Brodhead Watershed Association has hired a new executive director to lead its educational mission to protect and improve water quality. Alex Jackson will be based in BWA’s headquarters at Brodhead Creek Heritage Center, Analomink.

Jackson grew up in Suffolk County, New York, and has lived in the Poconos for six years after a higher-education adventure brought him to Orange County, California. He received his bachelor’s degree in nutrition from Long Island University in 2008 and graduated with a doctorate in organismal biology from the University of California at Irvine in 2014.

After returning to the East Coast in 2015, Jackson became a homestead gardener, has converted his family’s property into a native habitat for wildlife, and became a fly fisherman, as well as an avid hiker and naturalist.

Alex is also a dedicated beekeeper, managing more than 40 colonies in Monroe County, and keeps chickens. Grateful BWA staffers have already benefited in receiving a bounty of fresh eggs and native wildflower honey.

Jackson has been on numerous expeditions, including hiking of Mount Whitney, Sequoia National Forest, trips to the Mojave Desert, and has traveled internationally to primary rainforest ecosystems in Gabon and Suriname.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to serve at the helm of BWA with its diverse and enthusiastic team of partners and volunteers,” Jackson said. “BWA is one of the most well-renowned watershed associations in Pennsylvania. I’m honored to have the opportunity to work with BWA to promote and advance actions to ensure clean and abundant water in Monroe County.”

BWA Board President Mike Stein noted, “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Jackson to BWA and are excited about the possibilities for BWA under Alex’s direction.”

To contact Alex, email executive@brodheadwatershed.org or call the office at 570-839-1120.