Staff
Meet our team.
Bringing passion and dedication to their work, day in and day out, these are the people who get things done around here. Together, they contribute over 45 years of experience to advancing land conservation across the North State.
Cynthia Graves Perrine, Executive Director
Cynthia’s hometown is Chico, and she’s spent the past three decades working throughout California and Nevada as a field biologist and program director for state and federal agencies, non-profits, and academic institutions. In addition to her academic (UC Davis, Environmental Biology/Management B.S.; CSU Chico Botanical Sciences M.S. coursework) and work experience in applied ecology, she holds an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University, is a Certified Non-profit Professional (CNP) with Non-profit Leadership Alliance, and a Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB) with The Wildlife Society.
Cynthia’s career is fueled by an authentic connection to a land ethic that was formed by the habitats and land-uses of Butte County. From fishing and hunting, to backyard gardening, to recreating on bike or on foot, the many outdoor activities enjoyed here provide a quality of life closely tied to the land, requiring effective and collaborative stewardship. She’s eager to contribute to that stewardship effort.
Prior projects include a K-12 conservation education program in which university students guided school-aged kids walking from their school to open space to learn the art and science of observation and instill a sense of place, coordinating expert-led learning experiences and scientific collecting forays across California, Nevada, and New Zealand, and coordinating CDFW’s onboarding, training needs assessment, and education program for newly-hired scientists statewide. Species she’s inclined to work with include bats and birds, and her favorite habitat is blue oak woodland.
Working to strengthen the community connections between all stewards of our land and advance conservation objectives in Butte, Glenn and Tehama County is her goal. Away from her desk, she enjoys hiking, bicycling, kayaking, cooking, playing the trumpet or listening to live music of any kind, and spending time with her family and dogs.
Hannah Espinosa, Stewardship & Conservation Director
As the Stewardship & Conservation Director, Hannah leads stewardship and conservation efforts at NCRLT, overseeing the stewardship of preserves and conservation easements while guiding conservation land transactions and acquisitions. Since joining the Land Trust in 2022, she has worked closely with landowners to support long-term stewardship and is passionate about building new conservation partnerships across Northern California. Hannah holds a B.A. in Chemistry and a B.S. in Biology from the University of Kentucky, and an MSc in Biodiversity, Evolution, and Conservation in Action from Middlesex University in London. Her career has taken her from the mountains of Vermont to the rainforests of Africa, giving her a global perspective on ecological systems and land management. She is committed to habitat restoration, equitable access to nature, and protecting local food systems. Outside of work, Hannah enjoys baking, hiking, reading, and exploring new places.
Kim Armstrong , Stewardship Manager
As the Stewardship Manager, Kim she brings over a decade of experience in ecological restoration and conservation across California. She holds a degree in Ecology with a minor in Biology from CSU, Chico, and previously worked as a biologist with River Partners and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. A Chico native with deep roots in the region, Kim is passionate about protecting agricultural lands, enhancing habitat connectivity, and supporting community health through conservation. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, birding, flyfishing, and volunteering with the Altacal Bird Alliance and the Northern Saw-whet Owl Research and Education Program.
Isaiah Babboye, Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper
As a Chico native, Isaiah is proud to be serving the community he grew up in by providing administrative support to the Northern California Regional Land Trust. As a recent Graduate of Butte College, earning an A.S. in Accounting, Isaiah offers a substantial amount of financial insight to help facilitate financial operations and procedures of the Land Trust. Isaiah continues to pursue his educational goals by taking his next big steps and attending CSU Chico with determination, with a goal to achieve his B.A. in Business and Administration in Accounting. Isaiah has worked for a variety of local businesses in the Chico area, each helping him to further hone his excellent work ethic. He has even had the opportunity to travel around the USA while working as a truck driver. Isaiah is happy to have his first opportunity to work for a nonprofit organization, and be a part of a team whose goal is to make our community a better place.
Silas Osborne, Land Conservation Program Assistant
As the Land Conservation Program Assistant through NCRLT’s Sierra Nevada Alliance Partnership and AmeriCorps program, Silas will be aiding NCRLT staff with conservation, stewardship, and outreach duties through September of 2026. A new resident to California, Silas lived in Oregon for several years, graduating from Oregon State University with a degree in Natural Resources and a minor in Rangeland Science. During that time, they worked at an ecohydrology lab studying groundwater and surface water interactions, soil health, and management of woody encroachment. Additional experience in shrub cover monitoring for salmon restoration and social media management gives them a knowledgeable and enthusiastic outlook they're excited utilize in their position. Silas is dedicated to increasing accessibility to nature and encouraging appreciation of the natural world by reducing barriers to access, cultivating an accepting community, and inviting people to get involved with nature in ways that are meaningful to them. They're looking forward to meeting more of the local community during NCRLT's tabling, guided hikes, and other events. Outside of the office, Silas enjoys hiking in pretty places, nature photography, reading sci-fi, and writing.
Ben Gelderloos, Acquisitions Assistant
As Acquisition Assistant, Ben works to ensure the permanent conservation of new properties through meaningful partnerships with landowners, utilizing conservation easements and fee title acquisitions to protect vital landscapes. He joined NCRLT in 2025, excited to be part of an organization that prioritizes community-focused land conservation. Ben graduated from Colorado College with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and has dedicated his career to safeguarding natural spaces. Before joining NCRLT, he supported the U.S. Forest Service with Wilderness Character Monitoring projects, assessing and preserving the integrity of California’s wilderness areas. He also previously worked as a mountain bike guide, leading multi-day trips across the West, an experience that deepened his appreciation for protected landscapes and reinforced his commitment to conservation. His favorite ecosystem is mixed conifer forests, and he has been appreciating the new-to-him Sierra Nevada and Southern Cascades. Originally from Boulder, Colorado, Ben enjoys exploring wild spaces whether on two feet backpacking with his partner, by any sort of bicycle, or alongside his four-legged furry friend. He is excited to build strong relationships with landowners, support sustainable land management, and help shape a future where communities remain deeply connected to the landscapes they love.