Staff

Scott Artis - Founding & Executive Director

Over the last 10 years Scott Artis has been succeeding in the field of molecular and cellular biology at the research, application support, and management levels. These experiences afforded him an opportunity to develop, implement, oversee and document a variety of research projects and provided him with a firm grasp on biological sciences. Because of his passions for wildlife, conservation and advocacy, in 2003 he co-founded a grassroots, 501(c)(3) nonprofit California public benefit organization that developed and executed community-based programs for the protection of native plants, animals, and their natural communities. He presided over ECHO Fund, Inc. as President for 4 years, and during this tenure coordinated and led conservation and educational outreach projects; invaluable experiences that are being directly applied to his current burrowing owl conservation efforts.

Scott holds degrees in Micro & Molecular Biology and he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Environmental Sciences; concentrating on Fisheries & Wildlife Sciences. He has also complemented his studies with a Masters certificate in Environmental Resource Management that focused heavily on Environmental Law & Policy. Scott is a Board Member of the John Muir Association, a member of the Society for Conservation Biology, the Raptor Research Foundation and The Wildlife Society, including the Western Section and Public Conservation Education & Outreach Working Group. He is currently pursuing a Masters in Environmental Sciences and Policy.

 

Larry Jordan - Burrowing Owl Habitat Manager

Larry Jordan is an avid bird watcher, a board member of the Wintu Audubon Society and the County Coordinator for the California Bluebird Recovery Program in Shasta County. He has built three bluebird trails in Shasta County to assist in the revival of the Western Bluebird as well as housing Oak Titmouse, Tree Swallow and the Ash-throated Flycatcher. He is currently in the process, with the help of a grant from California Audubon, of installing artificial burrows to help with the recovery of the Burrowing Owl in California. Two installations have been completed in Northern California and two more are planned.

Larry supports several conservation organizations and is noted as a "Species Champion" for BirdLife International. He writes a blog on birding and conservation at TheBirdersReport.com and is a writer for 10,000 Birds where he covers the West Coast beat.

 

Dee Vieira - East County Program Manager

As an almost 20 year resident of eastern Contra Costa County, Dee Vieira has been making incredible strides in burrowing owl conservation. She has worked on burrowing owl habitats in Arizona and California since 2002, including the installation of artificial burrows and the successful release of owls. Dee spearheaded the allocation and development of a 24 acre burrowing owl preservation habitat at the Antioch Prewett Family Park. Through hard work and unceasing dedication, Dee successfully persuaded the city and Department of Fish & Game to agree to the establishment of Contra Costa County's first burrowing owl preserve as mitigation for displaced owls.

Upon completion of the community center and implementation of city programs, she hopes to continue her advocacy by becoming a part of the burrowing owl education process for this designated habitat.

 

Heather Artis - Conservation Manager

Involved with burrowing owl conservation since 2008, Heather began her efforts by tracking, observing and actively protecting a colony of 11 resident adult owls that were under threat from impending construction in Antioch, CA . She has been instrumental in the founding and development of the Burrowing Owl Conservation Network and from 2003 to 2007 served on the Board of the nonprofit conservation group ECHO Fund, Inc. Heather has coordinated and led community-based conservation and educational outreach projects, uses her lifelong love for wildlife to inspire environmental stewardship, and is a burgeoning wildlife photographer.

Heather has degrees in Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies, is a member of the Wildlife Society, and has worked closely with numerous agencies on burrowing owl conservation and research projects.

Get our Newsletter!
Delivered quarterly to your email inbox so you can keep up with burrowing owls and our work.