Hello, my name is Jazmyn Bernard, the new environmental education park ranger at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge! I am a passionate anime lover, traveling enthusiast, and strategic planner/organizer. I graduated from Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources Ecology and Management. Despite four years of heavy course loads, I led a research project on Barred Owls (Strix varia) and Great Horned Owls (Bubo virginianus). In addition to the owl research, I helped plant trees to protect marshes and combat LSU's carbon footprint and worked to gather data on the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler (Setophaga chrysoparia). Along with balancing my rigorous education and research schedule, I managed to watch over 800 hours of anime, travel to Africa for a study abroad program, and buy an unnecessary amount of colored highlighters and planners. After college, I completed two internships with Minnesota Valley and Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. Through these internships, I found my love for teaching others about the environment. Following my passion for environmental education, I moved to Michigan to become a park ranger. Though I am far from home I am excited to meet new people and learn about this community. My goal in life is to use my knowledge and passions to connect the young and old to nature. To accomplish this goal, I hope to become a "bridge" between science and the public, thus giving the public the knowledge and "tools" they need to become protectors of the environment.

Hi, I'm Todd Weston, the new volunteer coordinator and one of the park rangers with the awesome job of helping people to realize nature is everywhere and everyone can be a naturalist. My lifelong passion for sharing science with others, which started where I grew up outside of Kansas City, Missouri, has taken me from coast to coast and now, thankfully, Michigan. All of my many experiences have given me an endless amount of stories to tell and I am excited to add new pages to this chapter of my life. In my free time, I enjoy learning more about science and expressing myself artistically through poetry and resin-based art. I already love taking Michigan lefts and am excited for when I can finally see this U.P. everyone keeps talking about!

Todd Weston - Park Ranger

Hello, my name is Aleigha Alexander, I am the new GS9 Park Ranger and Volunteer Coordinator at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. My love for working outdoors and passion to become a park ranger started when I was fifteen working for the Piatt County Forest Preserve Park District in Central Illinois. I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree from Kansas State University in Park Management and Conversation with an emphasis in Interpretation. During my college education, I participated in two internships. One at the Hatteras Island Ocean Center a non-profit organization whose goal is to educate the public on the ecosystem of the island as well as maintain tourism year-round. My second internship was with the National Park Service on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, working at the Cape Hatteras Light Station, the tallest brick lighthouse in North America. During my internships, I also participated in the Sea Turtle Nest Sitting program where I aided in the release of endangered turtles to the ocean. Since graduating from college, I have worked as a Park Ranger for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Perry Lake in Kansas and Wappapello Lake in Missouri. While in these positions I have received the Kansas City District Heartland Award, the St. Louis District Appreciation Award, and the St. Louis District Team Award. All these experiences have further enhanced my passion for Interpretation, desire to provide education about nature to the public (or community), and helping to facilitate a connection between nature and people. I identify closely with Dr. Seuss's The Lorax when he says, "I speak for the trees." In my free time, I enjoy being with my family and friends, adventuring outdoors, and watching K-State Football, Go Cats! I am thrilled to be a part of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge team, and I am eager to use my knowledge and skills to enhance the connection between the community and the