Alumni Highlight – Zoe Stephens
Zoe Stephens served in ACE’s Emerging Professionals In Conservation (EPIC) program for two and a half years. Through this role she made a significant impact on the Mojave Desert ecosystem by supporting the Bureau of Land Management’s Ridgecrest Field Office in California. Zoe is truly a force for conservation.
In her role as a Biological Resource Technician for the Off-Highway Vehicles Habitat Management Program, Zoe took on a relatively new position and transformed it into a cornerstone of the office’s operations. She meticulously built a robust collection of resources, data, and protocols that will serve as a foundation for future members and staff. Her ability to establish and organize key resources demonstrates her proactive nature and commitment to long-term success.
“My most significant contribution was creating the biological monitoring program from scratch. I developed the monitoring protocols by reading the protocols from other agencies. I built up the database by going through every single species record (on CNDDB, thousands of records) of our rare, threatened, and endangered species monitored as part of the Habitat Management Plan. For each record I determined if it was in the field office and if it was likely to be affected by off highway vehicle usage. I used these records to build a working database for the Ridgecrest field office. I then put the monitoring plan in place- I prioritized species most likely to be affected by OHV usage and took into account climate conditions of which areas I needed to survey first. I then had the pleasure of implementing the monitoring, writing reports of my results, and creating maps.” – Zoe
A Passion for Wildlife and Habitat Preservation
Zoe’s passion for wildlife and habitat preservation is evident in her extensive involvement in various conservation projects. In addition to developing the biological monitoring program she participated in a Mojave Desert Tortoise training, contributing to the understanding and protection of this vulnerable species. Her work on the Mohave Ground Squirrel study and various habitat restoration initiatives further underscores her dedication to preserving the delicate balance of the desert ecosystem.
Another example of her accomplishments was the creation of new NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) planning documents. These documents, which will guide restoration crews in 2025 and 2026, showcase her ability to translate scientific knowledge into practical, actionable plans. Her work on bat-out-flight surveys, including mist netting, at various mines, highlights her commitment to understanding and mitigating the impacts of human activities on local wildlife populations.
A Positive Influence on Peers and the Community
Zoe’s influence extends beyond her immediate role, positively impacting her peers and the broader community. She developed innovative and engaging materials for community education and outreach, which are still being used by the BLM field office. These materials emphasize the importance of staying on legal routes when recreating on public lands, educating visitors about the environmental impact of their actions.
Her commitment to community engagement is further exemplified by her work with a local natural museum. Zoe organized community programs where she shared her knowledge about local wildlife and the importance of habitat protection. By connecting with the community, Zoe fostered a deeper appreciation for the natural world and inspired others to take action.
Mentorship and Resource Development
Zoe’s dedication to her peers is evident in her mentorship and resource development efforts. She created detailed plant field guides from scratch, providing valuable tools for staff, interns, and crew members involved in restoration and habitat monitoring. Her support for two new EPIC members, who joined halfway through her tenure, demonstrates her willingness to share her knowledge and expertise. She provided exceptional mentorship, helping them navigate the complexities of their roles and the unique environment of Ridgecrest.
A Lasting Legacy
Zoe Stephens’ contributions to the Bureau of Land Management and the Mojave Desert ecosystem are truly remarkable. Her passion, dedication, and technical expertise have left a lasting legacy. She has not only advanced conservation efforts but also inspired her peers and the community to appreciate and protect the natural world.
At ACE, we are grateful for the opportunity to provide transformational, hands-on experiences for members like Zoe. Through our EPIC program, we match emerging professionals with mentors and programs that further hone their knowledge and skills in impactful conservation work.
To support ACE and our work supporting members like Zoe, make a donation today. All gifts to our nonprofit conservation corps are tax deductible as allowed by law. Thank you!