Meet Tony Gao, Environmental Science 2019:

“Here at The Wilds in Cumberland, Ohio, I help with many different types of research in order to conserve native wildlife and restore native vegetation. My field work ranges from performing surveys to identify trees, snakes and other species to assisting with the care and study of the federally endangered American burying beetle and Eastern hell-benders, as well as my own independent research on native bat species.

Though the work I’ve done here has mostly impacted the ongoing conservation initiatives and the transition of land from a historic coal mining site to a nature preserve, it has also positively impacted the surrounding community by inspiring the local children to pursue careers as ecology researchers and conservation workers through their volunteer work with the various surveys; some of which I helped organize. The Wilds is a place where both protecting the environment, internationally as well as locally, and inspiring others to follow the path of conservation meet as one and I am proud to work here as a wildlife research apprentice.”