Meet the Team
Nikki Atkins
District Manager
(360) 972-5371
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Programs
Riparian Enhancement, Management
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Nikki has a passion for the environment and has been working for the Conservation District for 25 years. She holds a degree in Agricultural Technology and Management with a minor in Business from Washington State University. Her past focus has been on Riparian Restoration and has overseen over 1,000 acres of riparian plantings. During her free time she tends to a small herd of Angus cattle and Morgan horses. She can be found at the river relaxing in the summer evenings enjoying the serenity.
Kelly Verd
Special Projects Coordinator
(360) 972-5835
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Programs
VSP, Farm Planning, Fish Passage Projects
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Kelly has worked at the district since 2000. Previously, she attended Washington State University where she received a Bachelor's of Animal Science. Apart from her time in college, she has been a Lewis County resident her entire life. Outside of the office, Kelly can be found hiking, gardening, showing dogs and tending to her large assortment of animals.
Arthur Smith
Habitat and Riparian Projects Manager
(360) 972-5835
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Programs
Riparian Enhancement
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Arthur grew up in Toledo where he was exposed to natural resource management from a young age. Tree planting, invasive species control and timber harvests were a central part of his childhood. Following his time at Centralia College, he has spent half a decade working in habitat restoration with the City of Olympia and the district. PNW ecology is his passion, and he aims to be a resource for plant identification, restoration management and historical ecological knowledge. His favorite native species is the Willamette Valley Ponderosa Pine.
Maddie Wilcox
Planner/Stream Team Coordinator
(360) 810-0707
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Programs
Stream Team, Outreach & Education, VSP
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Maddie has lived in the PNW their entire life and has a deep connection to its ecology. After receiving a B.S. in Ethnic Studies and Studio Art from Santa Clara University, they engaged in an ethnobotany immersion that brought them into closer relationship with the land through the study of permaculture, folk herbalism and ecological patterns. Before joining the district, they worked in tribal social services, outdoor education, and at local farms. Outside the office they can be found in the woods inspecting every mushroom / plant / critter, gardening, singing, or snuggling with their cats. Their favorite native species are twinflower and rattlesnake plantain.
Christina Kale
Administrative Assistant
(360) 996-4560 ext. 103
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Christina joined the Lewis Conservation District in November 202. Prior to this, Christina worked as a manager for various retail stores for 23 years. She was excited to forge a new path working with a team that helps the community and the environment. In her spare time, Christina loves kicking back and watching horror movies with her husband and dogs.