Taura’s interest in wildlife and environmental stewardship began early in upstate NY, where she spent much of her free time outdoors with family and childhood friends. This carried over to her college studies (BSc, Natural Resources Management, Cornell University College of Ag & Life Sciences; MPA, Park University) and continued into her professional career. She began working in the field as a contractor in 2002, and then as a federal employee with the Army (Fort Irwin NTC, US Army Reserve Command); Marine Corps (MCAGCC Twentynine Palms, MCB Camp Pendleton); and Navy (NAVFAC Atlantic). Since 2019, she has been with IMCOM / US Army Environmental Command at JBSA Fort Sam Houston, Texas. She provides technical review and support, and facilitates the Army’s Natural Resources Community of Practice, a group of ~200 practitioners across all land-holding commands.

Over time, Taura has gained a solid understanding of the challenges and benefits of balancing military training and testing requirements with conservation of habitat, species, and unique ecological communities. Areas of experience and special interest include Endangered Species Act consultations; native plant and pollinator habitat restoration; noise and artificial light impacts on the human and natural environment; community management and outreach; and Conservation Law Enforcement.

Taura is an adocate for expanded access and streamlined approval processes for attending the annual meeting and other training events for both new and experienced natural resource managers. And she continues to facilitate knowledge sharing within the Army and between other Branches / NMFWA stakeholders.