Benjamin is a seasoned environmental advocate and watchdog with nearly 20 years of experience managing projects and campaigns to protect natural places and wildlife. He holds a Master of Environmental Science and Management degree from UC Santa Barbara and Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from UC Riverside. Prior to joining the ForestWatch team, Benjamin served for 17 years as Science and Policy Director (and Interim-Executive Director) for Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, where he developed and managed water quality monitoring programs, directed advocacy campaigns, and managed litigation initiatives to eliminate pollution sources and restore in-stream flows to rivers and streams. He additionally has several years of experience outside of the non-profit sector as a field technician working in the areas of hazardous waste management and soil and groundwater remediation. Benjamin is an accomplished videographer, documentary film maker, and musician. He enjoys spending his free time with his family, surfing, rock climbing, and wading in backcountry swimming holes
