Maria joined the Wild Rivers Conservancy team in July 2022 after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with a Bachelor of Science in field biology and a minor in conservation. Maria works to accomplish Wild Rivers Conservancy’s mission by working with staff, partners, and volunteers to increase capacity for invasive species work in the St. Croix river watershed. She leads the Conservancy’s Purple Loosestrife Biocontrol Volunteer Science Project, which aims to recruit volunteers to raise Galerucella beetles to combat purple loosestrife in the St. Croix river watershed. Maria also coordinates the St. Croix-Red Cedar Cooperative Management Area, and is an active member of the Minnesota Invasive Species Advisory Council.  When she isn’t at work, you can find Maria reading at a local coffee shop, hiking, or cheering on the Brewers.