Our Stories
Meet Our Team

Kristen Nelson
Rare Plant Program Manager
​(California Native Plant Society)

Kristen Nelson is a Rare Plant Program Manager at the California Native Plant Society (CNPS). Nelson grew up in Las Vegas where she spent many weekends hiking the trails of Mount Charleston with her family. Her passion for plants and nature grew from those experiences and started Nelson on her conservation journey. Today, Nelson oversees field-based projects for CNPS focused on the collection of rare plant seeds in California. The species and data she and her team gathers helps to inform the research and planning for CNPS and CaPR, and Nelson particularly enjoys the constant sense of wonder and learning that comes with that work. Read Kristen's story...

Katie Heineman
Scientist in Plant Conservation
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Dr. Katie Heineman is a Plant Conservation Scientist with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) who specializes in documenting plant collections for research and conservation purposes. Heinemen’s experience in Borneo during her undergraduate studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln inspired her to focus her efforts on plants and plant conservation. In her work with both SDZWA and the Center for Plant Conservation, Heineman has helped to improve the shared data systems and digital interface for seed inventory, genetic samples, germination records, and similar conservation data which has been an essential part of CaPR’s efforts. She also has a passion for seed germination analysis and helps design germination trials for research to improve rare seed germination practices and conservation viability. Read Katie’s story…

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