David Baker
Founder and Executive Director
davidbaker@watershedassociation.org
TEL: (512) 722-3390 / (512) 785-8950
Twitter: @lovejacobswell
Founded WVWA: 1996
David Baker is an artist, conservationist, and environmental advocate equally at ease with a brush in his studio or envisioning an environmental canvas the size of the Texas Hill Country. Since moving his family to the iconic Jacob’s Well Spring near Wimberley in 1988, he has dedicated his life and boundless creative energy to the land, water, and building a conservation network across the Cypress Creek and Blanco River watershed and the Texas Hill Country. He founded the Wimberley Valley Watershed Association in 1996 and has since served as the Executive Director, having assembled more than 400 acres of owned and managed conserved lands surrounding Jacob’s Well in honor of protecting it and the waters that feed it. As a catalyst, collaborator, and networker, David has inspired and driven the restoration and preservation of sacred artesian springs, protecting their recharge lands through advocacy, public partnerships, and determined removal of impervious cover to reclaim and restore open space and habitat in a sustainable model for generations.
In 2015, through his decades of work to protect Jacob’s Well, Cypress Creek, and the Blanco River, David envisioned and conceived the Hill Country Conservation Network, which resulted in creating a collaborative effort with Hill Country Alliance, where he served on the board for over ten years, to develop joint funding proposals and collective impact across the Hill Country. His service on numerous other boards and founding of several NGOs and public agencies, including the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, has led to collaborations with agencies and stakeholders in ongoing efforts to conserve land, and water, and to adopt a science-based public policy. David continues to create powerful outcomes and increase investment in conservation across the state through convening diverse partners and organizations to engage them in shared initiatives to address complex challenges facing our region.
Recently, David established Art4Water to tell powerful stories that communicate the value of water beyond words and engage artists in
environmental stewardship. Art4Water programming is designed to inspire diverse artistic expression to educate and connect our communities to a reverence for natural springs and water and motivate collective action toward expanded investment in the protection of watersheds and pristine waters across Texas and beyond.
Ellen Evans
Director of Operations
ellen@watershedassociation.org
Drawing from decades of management and organizational leadership, Ellen brings a holistic perspective and a diverse blend of skills to her work with the Watershed Association. Rooted in her multifaceted background as an acupuncturist, environmental advocate, and facilitator of transformative experiences, Ellen applies a profound understanding of systems thinking and contextual awareness to inspire stewardship of person, place and planet.
With a deep reverence for the natural world and a profound understanding of holistic wellbeing, Ellen’s approach is one of experiential immersion, fortifying the bridge between academic knowledge and personal experience through innovative program design and organizational development.
Whether overseeing the day-to-day operations, crafting innovative programming, or fostering organizational growth, Ellen brings a unique perspective that harmonizes the tangible and intangible aspects of the work. Her practical skills in project management, financial operations, and process optimization are complemented by her deep understanding of balanced and self-sustaining systems and her ability to inhabit and create spaces for collective growth and impact.
Ellen intertwines the practical necessities of running a successful organization with the profound potential for community health and healing that lies at the heart of the Watershed Association’s mission. Her unique touch ensures that the logistical elements are executed with precision, while also infusing each endeavor with a sense of purpose, connection, and holistic well-being.
Ellen’s diverse skills and passion continue to be a driving force in creating accessible and inspiring experiences for the community. Her ability to uplift individuals and systems simultaneously, coupled with her commitment to environmental wellness and advocacy, make her an invaluable asset in supporting transformational change within the context of the organization and its service to the community and the natural environment.
Aliya Rosenbloom
Director of Creative Strategy and Program Implementation
aliya@watershedassociation.org
Aliya’s life and work have been devoted to cultivating spaces and offerings where people and the planet can reunify. From Peace Summits to equine facilitation, intentional farming, and regenerative organizational development, Aliya’s philosophy draws from nature-based biomimicry as a template for organizations to see the leadership tools embedded in the natural world. She thrives in that sweet spot, being both a visionary—able to plan for innovative growth– while also an implementer— able to organize, manage, and execute the precise details to make a dream come to life. She believes that just like healthy soil, producing vital fruit, healthy teams, and organizations are the soil that alchemizes to serve our communities with more meaning and more impact. She is passionate about helping us remember our inherent nature so that we can better care for our planet and its inhabitants. She’s known to be the calmest one in moments of chaos; known to intend every pun.
Amber Smith
Communications & Donor Relations Manager
amber@watershedassociation.org
Amber is deeply passionate about purposeful work, with a profound love for the earth and a commitment to preserving nature and fostering connections. With nearly 10 years of experience in marketing, development, and community building, she is inspired by the power of building connections that drive meaningful change.
With a natural ability to connect people through compelling storytelling and engaging content, she cultivates relationships that inspire action and drive change. Her passion for nurturing partnerships amplifies the voices of environmental initiatives, raising awareness and support for causes aligned with sustainability. Whether developing strategic campaigns or fostering strong community ties, she is driven by a vision of a more connected and sustainable world.
Paul Stuffel
Maintenance Manager
paul@watershedassociation.org
With over 18 years of experience in conservation work across the Texas Hill Country, Paul is a dedicated advocate for preserving the region’s unique natural landscapes and biodiversity. Over the course of his career, Paul has played a pivotal role in establishing programs such as the Texas Conservation Corps, an initiative that brings together volunteers and professionals to protect and restore Texas’ most valuable ecosystems.
Throughout his work, Paul has contributed to a wide range of conservation projects, from habitat restoration,land management and public lands improvements to environmental education and community engagement. His deep understanding of the Hill Country’s diverse ecosystems and commitment to sustainable land stewardship has earned him a reputation as a trusted leader in the field.
Whether working on the front lines of conservation or guiding the next generation of environmental leaders, Paul remains steadfast in his mission to protect the natural beauty and ecological health of the Texas Hill Country for future generations.
Shelly Buse
Facilities Assistant
shelly@watershedassociation.org
Patrick Egan
Community Engagement Coordinator and Land & Facilities Assistant
pat@watershedassociation.org
Patrick Egan is a dedicated conservationist and long-time resident of San Marcos, Texas, where he has lived since 2002. Drawn to the clear, cool waters of the San Marcos River, Patrick earned his degree in Studio Art from Texas State University, and since then, has been deeply committed to preserving the natural beauty of his community.
His passion for environmental conservation began with spearfishing invasive fish species in the San Marcos River, a hands-on approach to protecting local ecosystems. Patrick’s dedication extends beyond the river, having volunteered with the Trail Crew of the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance to maintain and enhance the area’s green spaces. Through his work and volunteer efforts, Patrick continues to make a lasting impact on the environmental health and vitality of Central Texas.
Fletcher
Public Liaison
