Amber Schat- Kenig
Amber Schat-Kenig is an Agricultural and Natural Resources Management Consultant and founder of Ecological Ag Management, LLC, where she partners with nonprofits and private clients to advance sustainable land management, wildfire resilience, and climate-smart agricultural practices. With a strong background in program development, environmental consulting, and community-based conservation, she brings expertise in soil health, pasture management, stormwater runoff, erosion control, and strategic grant development. Amber is deeply committed to using applied science, traditional knowledge, and collaborative leadership to create innovative solutions that improve both environmental conditions and economic opportunities.
Prior to founding her consulting practice, Amber served as a Wildfire Resilience Specialist with the Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), where she led statewide disaster preparedness and recovery efforts for farmers and ranchers, while championing equity and amplifying the voices of historically marginalized agricultural communities. She also held key roles at organizations such as Pie Ranch and the City of San José, where she built partnerships across agencies, conservation groups, and community stakeholders to promote sustainable land use, water quality, and ecosystem resilience. Her work has been published through the University of California system, including reports on wildfire preparedness and the impact of wildfires on California agriculture.
Amber holds a master’s degree in Coastal and Watershed Science and Policy from California State University, Monterey Bay, and a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Passionate about both science and community, she is dedicated to advancing environmental stewardship while supporting farmers, ranchers, and landowners in building resilience for future generations.
• California State University, Monterey Bay- Master's
• University of California, Santa Cruz- B.A.
• Cabrillo College- Associate's
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to following my passion for environmental stewardship, shaped by my creative beginnings in art and photography and my shift into environmental science. One of my proudest moments was after the 2021 fires in Sonoma County, when a project I supported using targeted grazing successfully helped stop a wildfire from spreading.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is that there is no true “one-stop shop” for ecological consulting, which often leaves clients feeling overwhelmed by fragmented resources and support.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Passion is the value that drives me most, fueling my commitment to meaningful work and enriching my personal life.