Amber Schat-Kenig
I’m an Environmental Scientist, Agricultural Consultant, and Founder of Ecological Ag Management LLC, where I help landowners, farmers, and conservation partners design and implement regenerative land management solutions that improve ecosystem health, economic resilience, and community wellbeing.
With over 20 years of experience spanning watershed science, wildfire resilience, sustainable agriculture, and natural resource management, I bridge applied science with traditional ecological knowledge to support climate-smart, place-based stewardship. My work focuses on developing conservation plans, coordinating projects, and guiding partners through grant funding, infrastructure design, and implementation strategies that honor both ecological and cultural values.
I’ve had the privilege of leading wildfire preparedness and recovery initiatives with the Community Alliance with Family Farmers, coordinating regenerative agriculture and tribal workforce programs at Pie Ranch, and managing stormwater and habitat restoration projects with the City of San José and the Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County.
My approach is collaborative, systems-based, and rooted in a deep respect for people and the land. I’m passionate about connecting communities with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in a changing climate.
🌱 Areas of focus:
Sustainable Agriculture | Regenerative Land Management | Wildfire & Disaster Resilience | Climate Adaptation | Conservation Planning | Tribal & Community Collaboration | Environmental Education
• California State University, Monterey Bay- Master's
• University of California at Santa Cruz- BA
• Influential Women
• The Nature Conservancy
• Enviornmental Defense Fund
• Communiity Alliance with Family Farmers
• Friends of Family Farms
• Orgeon Agricultural Trust
• Watch Duty
• Tualiatin Riverkeepers
• North Valley Prescribed Burn Association
• Broken Arrow Ranch and Sanctuary
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to following my passion for environmental stewardship, primarily to my mother, who helped me learn to observe and respect the natural world, and my place in it. I also learned to make connections, see relationships, and articulate my message through an early creative education in photography and ceramics. One of my proudest moments was when a project I supported in Sonoma County using targeted grazing, successfully helped stop a wildfire from spreading.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Follow your heart, take chances, and try everything!
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Identify the root reason for your commitment to the path. Don't get too comfortable, keep gently challenging yourself along the way. You will never feel fully prepared to take the next step or increase your level of responsibility or leadership, but your prior efforts will reveal your resilience and capability in the moment you chose to invest in your growth and success. Always ask and invite questions, multi-directional learning is critical and an effective way to demonstrate respect. Go to all the field tours!
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 “silver bullet” for land management practices, each site is unique and requires a tailored approach, which often leaves clients feeling overwhelmed and frustrated about how to successfully implement their projects due to fragmented resources and support.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Living in right relation with the land, and helping others do the same, is the value that drives me most; fueling my commitment to meaningful work and enriching my personal life.