MEET EMMA RAASCH!
Ecological Restoration Technician at Goose Pond Sanctuary since April 2022
Emma lighting a strip fire for a prescribed burn at Goose Pond Sanctuary on April 8, 2023 (photo by Miles Roth).
I grew up exploring the woods and lakes of central and northern Wisconsin, but had no idea the diversity of landscapes that existed in other parts of the state, namely southern Wisconsin, where I spend most of my time now. I was always amazed by the towering pine trees up north, but southern Wisconsin’s gnarled bur oaks have definitely won my heart.
I graduated from UW-Madison with degrees in Conservation Biology and English in 2021, and knew I wanted to do something conservation-related, but I didn’t know exactly what. Luckily, I found my way to ecological restoration and found that it's the perfect smorgasbord of all my interests. One of my favorite parts about restoration is the scale of the impact: by protecting and restoring habitat, I can support and observe all kinds of plants, birds, insects, and more.
Why did you want to join the Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance team?
It’s hard to imagine not being outside each day to welcome back the first birds of spring or to see when the first leaves pop up, a new plant blooms, or a different frog starts singing. I started volunteering at Goose Pond during my junior year of college, and everyone’s love for the land and its wildlife was contagious. I was a Prairie Partner intern in 2021, continued as a seed collector the following fall, and have now been working as the Ecological Restoration Technician at Goose Pond for a year. The work didn’t stop, so I didn’t want to either!
What's your favorite bird?
Emma holds Jeffrey, a Rough-legged Hawk banded near the sanctuary in December 2022 (photo by Neil Paprocki).
I don’t think I will ever have an answer to this question. However, when it comes down to it, the “common” birds that you can’t help but hear or see wherever you go are definitely the ones I couldn’t live without. For example, the chittering of Tree Swallows as they swipe through the air to claim their bird boxes, the gentle glide of Turkey Vultures in the driftless area, or the chubby Mourning Doves waddling around my balcony brighten my day! Other honorable mentions that I like seeing and listening to while working are Eastern Meadowlarks, Sedge Wrens, and Common Yellowthroats.
Name your top three favorite outdoor places.
A six-lined racerunner at the Spring Green Nature Preserve on September 5, 2022 (photo by Emma Raasch).
In general, I really like sandy habitats like sand prairies and oak barrens, so the Spring Green Nature Preserve is high on my list. While in those habitats, I love seeing the prickly pear cacti and searching for herptiles. I also like exploring the scattered lakes of north-central Wisconsin. Last, but certainly not least, is Goose Pond Sanctuary, where my love for prairies all began!
Share something cool you've learned since joining the team.
Although there is a never-ending list of ecology-related things I’ve learned since starting at Goose Pond, the first thing that comes to mind is something I never thought I’d do in my life: drive a tractor! In general, I’ve learned to use a lot of tools and equipment that not all women are taught growing up, which is a barrier that, I think, is often overlooked in the restoration field.
Cover image: A flock of blue and white Tree Swallows perched among tall cattails (photo by Arlene Koziol).
