Rooted in resistance.
Committed to the land.

Dillon Thomson

Executive Director

Dillon is a co-founding member of Fertile Ground Conservancy and its first Executive Director. He grew up in the damp green of occupied Chehalis land — part of what is now known as western Washington State — a land plagued by clearcuts and dripping with wild beauty. It was seeing this beauty and wildness continually eaten away by new industry and development that made Dillon realize the dominant economic system is fundamentally at odds with the natural world. Later, he found a home for his love and grief in the deep ecology and conservation movements.

Max Wilbert

Board President

Max Wilbert is a writer and biocentric community organizer who has been part of grassroots political work for 20 years. He is the founder of Protect Thacker Pass and the author of two books, most recently Bright Green Lies: How The Environmental Movement Lost Its Way and What We Can Do About It (Monkfish, 2021). His work has been featured in the New York Times, CNN, NPR, Le Monde, BBC, and elsewhere.

Saba Malik

Secretary

Saba Malik has dedicated her adult life to environmental activism and community organizing. She has spoken at leading conferences including PIELC and Earth At Risk, sharing insights on ecological justice and the urgent need for systemic change. Currently, Saba focuses on supporting at-risk youth in the Bay Area through material assistance and mentorship. An early member of Fertile Ground, she brings decades of experience, passion, and vision to building a more just and sustainable future.

Rahman Malik

Treasurer

Rahman is a visionary entrepreneur who chose to diverge from the traditional path by forgoing college to pursue his dreams as a business owner. Fertile Ground Conservancy represents his passion for protecting wild nature, where he finds solace and thrives amidst the serenity of the wilderness.