Maraiah Russell

Maraiah was inspired to follow her interests in wildlife conservation while growing up on her grandparents small farm in Southeastern IN. Learning about gardening, beekeeping and animal care led to a lifelong concern for nature, starting with a career as a veterinary technician at Fort Wayne Children’s zoo. There she had the opportunity to contribute to local, state, and international conservation projects in addition to caring for wild ambassadors. In her personal time she pursued interests that supported pollinators, including organizing native plant sales, giving pollinator presentations, and supporting local nature organizations. She then focused on conserving and restoring wetland, prairie and wooded habitat at Little River Wetlands Project. She found working alongside her community and volunteers to build habitat for imperiled species, and partnering with conservation organizations to be very fulfilling. Maraiah is eager to continue working to support pollinator conservation while coordinating Project Wingspan in Indiana.