Jill manages the day-to-day operations of BLC and oversees the implementation of board-directed strategic initiatives. Her background in communications and marketing drives her work on fundraising and raising awareness of BLC's work in the community. She has a bachelor’s in Journalism from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and is a certified Professional Community and Economic Developer. Experience gained in her previous role, working on public policy issues for a local watershed organization, inspired her to start BLC's first Public Policy Committee. Growing up in a small, Nebraska farming community gave her a love and appreciation for open spaces. When she's not in the office, Jill enjoys hiking, reading and indulging her creative side by trying new recipes.

Jill lives in the Greens Bayou watershed  

BECKY MARTINEZ
Conservation Director

Becky oversees land project management and strategic planning for land conservation at BLC. She has a B.S. in Zoology from the University of Florida and an M.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries from Texas A&M University. Her previous experience was focused on environmental regulatory compliance, wetlands permitting and mitigation banking. Becky’s goal is to increase and maintain BLC’s preserved lands and reconnect people to the area’s natural beauty. In addition to her love of the local outdoors, she enjoys traveling, working with her hands and playing/coaching/watching soccer.

Becky lives in the White Oak watershed  

Karastin Katusin
Community Conservation Manager

Karastin provides leadership in connecting diverse groups to BLC’s mission and creating a safe space to recreate responsibly. With her prior experience in outdoor education and recreation, she wants people to develop a deeper connection and understanding of our earth. Karastin has a B.S. in Geology from the University of Akron and a M.S. in Geology from the University of Florida, where she studied large scale plate tectonics and paleomagnetism. Karastin is a former Harris County Master Gardener and is currently pursuing her Texas Master Naturalist certification. When she is not digging in her garden or exploring state and national parks, she enjoys bouldering, painting, natural dyes and quilting.

Karastin lives in the Panther Branch-Spring Creek Watershed

Kevin provides leadership in BLC’s conservation fieldwork and stewardship projects that help enhance the environmental health of the lands protected by BLC. He has a B.S. in Biology with a focus in Environmental Science from the University of Houston – Downtown, and a background focusing on conservation and stewardship work in the greater Houston Area. Kevin’s previous work experience as a conservation technician took him outdoors to focus on protecting riparian buffer zones in order to mitigate against flooding events in Houston. He’s a passionate conservationist dedicated to protecting Houston's natural resources and green spaces, as well as being an advocate of public outreach to encourage locals and vulnerable communities to engage with their natural surroundings. Outside of work, Kevin enjoys hiking throughout the great state of Texas, landscape photography, indoor rock-climbing, attending concerts, and appreciating art in all its forms.

Kevin lives in the Halls Bayou Watershed.

Frida Ramirez
Development Coordinator

Frida helps develop and maintain Bayou Land Conservancy's membership and donor programs. She has a B.S. in Public Relations and a minor in Business from the University of Texas at Austin. She was previously BLC’s marketing intern in 2019 and loved it so much she came back for a full-time position in 2021! Growing up Frida always felt most comfortable taking her brothers outdoors and helping them connect back to nature, always thankful for what her community conserved and kept free for the public. Frida hopes to help BLC run more efficiently to help get our mission out to the community, hoping to provide other kids a rich environmental experience.

Frida lives in the Buffalo Bayou watershed