Sam Lee Rapp

Partner Biologist, San Diego County

I am a Partner Biologist based in San Diego County, within the Working Lands Group. The position empowers me to plan conservation activities that enhance biodiversity such as pollinator hedgerows and riparian forest buffers. Within my role, I am often in conversation with farmers and ranchers discussing the roles and benefits of wildlife on working lands.

I received a degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. I have worked various wildlife and natural resource positions in the Western United States. I monitored Least Bell’s Vireo and other endangered birds in San Diego County through USGS, then got my first experience with working lands as a conservation planner in the Flagstaff NRCS Field Office. I got my start with Point Blue at the Palomarin Field Station in Point Reyes where I learned many skills including how to band birds as a Conservation Science Bird Banding Apprentice. Growing up in the Bay Area and exploring California in my personal time and through work has deepened my commitment to conservation in the state.

As a partner biologist, I aim to increase engagement with historically underrepresented groups in conservation planning, to help improve future working lands management choices as part of the Rangeland Monitoring Network, and to educate producers on the benefits of habitat restoration for humans and wildlife. I also serve on the organization wide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Working Group to help achieve Point Blue’s DEI goals and to increase equity and opportunity in the field of conservation.

In my free time, I enjoy traveling, playing basketball, gardening, and eating good food with friends and family.

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