The former manager, Melissa Loebl, was offered the Manager position at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve in fall 2020. Although Melissa considered the Marsh Manager her "dream job", living in Huntington Beach makes her new commute much shorter. We miss her bubbly personality and are grateful for her many accomplishments, including establishing our animal care program, helping initiate virtual learning programs, building relationships with other local preserves and nature centers, creating a COVID response approach that allowed the Preserve to reopen, starting the digital volunteer sign-up process, and encouraging staff to initiate projects oriented toward improving the Madrona Marsh experience.

Steve Ash is filling in as the Acting Manager of Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center until further notice. Steve has been a stable presence at Madrona Marsh since 2016 as Assistant Manager and brings his past experience with the US Forest Service. Steve and Park Service Manager Tracy Drake work closely together to ensure Madrona Marsh continues to operate smoothly.

Read more about Melissa's departure in the lead article in Winter 2020-2021 Marsh Mailing.