Kriss Neuman

Principal Ecologist

As a Principal Ecologist in the Pacific Coast and Central Valley Group at Point Blue, I lead the coastal Monterey Bay Program, which focuses on a long-term study of snowy plover reproductive success. Since 1996, I have worked in close partnership with coastal landowners, resource managers, and decision makers to develop collaborative, science-based conservation strategies to protect and sustain the snowy plover populations and to enhance the beach-dune ecosystem for plovers and other shorebirds. In addition to focused work on ecology and management of shorebirds on sandy beaches, my goal is to ensure that climate-smart principles are incorporated into conservation strategies for beach and dune ecosystems, and that key ecological values are embedded within coastal adaptation strategies and goals.

After receiving my BA in Environmental Studies from UC Santa Cruz in 1993, my early field work took me from the Central Flyway in the Midwest to study shorebird migration and to the islands of Maine and Alaska to study puffins and terns before returning to my native state of California in 1996 to work at Point Blue. While at Point Blue, I completed a Master of Science in Environmental Studies at San José State University in 2003, where my thesis work focused on the effect of predator management on reproductive success of snowy plovers. In my free time, I can be found pursuing my other lifelong passion, horses, or playing acoustic music, hiking, dancing, or practicing yoga to stay mentally and physically healthy.