Sarah Kapel was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada and spent her childhood exploring the many national parks and public land found throughout the West. She found her passion for conservation and ecology from these experiences.

Sarah received a B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2017, focusing on botany and environmental law. After graduating, she worked in the Spring Mountains National Recreational Area conducting botany surveys and improving endangered pollinator habitat. Sarah pursued her love for restoration by obtaining a master’s degree in Ecology from Utah State University in 2024. Sarah’s thesis focused on aspen restoration through outplanting seedlings in post-fire environments as part of the Forest and Fire Ecology Lab.

Being shaped by the forest fires witnessed across the West, Sarah has an affinity for fire-adapted plants and educating the public about wildfire. Sarah is also passionate about promoting native pollinator habitat through active restoration initiatives. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys the great outdoors by hiking, camping, biking, and skiing. She also loves to spend time at home cozied up with her cat Mia and crafting or visiting a local coffee shop.