Written by Emilee Gooch, 2024 Seasonal Biology Technician

Hello everyone!

Writing this marks the start of my third week here at Malheur NWR in my role as the Wildlife Biology Technician. It has been a crazy few weeks, getting acquainted with the refuge and the area as a whole, while also working to learn about the ecosystem and species found in this region. It is so different from everything I am used to back in Michigan, so it has been a great change and challenge. I have also really enjoyed getting to know the full-time staff at the refuge, who have been wonderful mentors so far throughout my time here; I also was really happy that I have gotten to meet some of you!

I have gotten to partake in a variety of experiences here in my role, and have already picked up many new skills. With Travis, I’ve had the opportunity to learn about a lot of the work that goes into monitoring the streams and irrigation here on the refuge, and was able to learn how to utilize the Flowmeter to measure a variety of water traits in the canals (Pictured Left).

I’ve also spent time in the water with Dominic, MNWR Aquatic Biologist, and actually just today was able to travel out onto Malheur Lake for the first time, which was a very cool experience. He’s also taught me a ton about monitoring the fish within the refuge and I have learned how to set and check the fish traps, and record the fish caught.

Other notable learning experiences have included learning to use an ADCP to measure water discharge, using a variety of data input sites, and learning what goes into running the Crane’s Nest! I feel like I have already learned so much these first few weeks and am excited to see what the rest of the summer holds!

The Friends of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge proudly fund this position which is critical to supporting the Refuge’s busy field season of inventory and monitoring projects. We are thrilled to welcome Emilee to the team and have her share her experiences with you, who make this possible, through our newsletter.