Vanessa is the Senior Conservation Program Manager with NPCA’s Sun Coast Region. A conservation scientist and advocate, Vanessa works collaboratively with national park staff, agencies, community partners, and conservation organizations to advance wildlife and habitat conservation, coastal resilience, and the long-term protection of national parks and their connected ecosystems.

Vanessa brings more than a decade of experience in conservation science, natural resource management, environmental education, and community engagement. At NPCA, she leads conservation initiatives across North Florida and supports regional efforts throughout the Sun Coast, with a strong emphasis on partnership building, advocacy, and engaging communities in park protection. She serves as Co-Chair of the Gopher Tortoise Council Conservation Committee and on the Board of Directors for Timucuan Parks Foundation. A Jacksonville native, Vanessa earned her B.S. in Biology from the University of Florida and her M.S. and Ph.D. in Biology from Florida International University. Her favorite U.S. national park is Dry Tortugas National Park.

Articles by Vanessa Trujillo, Ph.D.

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My Favorite Parks