Karyn Sauber Barnett

Volunteer naturalist Karyn Barnett was ABDNHA's staff program/volunteer coordinator and naturalist from 2000-2007.

Barnett holds degrees in philosophy and geography from San Diego State University, and a graduate certificate from University of San Diego in Paralegal Studies with an emphasis in environmental law.

Since 1984, Barnett has led numerous nature walks, hikes, bird-watching trips, cultural and historical talks, and backcountry 4-WD excursions in the desert, mountains and coastal areas of San Diego County. During the 1990s, she began sharing her passion for nature as a volunteer for Torrey Pines, Mission Trails and Mount Laguna Volunteer Associations, then as a park aide and interpretive specialist for Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

From 1999-2006, Barnett worked as a park ranger for U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in Alaska’s interior during the summer/fall managing Tetlin Wildlife Refuge’s visitor center, and campground facilities, coordinating trail building projects and interpretive programs.

A resident of the community of Canebrake, she is the mom to Holly the collie and her companion Lance [another collie of course!].

Barnett is a self-described "nature enthusiast nut—walking, exploring, and discovering all the idiosyncrasies of the natural world." Her greatest joy is sharing nature with others and facilitating people’s connection to it.