My Park Story: Jesus Garcia Pelayo

Jesus conducting golden mussel outreach and boat inspections by the Oak Bottom Boat Ramp

Photo courtesy of Jesus Garcia Pelayo

First discovered in October 2024, the golden mussel species in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area has quickly become harmful to boaters and the water infrastructure. These mussels bore into docks, can get stuck in engines and filters, and they easily travel to other waterbodies. This is where Jesus Garcia Pelayo steps in to educate the public and help address the concerns.

Golden mussels in resin used for education outreach at boat launches

Photo courtesy of Jesus Garcia Pelayo

As a Fish and Feathers intern through Environment for the Americas, he brought his passion and purpose to the field. It is important that boaters are aware of the risk that these mussels pose. This will help them from being transported to other water bodies, as they are highly tolerant of a wide range of conditions, including calcium-rich environments, a trait not shared by the more commonly known zebra and quagga mussels.

In his role, Jesus conducted inspections at the park’s three boat launches, distributing forms to ensure boaters had properly cleaned, drained, and dried their boats. He also provided education through pamphlets about the damage that they cause. Engaging visitors at the park is also important, so he provided fishing and birding event outreach, kayaking and paddleboarding tours, interactive hikes, and Junior Ranger programming.

Jesus recently finished his undergraduate degree at California State Polytechnic, majoring in wildlife management and conservation with a minor in botany. He originally wanted to be a zoologist but shifted to wildlife management, because of his desire to work with plants, water, and land restoration. Growing up, he would help tend gardens and lawns through his parents' landscaping business, so he developed an appreciation for nature and wildlife. Interacting with others and learning about the importance of scenic settings also helped him grow. Through this internship, he was able to contribute meaningful and positive change for the park.

Jesus tabling a birding pop-up program outside the visitor center with a partial view of Whiskeytown Lake in the background

Photo courtesy of Emma Klemperer

His work has already made a difference. More boaters are filling out forms, and public awareness of the threat of golden mussels has increased. Through outreach events, such as Youth Fishing Derbies, where visitors can learn how to fish, and Migratory Bird Day pop‑ups, he connected with the public. He found it rewarding to educate visitors at the park.

Jesus leads a youth Wintu program at Brandy Creek. This program helped illustrate the Wintu's use of land, water, and available resources in the modern boundaries of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, as well as surrounding areas.

Photo courtesy of the Indian Valley Stewardship Camp

“While I really love wildlife research and collecting data, a really big way to enact change is to transform people’s perspectives and mindsets about things like habitats that different wildlife may depend on,” he said.

Jesus’s role with golden mussel outreach, boat inspections, and visitor education not only helps the park’s aquatic ecosystems but also lays the foundation for stewardship from everyone. Thanks to his work as a Fish & Feathers intern, more people are taking preventive steps to reduce the risk of invasive species spreading to new water bodies. Jesus hopes these efforts inspire others to view nature not just as scenery, but something each of us can help protect.

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