Education with a minor in Psychology. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, playing sports, and relaxing at the lake. She is really looking forward to another summer with SkeenaWild. 

Anika Urchuk

Environmental Educator

More on Anika

Anika Urchuk will be working this summer as an environmental educator with SkeenaWild. As a student at Coast Mountain College, she has had the opportunity to study hands-on in the Skeena watershed. Although she is new to the region, she has come to appreciate the importance of conserving it. She looks forward to applying her stewardship experience in this new role and gaining a deeper understanding of the science and efforts involved in preserving local ecosystems. She has a long-standing passion for permaculture and foraging for food. 

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