We are proud to announce two winners for the Standout Communications award under the Mosaics in Science program. Sophia Britto from Glacier National Park and Alison Munaylla-Bohorquez from Mount Rainier National Park have both demonstrated exceptional communication skills through their blogs.

Sophia Britto – Glacier National Park

Sophia Britto, a Science Communication Assistant, has made significant contributions to the media team at Glacier National Park. Her professionalism and innovation in digital communication have resonated well with the park’s audience. In her blog posts, Sophia shares unexpected lessons learned about the park’s wildlife, weather, and natural features.

Sophia shares her experiences with various animals, such as marmots, beavers, bats, pikas, mountain goats, moose, foxes, loons, woodpeckers, bighorn sheep, hummingbirds, and deer. She talks about the unexpected snowfall in June and the chilly “June-uary” cold snap. Sophia also recounts her exciting whitewater rafting adventure on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, noting its beauty and power.

Alison Munaylla-Bohorquez – Mount Rainier National Park

Alison Munaylla-Bohorquez, a Biology Assistant, has been recognized for her outstanding social media communication skills. Her poetic blogs and stunning photographs provide readers with a vivid experience of Mount Rainier National Park. In her blog post, Alison describes a hike in the park, focusing on the search for rare plants, particularly Arnica rydbergii.

The hikers start at the Sunrise Visitor Center and ascend Sourdough Ridge towards Mt. Fremont and Burroughs Mountains. Along the way, they discover various rare plants, including Sedum rupicola and Rhodiola integrifolia. The hikers also explore a social trail, highlighting its potential to damage vegetation and disrupt sensitive habitats. Overall, the hike offers a rewarding experience, with stunning views of the park and valuable insights into rare plants and conservation efforts.