Annemarie Abbondanzo

Annemarie Abbondanzo

Annemarie is a trained environmental scientist with over a decade of experience in natural resource management. The better part of those years has been spent learning about the many complex issues facing the Chesapeake Bay and supporting restoration and protection of the Bay watershed.

Since joining Ecosystem Services in 2015 as a Project Scientist, Annemarie’s role has evolved to include technical and administrative responsibilities. In her current role as a Project Manager and Operations Coordinator, she works with clients to find technically sound and feasible solutions that are clear, logical, and achievable within the budget and timeline of project funders. She then coordinates technical teams and develops workplans to implement projects.

Her work is dedicated to thoughtful management of natural resources that prioritizes inclusive and transparent goal setting. She has been fortunate to work collaboratively with partners to create multi-benefit projects that achieve measurable results for conserving and restoring rivers, wetlands, and other important ecosystems. The Linville Creek Stream Restoration Project highlights her ability to tie together habitat considerations, educational outreach, and water quality to create outcomes that are valued by diverse users. Other highlights of her work include grant and technical writing for the Upper Rapidan Eastern Brook Trout Initiative and the Rivanna Prioritization Study.

Using science as a guide, Annemarie emphasizes adaptive management and nature-based solutions. Where appropriate, she advocates for low-tech solutions that repair degraded systems by kick-starting ecological processes.

Education • Training • Certification

  • M.S. Environmental Science & Planning, Johns Hopkins University
  • B.A. Major Government/Minor Environmental Science, College of William & Mary
  • Rosgen Level I: Applied Fluvial Geomorphology
  • Rosgen Level II: River Morphology & Applications
  • DEQ Combined Erosion and Sediment Control Inspector/Stormwater Inspector
  • Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) Wetland Delineation Training
  • NC State University –  Stream Morphology Assessment & Aquatic Insect Taxonomy
  • NC Division of Water Resource (DWR) Surface Water Identification Training
  • Certified Virginia Pesticide Technician