Kayley Pingeon

Background

About Kayley Pingeon

Master of Marine Affairs graduate from the University of Washington School of Marine and Environmental Affairs (June 2025), with over six years of experience in salmon habitat restoration, community engagement, and environmental justice. I hold a double major in Environmental Studies and American Indian Studies from UW and an Associate of Applied Science from Green River College NATRS, where I specialized in Water Quality Management, Forestry Management, Parks and Recreation Management, and GIS. My thesis focused on the intersection of tribal sovereignty, climate resilience, and salmon habitat restoration. Developed in collaboration with Chief Leschi Schools, Nisqually Land Trust, and the Washington Department of Natural Resources, this work centers on restoring riparian habitat through the creation of traditional food forests that support both ecological and cultural revitalization. I am the Founder and Executive Director of Free The Green, a nonprofit organization working at the intersection of ecological restoration, youth job training, and food sovereignty. Through Free The Green, I lead restoration projects, manage multiple grant-funded programs, and coordinate a high school and college internship program in the Green-Duwamish and White River watersheds. Fieldwork & Land-Based Practice: My work is deeply rooted in land-based, hands-on restoration. I lead crews and volunteers in the field to remove invasives, plant native species (including traditional food plants), manage riparian buffers, and improve salmon habitat. I design planting plans, conduct visual and GIS-based monitoring, and train student interns in restoration techniques and environmental safety. I am passionate about building relationships with the land and supporting long-term stewardship that combines scientific and cultural approaches. I also serve on the Board of Directors with Orca Conservancy, contributing to regional efforts for salmon recovery and protection of Southern Resident killer whales. I am seeking opportunities where I can continue building partnerships and leading action-based projects that restore ecosystems, support food sovereignty, and strengthen community resilience. Open to consulting, nonprofit leadership, program coordination, or agency restoration roles across sectors.