The Lake County Land Trust (LCLT) is pleased to welcome its new Executive Director, Angela De Palma-Dow, who has joined the Land Trust as of April 1.

De Palma-Dow is a well-known figure in Lake County having worked for the County of Lake for the last six years as the Invasive Species program coordinator, and author of the famed “Lady of the Lake,” column for the Lake County News. Through her column she familiarized the people of Lake County with the many facts, myths, concerns, and conservation efforts involving the County’s most impressive asset: Clear Lake.

In her work with the county, De Palma-Dow went far beyond her activities in the invasive species program. She filled high-level management roles, oversaw ramp monitoring (for the invasive mussel prevention program) and developed strong and trusted relationships with the local community, including the six regional tribes around the county. 



In her own words, De Palma-Dow explains: “I am personally and deeply invested in improving the natural resources of Lake County, from the bottom of the lakes to the top of the mountains and volcanoes.” In continuing she noted, “I am committed to living and working here and I am passionate about protecting, preserving, and conserving the land and water for the next generations of people, plants and animals.”

De Palma-Dow, 42, backs up this passion with an impressive background in science and natural resource and conservation work. She has 20 years of experience working directly with natural resources in a variety of positions from management, conservation, research, teaching, education and outreach. She has a BS in Biological Science, and a minor in Chemistry from California State University, Sacramento (2010) and an MS in Fisheries and Wildlife, with a limnology/freshwater science emphasis, from Michigan State University (2014). She has acquired a variety of certificates from established organizations such as eCornell, University of Geneva and the National Association of Counties.

Growing up in Modesto and the Davis/Sacramento area, she spent time as a youth swimming at Lake Berryessa and Folsom. She was a swimmer and always loved water – perhaps an indication of her later career. Despite her eventual occupation as a biologist and scientist, her first goal was a job in communications which then evolved into working in horticulture, then “plants in water,” then biology.



De Palma-Dow worked for a variety of university, city, state, and extension agencies in Michigan during and after grad school, but still yearned to return to California. When her

husband, Jody Coenen, got a job in Southern California, back they came. In the San Fernando Valley she worked for the Mountain Restoration Trust where she set up water quality monitoring, crayfish management in urban streams and more. De Palma-Dow became aware of the Water Resources job in Lake County and applied. “I got hired right away and after a year and a half in Southern California, we moved here in 2018,” she explained. Currently her husband has his own business working with race car teams; he travels around the country helping pit crews. The couple are parents of a two and one-half year old son, Kimi, and make their home in the Big Valley area.

“I’m excited to be a part of the Lake County Land Trust and to be a part of its growth,” the new Executive Director concluded. A sentiment echoed by all LCLT board members as well.

Lake County Land Trust president, Val Nixon commented: “Everyone on our board of directors was thrilled to welcome Angela, as were our many supporters. We realize she will be able to lead the Land Trust during this time of our expansion and growth, a time when it is imperative that we have someone like her with the skill and experience to put us on a sustainable path so the Land Trust will continue to fulfill its mission of protecting and preserving the beautiful natural resources of Lake County.”

Submitted by Roberta Lyons, LCLT board member

Mark Your Calendar for other

Spring Events at the Land Trust

May 24th - Join us at our flagship Rodman Preserve for a Memorial Weekend morning event. We are planning a guided walk, a short walk for the kids with some games along the way, and our Nature Center will be full of interactive fun for all ages.

June 14th - Come see our newest land: Kuulanapo Wetland Preserve. We are still working on the details but know it will be worth saving the date especially if you haven't seen this jewel!