Sarah Merkle

Director of Development

Sarah joined McKenzie River Trust in 2023. Originally from the California coast, they received their undergraduate degree from UC Santa Cruz where they developed a passion for old growth redwood forests and rivers. After completing their graduate degree at Mills College, they moved to Oregon in 2016. They have over 10 years of experience working in nonprofits both as an administrator and as a direct service provider focusing on mental health, social justice, community advocacy, and peer support. They spend their free time exploring, birding, camping, writing, and trying to learn how to talk to plants.