Natural Resources &
Environmental Protection
Our Mission
We work across programmatic areas – Water Resources, Air Quality, Fish, GIS (geographic information systems), Outreach/Education, and Apiary – to build and share knowledge about Tribal environmental and cultural resources. Our team is dedicated to serving the Tribal community, from Upper Mattaponi Youth to respected Elders.
Our Vision
Our department hopes to reunite Tribal Citizens with their environment and culture by studying, managing, and reacquiring Ancestral resources.
Our Values
We combine modern science and anthropology with Indigenous Knowledge to enhance understanding, respect, and stewardship towards Tribal natural resources. Our department values transparency and collaboration through community-supported initiatives.
Meet Our Team!
We stand united as stewards of the land, honoring Upper Mattaponi heritage while actively contributing to a healthier planet for future generations of Tribal Citizens.
Nina Brundle
GIS Specialist
Hi! I am an environmental scientist specializing in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and I am responsible for all things map related. I have experience with a wide variety of research projects related to conservation, fisheries, land management, science communication, and GPS data collection. I am passionate about protecting natural resources and enjoy utilizing GIS technologies to analyze, manage, and map environmental data, contributing to conservation and land management efforts. In my free time, I love to hike, fish, and create art.
Conor Real
Natural Resources Manager
Hello! My name is Conor Real and I'm proud to serve as the Environmental Operations Manager in the Environment & Culture Department of the Upper Mattaponi Tribe. My degree in Anthropology has given me the foundation to understand diverse cultures, their traditions, and their interactions with the environment, while years of experience in sales and management have honed my skills in organization, problem-solving, and leadership – all of which I am eager to apply to the Department's administrative needs. Outside of work, I enjoy the outdoors and love to travel, whether it is going on cruises or camping with my family. Playing the traditional game of shinny with the Powhatan Shinny League has also become one of my favorite pastimes. My connection to the Upper Mattaponi tribal community runs deep, as I am married to a tribal citizen and have two tribal citizen children. Therefore, I am wholeheartedly committed to contributing meaningfully to the Tribe's efforts in preserving their unique heritage and safeguarding their ancestral lands for generations to come.
Johnathan Oxendine
Environmental Technician
Hello! I’m a new scientist who is leading the air quality program for the tribe. I also do beekeeping for the tribe, which I think is much cooler, but I do love all aspects of science, which I often incorporate when I think about some nerdy series I enjoy, like Pokémon!
Liz Buikema
Environmental Protection Manager
Hey! I am an environmental scientist specializing in stream and lake water quality. I especially love coding in R where I can make the data we collect more accessible to everyone. I hope to make a positive impact on the environment we share and to make it healthier than we found it. In my free time I like hanging outside with my dog, Phoebe, reading, and knitting.
Carrie Fox
Fisheries Technician
Wingapo! My name is Carrie Fox and I am a member of the Pamunkey Tribe. I am very excited to be serving as a Fisheries Technician for the Upper Mattaponi Tribe and assisting with research on Atlantic Sturgeon. I am honored to be able to care for our lands and waters, and the plants and animals that call it home. I am looking forward to all that I will learn in this role and being able to work with the rest of the Environmental Department, Tribal Staff and Members alike. Kenah!
Our Programs
Check out how we're making a positive impact below!
Opportunity Board
Get experience in the field of Environmental & Cultural Resource Management!
Native Americans are at the forefront of this vital work, and individuals from tribal communities are actively recruited across the locality, state, and country to help lead the way. Explore opportunities to grow your skills, protect our lands, and preserve our heritage.
Current Programs & Opportunities:
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Become a Junior Hydrologist and/or learn about the field of Hydrology (Water Science)!
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Join the Native Youth Community Adaptation Leadership Congress (NYCALC)!
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Virginia Marine Resource Commission (VMRA) needs local Natives to work the land and waters as Marine Police. Apply here!
Program Alumni
We recognize and appreciate the contributions of past interns and fellows who have supported our programs. Their efforts have helped shape community outreach, education, and conservation initiatives.
Anne Whitehead
Former Intern
Anne, a former Upper Mattaponi Environmental Intern, played a key role in developing outreach and education programming for the department. Her contributions included designing an apiary and creating activities for youth across land, water, and air programs.
Connect with Us!
For Environment & Culture Resource inquires, contact environment.culture@umitribe.gov