Tejon Ranch Con-servancy-an independent nonprofit conservation organization overseeing stewardship across the vast protected portions of the Tejon Ranch-recently announced that Malibu resident Lauren di Scipio joined the conservancy as public access coordinator.
“I am thrilled to have this opportunity to enlighten the public about the work of the Tejon Ranch Conservancy in protecting a unique, diverse natural resource,” di Scipio sais in a written statement. “It will be an honor to be sharing this amazing place with other Californians.”
In May 2008, five of California’s leading environmental organizations – Sierra Club, Audubon California, Natural Resources Defense Council, Endangered Habitats League and the Planning and Conservation League – announced an agreement with the Tejon Ranch Company to permanently protect the vast majority of the ranch. As part of that unprecedented agreement, the Tejon Ranch Conservancy was created to manage the newly protected lands and pursue additional conservation opportunities for the area. In particular, the Conservancy will be responsible for monitoring and enforcing conservation easements spanning up to 240,000 acres of Tejon Ranch. The Conservancy also is developing a long-term, science-based, stewardship plan to protect and restore habitat for the property’s diverse wildlife, including numerous endangered and threatened species.
Di Scipio’s experience includes years as manager of alumni affairs with Outward Bound USA. She also led and guided numerous Outward Bound expeditions in the backcountry and on the water, teaching and practicing skills such as low-impact camping, kayaking, rock climbing, sailing, canoeing, map and compass, and orienteering.
Her outdoor education resume also includes the role of director of outdoor education for The Day School and expedition leader for The Mountain Workshop, planning and leading backcountry expeditions for students in kindergarten through twelfth grade.
She holds bachelor of arts degrees in archaeology and in ancient history, and has worked on archaeology projects in India, Italy, Scotland, Mexico and the United States.