Geri Vistein, Conservation Biologist in Maine
Name:Geri Vistein
Occupation: Conservation biologist
Place of Residence:Brunswick, Maine
Current Projects:As a Conservation Biologist in Maine, Geri’s work focuses on carnivores and our relationship with them. In order for carnivores to survive and play their role effectively in the ecosystems of Maine, communities need to be informed and knowledgeable about their ecology and value, and to understand and practice coexistence skills.
In addition to research and collaboration with fellow biologists in Maine, she educates communities about carnivores and how we can coexist with them. She works toward this through creative outreach projects with artists, musicians, poets and puppeteers, and by presenting the PowerPoint presentation, “Coyote: America’s Songdog.”
Geri works with Land Trusts that seek to initiate greater biodiversity on the land they have protected by incorporating carnivores into their goals. By partnering with organizations, schools, and universities she supports efforts to offer children and young people innovative, experiential learning opportunities.
Background:Geri received her undergraduate degree in Wildlife Biology from the University of Montana, and her Masters in Natural Resources from the University of Vermont, where her work focused on conflicts regarding the use of natural resources at Cape Cod National Seashore, and the social psychology of human belief systems. Prior to pursuing her wildlife degree, she had earned a Masters in Education.
While living in Montana, Geri participated in research projects concerning carnivores: a grizzly bear DNA study in and around Glacier National Park, an elk calf mortality study (determining the carnivores that caused their deaths) in the Blackfoot Valley of Montana, and a snowshoe hare Study (in reference to an ongoing lynx study) in Yellowstone National Park.
More Places to Find Geri on the Web:
