Erika Foster, PhD (she/her)

Director of Soil Research and Conservation

As Director of Soil Research and Conservation I facilitate Point Blue’s soils projects and program development, including collaborating across multiple groups at Point Blue and with critical external partnerships. Our team uses cutting edge science and direct collaboration with land stewards to develop monitoring strategies on farms and ranches in California and across the US. I am thrilled to lead our unique team with in-depth experience in soil science and applied conservation management. We strive to build healthy soils through science-based conservation practices. 

I earned my PhD in Ecology, in Soil and Crop Sciences at Colorado State University (Fort Collins). My research background includes analysis of the impact of organic amendments, such as biochar and manure, on soil carbon sequestration and microbial nutrient cycling to adapt conventional systems to drought. Prior to my work in California, I collaborated on projects internationally, including the Arequipa Nexus Institute (Peru) as part of the Soil Health Assessment Team (Purdue University). Here, we used a rapid screening of soil chemical properties to test for carbon accumulation and heavy metal contamination. Critical components of this work included capacity building with partner universities, field education for undergraduates, and learning much from highland Andean producers.

I remain dedicated to environmental field education, having taught undergraduate courses for the Wild Rockies Field Institute (MT), climate change and natural history courses for No Barriers Youth (CO), Gastineau Guiding (AK), and Tryon Creek State Park (OR). Although my home ecosystem lies in the Pacific Northwest, having grown up in Portland, I am delighted to be based out of Sonoma County, with research stretching along working and natural lands throughout the country. When not ogling over the beautiful CA soils, plants, and critters, I enjoy climbing, learning to sail and surf, and biking or running to explore new trails.

Foster Soil Health Website (personal)
LinkedIn
Twitter @EJ_Foster