Zabrina Ruggles

North Idaho Conservation Associate

Growing up in the Southwest, Zabrina gained a profound appreciation for water and the landscapes and communities that depend on it. After living in a variety of regions across the West, and with a growing desire to defend the landscapes she loved, she left the outdoor retail industry to pursue a degree in science.

Equipped with a B.S. in Chemistry and a minor in Biology, Zabrina began her career as an analytical chemist in environmental laboratories, where over the course of more than 12 years she developed expertise in environmental testing, EPA-regulated industries, and water and soil quality. She is thrilled to devote this knowledge to conservation work as the Conservation Associate in Sandpoint, where she lives and feels deeply connected to the waters and wild places of north Idaho.

As an Idahoan for more than a decade, Zabrina still feels incredibly lucky to call this state home and is excited to spend many more years exploring, protecting, and advocating for this amazing place. When she’s not working or baking a loaf of sourdough, she spends her time exploring with her husband and their pup, Luna—searching for the next best swimming hole, summit view, or singletrack for mountain biking.