“Southeast Alaska’s natural treasures enjoy increased significance to me the more I kayak along its wild shores and travel around the world.” -Gretchen Keiser

Gretchen Keiser Conservation Specialist Gretchen has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Science Education from Cornell University and a Master’s of Science in Biology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. In Alaska since the mid-1970s, Gretchen has worked in natural resources as a field biologist, legislative analyst, coastal program manager, city planner and water quality regulatory manager. She serves on the Board of Directors for True North Federal Credit Union and Rainforest Yoga – two not-for-profit organizations important to the well being of the Juneau community. Gretchen brings her enthusiasm for the conservation of Southeast Alaska’s natural landscapes, coupled with her personal interests in kayaking, gardening, yoga, and travel.

"From exploring remote bays in an old wooden fishing boat to backpacking in the forest and alpine, I am continuously amazed and humbled by the beauty and richness of Southeast Alaska. I have only begun to explore the natural wonders and incredible communities here, and I thrilled to be involved in the exciting and important work of SEAL Trust."

Rebecca Hartwell  Conservation Assistant Rebecca grew up near the small town of Carnation in Washington State and attended Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. During college, she studied in Sikkim, India for a semester where she developed an independent study project on community- based ecotourism, which became the empirical basis for her Honors thesis senior year. Rebecca graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor's degree in Politics and Environmental studies. After graduation, she traveled to Malaysia with a US Fulbright Fellowship where she taught English in a rural community for one year. Upon Rebecca's return to the US, she headed north for colder climates as an intern with Sitka Conservation Society through the Alaska Conservation Foundation internship program. Enchanted with Southeast Alaska, Rebecca decided to explore this unique region by water and got a job as a deckhand on a commercial fishing boat, trolling for salmon throughout Southeast Alaska for five months. Now living in Juneau, Rebecca is excited for the opportunity to work for Southeast Alaska Land Trust and continue working for conservation issues in Alaska.