Ellen Leigh

Ellen Leigh pursued academic education in history and obtained a master’s in museum management to pursue a profession in museum studies. She has held roles as Executive Director and Curator at notable natural history museums including, South Florida Science Museum, Anniston Museum of Natural History and the Atomic Museum with additional training with the American Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian Institute.  

Along with her expertise in art and history, Ellen also has an affinity for biology, natural science and water quality. Ellen grew up learning about the consequences of polluted waters and the importance of clean water.  Her passion for water has led her to attend the California Water Quality Council -Citizen Monitoring program workshop. She has also initiated community efforts where she obtained funding for water monitoring workshops for scouts. 

Upon Ellen’s move to Cambria in 2011, she joined Greenspace’s water monitoring and advocacy projects and became a board member in 2012. Ellen has participated on a range of Greenspace projects such as the additional parcels to Strawberry Canyon, the forest health and fuel reduction project for Strawberry Canyon’s 34 acres, the annual Monterey pine tree planting efforts and the California native demonstration gardens. 

You will often find Ellen hiking a local trail or planning her next national park camping trip. When not in the great outdoors, she enjoys reading books that were recommended to her on her travels, attending Greenspace events and watching the deer roam in Cambria.