Carson Sprenger, Founding Member
Forester/Restoration Ecologist/Fire Ecologist
M.S. Forest Ecology, College of Forest Resources, University of Washington
B.S. Environmental Science, The Evergreen State College

Carson Sprenger is a forester and restoration ecologist with over 18 years of experience working in the forests of the San Juan Islands.  He has 8 years of experience conducting ecological research and is a local expert on historical fires and pre-contact forest structure. Carson specializes in conservation/forest management planning, forest restoration design, forest inventory, design of fuel reduction treatments, and tree health assessments.  With professional experience in rigging, hazard tree removal, and large scale tree thinning, he has a keen understanding of on-the-ground project management.

Samantha Martin Sprenger, Founding Member
Soil Scientist/Restoration Ecologist
M.S. Forest Soils/Restoration Ecology, College of Forest Resources, University of Washington
B.S. Environmental Science and Resource Management, University of Washington

Samantha Martin Sprenger specializes in restoration ecology, soil science, and invasive species control.  She has a deep understanding of both forest and prairie landscapes in the Pacific Northwest and has been involved in conservation planning in the San Juan Islands since 2004.  Sam has 15 years of horticultural experience which she employs in her involvement with the propagation, outplanting, and monitoring of rare plants in our region. 

Joseph Hatten
Field Technician/Arborist

Joe has worked for Rain Shadow since 2008 and has grown into our lead tree climber and crew leader. Joe’s upbringing on Waldron and his many years experience with commercial fishing and landscaping have given him excellent skills with on-the-ground project management. He has been climbing trees for fun all his life and in early 2011 completed a comprehensive arborist climbing course with Arboriculture Canada. In 2012 he completed aerial rescue training and recently completed his application to become a Certified Arborist. Joe lives with his wife Hayley on Orcas.

Galen Boydston
Field Technician/ Arborist.

Galen began working for Rain Shadow soon after he completed his undergraduate degree from The Evergreen State College in 2010. Galen’s passion for arborculture and outdoor conservation work is drawn from not only his academic work but also from his upbringing on Waldron Island (3rd generation). He has worked on research and
fishing boats throughout Puget Sound and Alaska. Galen lives with his wife Rachel and canine pal Nootka in Deer Harbor.