Hello! My name is Bree and I am a senior studying Wildlife Biology and Conservation. I am currently working on a project for the summer down on Prince of Wales Island in SE Alaska monitoring large mammals including wolves, black bears, and deer! It is my second year on this project so I was very excited to come down here while taking this course to learn more about the plants I have been bushwhacking through. When it comes to what my botanical journey has been like up to this point I can say that I have always had a passion for learning about the plants around me, especially when I am traveling to new places! My favorite plant that I have found while studying abroad is the Mimosa pudica, commonly known as the “touch-me-not” plant. I found this plant in Belize, and after you touch it, the leaves fold inward, reopening a few minutes later. So cool!!
I left my microscope back in Fairbanks so I ordered a cheap one from Amazon, it will be here Friday! I’m very excited to see everyone’s observations from all the different places we’re located!
Welcome Bree,
how exciting you are spending time on Prince of Wales, I have yet to explore the Alexander Archipelago, but from what I have heard it is a fabulous place, with lots of amazing flora and fauna. Cannot wait to see what your are encounter when you making observations. You should be well equipped after taking BIOL331! Watch out for the charismatic megafauna when you are out and about 🙂
Black bear cub (iStock photo)
Bree, I love POW. I lived in Thorne Bay for about 4 years. We would always run into the wolf hair samples in the woods and know to keep a look out for wolves.