Our Staff
passionate people working together to protect our environment
Julie Turko
Executive Director
Julie has had a long career in non-profit development. She has an MAS in Climate Science and Policy from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UCSD, an MBA from ASU, and a BA in the Liberal Arts from St. John's College in Santa Fe, NM. She is a volunteer Whaler for the San Diego Natural History Museum, and feels at home in a community that takes care of the rivers, the ocean, and all the incredible biodiversity of San Diego County.
Karen Beshirs
Office Manager
Karen moved to Eucalyptus Hills with her family in 1979, graduating from El Cap in '87 and SDMCC in '93. She comes to Lakeside with strong management skills we intend to utilize fully! Karen has a passion for the outdoors and for animals. She has traveled all over the world and has been involved in dance, soccer, rodeo and hiking. She is excited to give back to the community that helped raise her.
Robert Doty
Field Superintendent
Robert has worn many hats over the years and continues to lead projects both on and off the main site, with patience and a deep knowledge of the work. His leadership sets the tone for all of our field work. He has become a familiar face around Lakeside as both a volunteer and employee. In his spare time, Robert also works as a volunteer staff member for Comic Con.
Lamont Richardson
Field Crew
Lamont comes to us from Trinidad and Tobago. He is a Mixed Martial Arts expert and can teach a master class in the use of machetes. His lilting Caribbean laugh makes everyone smile.
Darren Laursen
Field Crew
Darren comes to us from the world of cement and concrete—he is a decorative cement master. But you know him for his booming voice and infectious laugh. Among the many things he does for us is work with our volunteers on the trail. He loves working with his 'customers'. If you love the trail, thank Darren.
Dave Enright
Field Crew
Mark Edwords
River Trekker/Safety Monitor
Melissa Vega
Volunteer Coordinator
Melissa builds community engagement for LRPC. She leads restoration efforts along the San Diego River, including the Willow Staking Project, which restores native habitat and stabilizes the riverbank. With a background in communications, marketing, and event planning, she enjoys bringing people together and strengthening the community’s connection to the river from its headwaters to the ocean.
Julie Turko
Executive Director
Julie has an MAS in Climate Science and Policy from the University of California, San Diego, an MBA from ASU, and a BA in the Liberal Arts from St. John's College in Santa Fe, NM. She has had a long career in non-profit fundraising, with a focus on corporate relations, grant writing, event planning, and individual donor cultivation. Julie joins the Lakeside team with a passion for nature and getting outdoors, and wholly supports the mission of environmental protection, responsible land use, and habitat restoration.
