Joe Liebezeit, Bird Alliance of Oregon Statewide Conservation Director

Growing up in suburban New Jersey without much open land, Joe Liebezeit found himself drawn to "exploring little green spaces in my neighborhood." A bird feeder outside his window sparked a fascination that would shape his career, eventually bringing him west where abundant public lands offered endless opportunities for fieldwork.

Today, as Statewide Conservation Director for Bird Alliance of Oregon, Joe coordinates conservation efforts spanning Oregon's diverse landscapes—from coastal marine habitats to the wetlands of eastern Oregon. "Bird Alliance of Oregon's mission is to protect habitats and wildlife across the state and also to connect people with nature," Joe explains. It's a mission he's pursued since joining the organization in 2013, first as Staff Scientist before transitioning to his current leadership role.

Joe's work requires balancing multiple priorities and partnerships across the state. On the coast, Joe and his team work to better protect eelgrass beds, rocky habitats, and at-risk species like the snowy plover. Joe also serves on the Ocean Policy Advisory Council to advise the governor and state agencies on natural resource management. In Oregon's forests, he works with a wide range of partners to move forward protection in federal, state and private forest lands. At the state and private level this includes moving forward Habitat Conservation Plans that balance habitat protection with timber harvest.

But some of Joe's most rewarding work happens in eastern Oregon, particularly in Harney and Klamath counties—regions he describes as "historically two of the most important migratory stopover places for waterfowl and lots of other bird species across the Pacific Flyway." 

Joe has been connected to the Harney Basin Wetlands Collaborative since his first year with Bird Alliance back in 2013. Initially, he helped develop wildlife monitoring protocols for Malheur National Wildlife Refuge following publication of the refuge's Comprehensive Conservation Plan. He also serves on the technical review team for Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) grants supporting collaborative projects.

Over his 13 years working in the basin, Joe has witnessed significant changes. "I've just noticed an increase of trust between the different partners that has led to some great collaborative work on the ground," he reflects. The OWEB grants have been instrumental, "being able to bring more money for projects and to understand how we can better protect the resources we have there...at the same time benefit the local community, by also bringing money into the Harney County economy, which is really great to see."

He's also watched the annual Harney County Migratory Bird Festival grow, drawing visitors from across Oregon and beyond. "Seeing that festival grow and seeing the number of people that go there, people that come from all over Oregon and elsewhere to really get to know the community, get to know how amazing that place is in terms of birds and wildlife, that's just been really nice too."

Before joining Bird Alliance, Joe worked for the Wildlife Conservation Society in Arctic Alaska, conducting collaborative research on "oil development impacts to nesting birds and using those results to work with the industry and partners to minimize impacts." Joe's path to conservation began with undergraduate studies in zoology at the University of New Hampshire, followed by a Master's degree in Wildlife Management from Humboldt State University. Between and after his studies, he traveled widely for fieldwork—bird banding in Alabama, surveys in New Mexico and California, and eventually Alaska. "I did lots of different field biology jobs all over the country," he says.

After living in the Northwest for over 25 years, Joe has called Portland home since 2005. He lives in the South Tabor neighborhood with his two teenage daughters, and recently added a puppy to the family. When not working on conservation, Joe plays mandolin and sings in a band called the Swing Shifters, performing western swing, old blues, and jazz. He maintains his connection to nature through birding and an annual backpacking trip with friends—including a memorable four-day trek up Steens Mountain a few years ago that took them through steep gorges to the peak and Wild Horse Lake.

"I got into the field in the first place through birding," Joe notes, and that passion continues to drive his work protecting Oregon's habitats and the countless species that depend on them. Through his leadership at Bird Alliance and his collaborative approach to conservation, Joe helps ensure that future generations will have the same opportunities to connect with nature that first inspired a young naturalist exploring small green spaces in New Jersey.