Melanie grew up in Dayton, Ohio and went to study for her undergraduate degree in Columbus. She was recruited to play soccer at the collegiate level at Capital University. During her studies, she expanded her interests to include environmental science. After marrying husband Nate, she moved west to Olympia, WA to pursue a graduate degree at Evergreen State College. Her studies encompassed utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology for mapping the Earth, science education, program outreach, and natural resources management. After earning her Master’s, she had an opportunity to work as an AmeriCorps member alongside the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to facilitate shorebird education and outreach at several wildlife refuges in Washington state. In December 2018, she and her husband moved to Fairbanks where she is currently working in program education and outreach at Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge. Her organization, the Friends of Creamer’s Field, puts on community programs and events highlighting the history of Creamer’s Field and the wildlife ecology of Interior Alaska for thousands of visitors annually. She has expanded their events by collaborating with numerous environmental organizations and agencies all over Alaska.

Alongside putting on community programs and events, she has been involved in local avian research involving songbird and waterfowl banding with state agencies and other nonprofit organizations. With the boreal forest being a vital summer breeding ground for migratory birds, this research is essential for understanding climate change and its effects on these target species. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Arctic Audubon Society and has given community talks on local wildlife ecology. Melanie and her husband Nate have thrived in Alaska and enjoy everything it has to offer including fishing, kayaking, hiking, birding, and hunting.

Connect with me at: graeffmelanie@gmail.com

Or: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-graeff-mes-4075a276/