Leo grew up in West Sonoma County, studied at UC Santa Cruz, and now lives in Arcata, tracing the path of the redwood along the California coast. He has worked in restoration since 2022 and joined NEI in 2025. His background in Anthropology brings a perspective to ecology informed by the history of the landscape and its culture. He has participated in a wide variety of projects, from fuel reduction to large scale planting. Leo is profoundly optimistic that with diligence people can live within a healthy and rich landscape.