03 Jul Introduction of Olivia Serafini and the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands

Hello, my name is Olivia Serafini! I’m original from Middletown, Delaware and I’m currently stationed in Clayton, New Mexico. I am interning at the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands as a Wildlife Biology Resource Assistant! I have been here for about two weeks and I have been really enjoying the change in scenery and climate. Coming from a temperate deciduous forest to a prairie has been quite the adventure. Being able to see animals like coyotes and Texan horned lizards, animals that if only seen in books, in their natural environment has been an amazing experience. Since arrival, I have been able to help in the ferruginous and Swainson’s hawk nesting surveys across NM, Texas, and Oklahoma. I’m looking forward to seeing new fauna and techniques on how to not only conduct research but also connect with the local community about supporting conservation practices.