Josh Zupan joined Sonoma Ecology Center as a Restoration Technician in November, 2025. 

Sonoma Ecology Center is excited to welcome Restoration Technician Josh Zupan! Hailing from the Sierra Foothills by way of Nevada City, Josh brings both a strong field background and a genuine curiosity about California’s vast ecological diversity to SEC’s Restoration Team. New to Sonoma Valley, he’s excited to learn about the land by engaging with it directly—doing hands-on restoration work in our creeks and open spaces, observing change over time, and exploring on foot. New to Sonoma Valley, he’s excited to learn about the land by engaging with it directly—doing hands-on restoration work in our creeks and open spaces, observing change over time, and exploring on foot. Whether through ecological stewardship or his detailed scientific illustrations, Josh approaches nature with an attentive eye and a deep appreciation for seeing and understanding our home up close.

I’m Josh! I’ve been working at SEC for a few months as a Restoration Technician. I’m originally from the Sierra Foothills along the Hwy 80 corridor but most recently lived and worked in Nevada City, CA in a very similar role.

My typical day is almost always spent in the field, working on grant-funded projects, fee for service work, or at one of the city parks we help manage. I really enjoy this type of work because it feels like the “bread and butter” of the organization. Doing the hands on, often dirty, sometimes smelly work is immediately rewarding. We get the gratification of seeing the results of fuels reduction, pile burning, weed pulling, planting-out natives, etc., almost continuously. We get to see, in person, how our projects change from day to day and learn invaluable lessons about how to work more effectively.

I gravitate towards environmental work because I love being outside, I love natural history, and I love to learn about the landscapes around us! It’s hard to imagine working for an organization that doesn’t align with my personal values so working at an environmental non-profit was an easy decision.

I love Sonoma Valley’s ecological diversity! Coming from the Sierra foothills and mountains, Sonoma Valley and its surrounding areas are a totally new suite of ecosystems, flora, and fauna to get to know. As I get to know them more I feel grateful that there is an organization like SEC to advocate for their health over the long term.

Outside of work I love to be on trails hiking, running, and backpacking. I’m also a scientific illustrator and enjoy making art inspired by the organisms around me, whether for freelance projects or just for myself.

When I have the time, I prefer to explore on foot and go for long distance efforts as a way to see our home up close. I’ve also found myself in the world of birding recently, and although Sonoma County certainly has no shortage of birds to learn about, I’m most excited by just watching the species that visit my backyard.

Check out Josh’s illustrations at www.joshuazupan.com.