Staff

Mike Auger – Conservation Director

michael@northolympiclandtrust.org, (360) 417-1815 ext 7

I deeply enjoy being able to help our community conserve some of its most important areas through land protection and stewardship. I’ve been involved in the land trust field for over 20 years and since 2019 have been leading the Conservation Department for North Olympic Land Trust. Part of my day-to-day work includes forging close relationships with willing landowners to develop land protection projects to permanently conserve important land in our County.   In my spare time I enjoy botanizing, being outside, genealogy, and traveling.

I love where I live because it reminds me of where I grew up (in Maine), but with bigger trees and mountains! I’m honored to be living in the incredible landscape of the Olympic Peninsula.

Courtney Bornsworth – Land Manager

courtney@northolympiclandtrust.org, (360) 417-1815 ext 4

After spending several seasons working at Olympic National Park on the Elwha River restoration project and delving into the world of private environmental consulting, I became Land Manager at North Olympic Land Trust. As land manager, I oversee the care and maintenance of over 800 acres of land owned and managed by the Land Trust. This land provides important habitat for fish and wildlife, fosters outdoor recreation, and aids in supporting our community through sustainable timber production. I also engage with volunteers from all walks of life to accomplish site-specific goals for each of these properties.

I love where I live because our community has so many wonderful things to offer including fresh foods, beautiful scenery, and ample biking, hiking, and camping opportunities, all of which I love sharing with my son and husband.

Michele Canale – Land Protection Specialist

michele@northolympiclandtrust.org, (360) 417-1815 ext 5

I’ve been living in Port Angeles since 2008. My background is in ecology and environmental management. My focus at the Land Trust is on the land transactions, which is basically conserving properties. It’s like any real estate transaction, but a lot more complicated and time consuming. It involves lots of things, including mapping, researching title, writing grants, and visiting properties and working with the amazing landowners that we have in Clallam County. When I’m not working, I love to mountain bike, do yoga, trail run, hike, read, and spend time with my family.

I love where I live because the weather is never too cold or too hot to be active, there aren’t too many people on the trails, and we have some amazing recreational opportunities here!

Julie Anne Hopkins – Conservation Easement Steward

julieanne@northolympiclandtrust.org, (360) 417-1815 ext 9

I returned to beautiful Washington State in 2018 after pursuing my education and subsequent career in conservation biology and land management in the state of California. My professional experience spans over 3 decades of work – primarily with federal resource management agencies and over time migrating to non-profit conservation organizations. I have an enduring passion to help protect natural and working lands for present and future generations of humans, as well as native plants and wildlife. As Conservation Easement Steward I implement the Land Trust’s robust monitoring program including annual property visits and time spent with wonderful landowners to ensure conservation guidelines are being met for permanent protection of each property.

I love where I live because the combined beauty of land, sea and sky is amazing and dynamic, the vistas are dramatic, and there are many trails to explore. I love going for a hike with my dog and stopping on our way home at one of the many farm stands to grab fresh produce for dinner – what a treat!

Delana Lopez – Office Manager

delana@northolympiclandtrust.org, (360) 417-1815 ext 1

I moved to Sequim from Tennessee in 2018 and fell in love with the Olympic Peninsula, particularly the landscape of mountains and ocean. My background is in public health and I’m proud to be a part of a community that works to protect forests and working lands because I believe conserving and protecting them is vital to the health and wellness for people today and for future generations.

I love where I live because there are so many opportunities to connect with nature and benefit from the beauty around me.

Tom Sanford – Executive Director

tom@northolympiclandtrust.org, (360) 417-1815 ext 6

I really enjoy finding ways to help build a community that together strives for a local future with a strong economy, healthy and diverse environment, and diverse and vibrant culture. My role at the Land Trust is to work with really talented colleagues and community members and provide what they need to achieve our mission of conserving the lands that sustain our community. In addition to my work at the Land Trust I’m proud to volunteer on the boards of the North Olympic Healthcare Network, Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Jefferson Land Trust. 

I love where I live because within minutes of my house in Port Angeles, I can explore and discover amazing places with my family and friends. We sometimes see Orca on our walks!  I can then come home and we can create an amazing meal highlighting the food we get from our CSA at Salt Creek Farm.

Alex Wilson – Development Director

alex@northolympiclandtrust.org, (360) 417-1815 ext 3

I am eager to support the North Olympic Land Trust in conserving and stewarding the many types of habitats and lands our community shares. Though my focus will be on fundraising, the ultimate goal of all of my work is to support the community’s needs and goals for this precious and invaluable land and its magnificent waterways. 

I love where I live because my greatest teachers in life have been forests, and so, after 11 years of living on the Hyde Cable Car line in San Francisco, I have at last returned to the forest. A hobbyist at heart, I live here to knit, draw, read, or forage under the dark canopy of our Northwestern paradise.