Alexa Blankenship Email & Phone Number

Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, Michigan

Monitor and remove invasive species from freshwater ecosystems along the Detroit River and Western Lake Erie for habitat management and restoration.

Plymouth, Michigan, United States

Trenton, Michigan, United States

Lead the DR-WLE CWMA Strike Team in Early Detection and Rapid Response protocols for invasive plant species along the Detroit River and Western Lake Erie Basin. Primary responsibilities include prioritization of treatment of invasive species populations, based on population size, density, treatment history, and ecological factors. Treatment included chemical or mechanical/manual treatment, and biomass removal for coastal wetlands, rare lake plain prairie, and mesic flat wood ecosystems. Additional responsibilities include record keeping, grant and permit reporting, educational outreach through community outreach events and social media. Due to proximity with Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge (US Fish and Wildlife Service), participation in biology projects such as habitat management, wildlife monitoring, and prescribed fire were possible.

Trenton, Michigan, United States

Conducted early detection and rapid response surveys of invasive plants in over 10,000 acres of imperiled Great Lakes coastal wetland habitats. Acquired license as Certified Pesticide Applicator in the State of Michigan. Performed mechanical and chemical treatments of invasive plants prioritized by species-specific probability of invasion and possibility of eradication. Mapped and quality-checked over 10,000 points of treatment and survey distribution data using GPS and ArcGIS. Created educational information for distribution to the public on the importance of invasive species management.

Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Texas

Worked as part of the Restoration team to restore disturbed and fragmented habitats back to native natural areas. This was accomplished through native plant reintroductions and invasive species control via chemical and mechanical means. Worked in an on-site nursery performing propagations, and care of native tree and shrub seedlings.

Chugach National Forest, Cordova, Alaska

Trail and cabin maintenance and construction, and developed recreation maintenance, working with power and hand tools. Volunteered in the Wildlife Department for wildlife data collection and habitat restoration.

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Biology, Natural Resources

Activities and Societies: CMU Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society Parks and Outdoor Recreation Coalition

Associate Of Science - As, Science