Ryan Spaulding

Brendan Mac Corgarry

Field Operations Director

pronouns: he / him

Brendan Mac Corgarry (he/him) is a fisherman, hunter, naturalist, chef, craftsman, builder, and agriculturalist. He has dedicated his life to deepening human connection to the natural world, guided by a profound respect for the land and animals. A lifelong Californian, Brendan has spent the last seven years in Cuyama, working closely with the region’s unique landscapes and communities. Over the years, Brendan has worn many hats at Quail Springs—from facilitating on-site programs and leading youth initiatives in Cuyama, to caring for the natural buildings and stewarding the farm.

Brendan’s hands-on, skilled approach defines everything he does. His extensive knowledge of ancestral and wilderness skills, combined with his practical expertise, shapes his unique contributions to conservation and environmental justice work. Motivated by a deep connection to nature, Brendan is passionate about bridging the divide between farmlands and wildlands, recognizing the need for sustainable agriculture alongside habitat preservation.

As a member of the American Connection Corps through his work in Field Operations at Quail Springs, Brendan leads the organization’s land-based initiatives. His current focus is on native plant installations and greywater systems in Cuyama, addressing the environmental and social challenges that sit at the intersection of resource management and community wellbeing. Committed to building resilient systems that honor both people and land, Brendan continues to foster deeper connections between nature and those who call this region home.

When he’s not crafting, fixing, or building, you can find Brendan spending time with his pet lamb.