EcoStewards Conservation Program

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Introduction to the EcoStewards

The Contra Costa Resource Conservation District EcoStewards program was created in 2020 to meet the needs of our community by providing long-term maintenance on conservation projects throughout Contra Costa County.

Insights and information about EcoStewards

EcoStewards Blog

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EcoStewards are here to help

Contact us

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Agriculture Program Photo Gallery

Ben Weise

AGRICULTURE CONSERVATION MANAGER

925-690-4145

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Ben Weise

Skills: Permitting, conservation on agricultural land, illegal dumping prevention.

Fun Fact: Eagle Scout, former member of the University of California Marching Band, aspiring birder, and a Contra Costa native raised in Southern California.

Ben Weise

Ben started working with Contra Costa RCD in January 2017 after receiving two Masters degrees from Indiana University in Natural Resource Management and Environmental Policy following undergraduate studies at UC Berkeley. Ben manages the Voluntary Local Program, the EcoStewards Program, and other conservation programs focused on agricultural lands.

Jules Mackey

Lead EcoStewards Conservation Technician
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Jules Mackey

Skills: Camera trapping, California wildlife and plant identification, data management, conservation education.

Fun Fact: Loves birding, rock climbing, fashion, hiking, and cooking Filipino food.

Jules Mackey

I grew up spending a lot of time exploring nature in my hometown, San Diego, and while camping throughout the western United States.

My passion for conservation led me to pursue an education at UC Davis, where I graduated in 2022 with a B.S. in Environmental Science & Management, and a minor in Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology. Prior to joining CCRCD, I've performed field monitoring in the Delta and Bay area. At CSTARS, I collected GPS points of native and invasive plant species in the Delta in order to develop aerial vegetation identification tools. As a field researcher with the UC Davis Road Ecology Center, I collected camera-trap data and analyzed the impacts of Interstate 580 on East Bay wildlife communities.

I'm driven by a passion for urban ecology, environmental justice, and the restorative power of nature to communities and people. I am excited to bring my skills and passion to my work with CCRCD.

Justin Emery

EcoStewards CONSERVATION Technician

925-375-0906

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Justin Emery

Skills: Geospatial Analysis, Trail Construction and Maintenance, Hazardous Materials Management, Engineering Surveying, Water Resource Technology Maintenance.

Fun Fact: Enjoys reading and writing, training and competing in triathlons, and finding a nice spot to throw up a hammock.

Justin Emery

Justin grew up in Concord, California, where he dedicated most of his time to exploring the stunning natural areas that the Bay Area has to offer. Following high school, Justin pursued his education at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, earning a degree in Environmental Management and Protection with a Minor in GIS.

During his undergraduate years, Justin gained practical experience by working as a hazardous waste technician and water resource intern in San Luis Obispo county. After leaving San Luis Obispo, he embarked on a 10-week Americorps term with the Montana Conservation Corps, contributing to various conservation projects throughout the Payette National Forest.

Now, Justin is enthusiastic about joining forces with the CCRCD (Contra Costa Resource Conservation District) to work towards diverse conservation goals and leave a lasting impact on the area where he spent his formative years. Justin is excited to work on conservation efforts in his hometown region.