The Coalition has a new team member!

We are very excited to introduce our new Program & Communications Coordinator, Jonni Zeman!

Here are a few words of introduction from Jonni: 

Although I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, I am proud to call Tucson my home. The community I have found here is special in so many ways, especially when it comes to the support for proactive environmental policies and ecological protection. Indeed, the Sonoran Desert and its beauty has captivated me beyond measure.

I graduated from the University of Arizona with a B.S. in Environmental Science and a minor in Plant Sciences. Through these programs, I ignited my passion for environmental justice, sustainability, science communication, and ecological restoration. I joined the Coalition to use these skills to help protect this beautiful desert we call home and to make a difference for all who live here, wildlife and humans alike.

In my senior year of college, I participated in the Earth Grant Program which led me to an internship with Pima County Natural Resource Parks and Recreation. This position allowed me to work with the county to implement restoration and conservation projects and manage invasive plant species within Pima County. I’ve battled buffelgrass, collected native seeds to revegetate areas of Tucson Mountain Park, and studied the phytotomy and phenology of Sonoran Desert plants. My favorite plant here is creosote – from it’s fragrance to it’s glow in the early morning sun, I find so much comfort in its abundance here.

My hobbies include hiking, gardening, fishkeeping, and staying creative through painting and mixed media artwork. I also have a strong interest in the wildlife and insects of the southwest! One of my favorite creatures are palo verde beetles, Derobrachus hovorei, who greet me with their clumsy flying every summer. I plan on including critters like these in my artwork for the CSDP – stay tuned for new wildlife designs!

Tags: CSDP, CSDP staff