10/14/2026
Mendocino Land Trust is thrilled to introduce the two newest members of our Board of Trustees. Please welcome Joaquin Feliciano and Paul Ruiz-Lopez to the MLT team. Our new Trustees are well qualified to help MLT forward the mission of conservation, public access, and habitat restoration in Mendocino County, bringing with them great energy, hands-on field experience, and a passion for community partnerships.
Joaquin Feliciano moved to Mendocino County in 2022, but his first experience working here was in the late 90’s, when he spent several summers conducting field research on the Navarro River and its tributaries while earning his PhD in Ecology from UC Davis. He is a lifelong learner and dedicated supporter of social justice and conservation. He works remotely for the UC Davis Office of Compliance and Policy. Joaquin looks forward to contributing his time, energy, and experience to Mendocino Land Trust and its mission.
Paul Ruiz-Lopez is a horticulturist at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, where he maintains various plant collections, leads educational tours, and combats invasive species. Originally from San Diego, Paul has lived in Northern California since 2014. He studied botany at Humboldt State University, and his background includes studying elephant seals and seabirds on the Farallon Islands, farming in Clearlake, and living off-grid in Willits. Paul has a passion for the unique beauty and culture of Northern California, and looks forward to fostering collaboration between MLT and local environmental partners.