Time sure flies by when you are doing what you love to do—I can attest to that! It is crazy to think that I have already been working at bosque for the better part of six months! During these six months, I have been able to add countless tools to my ‘conservation tool belt’ and have made countless memories along the way. Since my last post, I have assumed the role of being a generalist and focusing on absorbing all the information I can during my time here at bosque. Since we last spoke, I have become a certified wildland fire fighter and a certified heavy equipment operator in addition to the duties of the Civilian Climate Corp Fellowship and my liaison to USGS and bosque’s hydrologic monitoring efforts.

The months of May, June and July have consisted of a lot of different things for me. I have been working closely with professionals in our field to better understand the habitats and species of bosque and New Mexico that are most vulnerable to climate change. This is the second phase of my four-phased climate assessment at bosque! I am also continuing monitoring efforts regarding bosque’s water resources and installing new infrastructure to better monitor surface water on the refuge. In addition to these things, I have also had the opportunity to assist and conduct a variety of management techniques directed towards invasive species removal. 

Working in the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service is such an amazing opportunity and one that allows for you to explore all things involved with conservation---this has been one of my favorite aspects of the work that I am doing as a CCC Fellow! As I continue to work through the intricacies of conservation and climate change science, I look forward to sharing what I learn with you all along the way! I am thankful for the opportunity Hispanic Access Foundation and the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service has given me, and I will continue to do everything I can to conserve the precious resources we are tasked with protecting! 

Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Program: Civilian Climate Corps Program (CCC)

Location: Bosque del Apache NWR