UW-Stout: Conservation biologyalums across the globe create sustainable practices

Menomonie, Wis. – Two Professional Science Master’s in conservation biology alumni from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, stationed more than 2,400 miles apart, are working to create sustainable practices and aid in conservation efforts in the wild places surrounding their communities.

As senior project manager at Green VI, a nonprofit focused on environmental improvements and sustainable practices on the British Virgin Islands, Natasha Harrigan seeks to create positive human behavior change to lessen the impact of stressors on the environment. As stewardship coordinator with the U.S. Forest Service in the Ottawa National Forest in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Craig Carlson ensures conservation of and sustainable practices within the forest.

Conservation biologists work to protect biodiversity, restore ecosystems, promote sustainable use of land, inform policy and public awareness, and manage natural resources. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the overall employment of conservation scientists and foresters to grow 3% over the next decade, with an average of about 3,600 openings projected each year. UW-Stout’s Career Services’ First Destination Report found that fully 100% of its P.S.M. program graduates are employed within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $49,000.

A cleaner, greener, healthier British Virgin Islands

Harrigan has been with Green VI for four years and previously worked with the National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands for seven years. The British Virgin Islands are an archipelago made up of four main islands and more than 50 smaller islands, east of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Sea.

“Coming from a territory made up of small islands, rocks and cays that are filled with endemic flora and fauna, I understand the intricacy of small ecosystems and how interconnected they all are. The loss of any part of these systems can have lasting effects. The conservation of our wild places is very important, more now than ever due to climate change and human impact,” said Harrigan, a 2020 P.S.M. conservation biology alum.

Harrigan has contributed to stakeholder meetings on conservation and sustainability of the territory, including those attended by the British Virgin Islands Premier Natalio Wheatley.

She is responsible for the infrastructural and curriculum development of 11 public school garden classrooms, including at BVI’s largest high school, Elmore Stoutt High School, in Road Town.

“I mostly work with students in the school gardens. The trickle effect of the behavior change from students to parents is always great and proves positive results, which I am always proud of,” she said. Harrigan is also responsible for the development and maintenance of two Green VI Ecopark Gardens and the development of the territory’s organics management plan.

“This plan will have long-lasting effects for future generations, and I hope that I can impact my community by contributing to a much cleaner, greener, healthier environment for our territory,” she said.

Currently, at least 40% of food and paper waste enters the territory’s landfill. Through the organics management plan, Harrigan hopes to:

  • Create a healthy compost product that can be used by local gardeners and farmers. 
  • Contribute to food security, as the territory is susceptible to hurricanes.
  • Reduce the amount of methane gas released into the atmosphere at the landfill. 
  • Reduce greenhouse gas pollution.

“Sustainable practices should be backed by legislation, but be balanced by taking into account the social, economic and environmental perspectives of these conservation efforts. This is very important in order to have healthy environments and resources for future generations,” she said.

Forestry stewardship in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

The Ottawa National Forest covers nearly one million acres, with more than 500 lakes and nearly 2,000 miles of rivers and streams flowing into Lake Superior. Interacting with partner organizations and coworkers enlightens Carlson to the vast scope of work that is needed – from programs that provide temporary habitat for various species to dam removal and stream restoration, pollinator plant germination, planting and more.

“The conservation of wild places is essential. The uninhibited vegetative growth patterns of these locations can be studied and provide wildlife refuge. A well-thought-out forestry management plan will provide wild places and suitable habitat for species, along with providing the resources our communities need,” said Carlson, a 2018 P.S.M. conservation biology alum, headquartered in Ironwood.

He reviews project specifications and ensures they align with the stewardship authority and works with external partners to achieve landscape restoration. He ensures programs run smoothly and within the limitations of the authority for contracts, following individual timelines for simultaneous projects, each needing a detailed review while meeting the scope and scale requirements.

“Lumber is necessary to sustain our way of living and is a large economic driver of this area. I hope I make a difference through providing restoration to the forest and wildlife after timber harvests. Stewardship helps to remove nonnative invasive plants and replant species or prepare the area for natural regeneration after a timber harvest,” he added.

Carlson hopes to add to his positive impact on future generations with the uplifting message in his book “Look Ahead Moon,” a story about appreciating the gifts we each have.

UW-Stout’s biology department offers undergraduate degrees in applied science; biochemistry and molecular biology; biology; and environmental science, as well as an online P.S.M. in conservation biology. UW-Stout also offers degrees in chemistry and physics.

UW-Stout, a member of the Universities of Wisconsin, is Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, with a focus on applied learning, collaboration with business and industry, and career outcomes. Learn more via the FOCUS2030 strategic plan.