Thirty-three U.S. states and five Canadian provinces have reported the presence of white-nose syndrome or the fungus that causes it since WNS was discovered in 2007. State and federal partners are working alongside non-governmental organizations and academic institutions to fight this epidemic that has decimated many bat populations. Learn more about the battle for bats at whitenosesyndrome.org
We’re commemorating today’s historic announcement that Harriet Tubman is replacing Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill with this week’s Wednesday Wisdom.
Original image by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program
The original version of this image is from a photo essay exploring the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway by the Chesapeake Bay Program. Check it out at http://bit.ly/1VCtkLY
We’re celebrating Women’s History Month by highlighting some of the amazing skilled and dedicated women we have working in the Service.
Name: Beth Ciuzio Freiday
Title: Partners for Wildlife Coordinator
Duty station: New Jersey Field Office
Amount of time worked in public service: 15 years
How much of this at USFWS? 6 years
Who is your female conservation hero or mentor? Why?
I am quite inspired by Secretary Jewel. She has spent a fair amount of her career in business, but her transition to head of the Department of the Interior was seamless. She is an example to me that you can literally do anything you put your mind toward doing.
When you began your career, did you ever see yourself working for USFWS?
No, I thought I wanted to work for a state agency. But I did that and it was not what I expected it to be.
The mission of the Service is “Working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people” How do you contribute to this mission?
As a Partners for Wildlife biologist, I am most successful at my job when I influence the actions of private landowners. So the core part of my work is focused on our mission.
It takes a special person to dedicate their lives to public service. Why did you choose this path?
I like to be challenged at work. Public service is challenging, but the rewards of helping people and the environment are worth the work.
What do you like best about working for the USFWS?
What I like best about the USFWS is that we are always pushing ourselves to improve, learn, and be better at whatever we are doing. I like the focus on professional development. When I walk in a room, my colleagues know they are working with someone who is well trained and knowledgeable. I can only be that person with the support of my organization.
Want to see more of the women working to conserve wildlife? Check out all of the profiles on Flickr!
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Region 