Shelley Stiaes—a wildlife refuge manager with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service—uses her work at one of Louisiana"s largest wildlife refuges to demonstrate her superpower: bringing people together. The Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge at New Orleans} city limits is abundant with birds, fish, crabs, and even American alligators. There she engages visitors in education, providing exposure to wild places near the urban city and facilitating restoration work crucial to helping drawdown emissions. Shelley describes herself as a “city girl” who grew up in New Orleans exploring the marshes, bayous, and wetland areas of southeastern Louisiana with her family. These experiences fostered a deep love and appreciation for the unique topography of the land and abundant wildlife. She understands that when people feel an intimate relationship and love for nature, they will work to protect it.
Shelley Stiaes
She/Her
Wildlife Refuge Manager