Matt Kowalski works for CBF as a restoration scientist. With two degrees in biology and 30 years of experience in conservation, he solves problems with an ecosystems approach. Matt’s main responsibility at CBF is to work with farmers to help them farm in ways that that protect water quality. He works with stakeholders to help make sure that money is available to help farmers and that the rules that come with that money make sense. Some notable examples include improving the incentives for farmers to fence animals out of streams and promoting programs that pay to install forested buffers along streams, both of which create wildlife habitat while improving water quality.

Matt lives with his wife and son in the Shenandoah Valley, and when not working, he is often playing outside. You are likely to find him fishing or kayaking on the North Fork of the Shenandoah River.