Elena Kuo-Harrison
The land and environment that Capitol Land Trust works to protect are exactly what brought Elena Kuo-Harrison to the Pacific Northwest. After graduating from the University of Michigan, she came to Washington State sight-unseen seeking “wildness and naturalness.” She found employment with the Department of Natural Resources as a wildlife biologist. She eventually become the natural areas manager for the Olympic Peninsula Region headquartered in Forks.
Taking a hiatus to become a stay-at-home parent, she and her family moved to Steamboat Island. As her two children grew, she became an active volunteer with the Griffin School District and Griffin School Foundation. Elena recently expanded her volunteer commitments to include the Steamboat Conservation Partnership. She came to CLT in early 2016 and has become an essential help to Quita and the office staff. She assists with operations, reconciling reports, and managing the membership database.
When asked what she admires about CLT, she said it is the integrity and commitment to conservation and land preservation. She encourages people to join in the cause as there are endless ways to help. There are no small roles in CLT’s work. Whether it’s volunteering to pull weeds, plant trees, help out in the office, or donating land or money, there is a way for everyone to contribute. She would like the public to be aware of the important work CLT does and the opportunities landowners have to preserve and protect their lands with easements and protection measures.