Alison Schrag is a seasoned Fish and Wildlife Technician based in New York City, dedicated to advancing urban wildlife conservation. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, where she specialized in wildlife biology. Alison’s expertise lies in developing and implementing strategies for habitat restoration, species monitoring, and public education, aimed at fostering sustainable coexistence between urban populations and local wildlife.
In her role, Alison has spearheaded impactful projects such as the Urban Wildlife Initiative and the Aquatic Habitat Restoration program. These initiatives have not only helped improve urban ecosystems but have also raised awareness about the importance of biodiversity in city environments. Beyond her fieldwork, Alison is a passionate educator and advocate for environmental stewardship. She regularly conducts workshops and seminars, empowering communities to participate in conservation efforts.
An avid birder and nature photographer, Alison utilizes her hobbies to connect more people with the natural world, capturing and sharing the often-unseen beauty of urban biodiversity. Through her professional endeavors and personal passions, Alison Schrag continues to be a pivotal force in blending urban development with environmental preservation.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day involves a mix of fieldwork and office tasks. I start early, often heading out to monitor wildlife or assess habitats. This could involve anything from bird counts to vegetation sampling. The afternoons are usually reserved for data analysis, report writing, and planning upcoming projects. I make my day productive by sticking to a structured schedule that balances fieldwork with necessary administrative duties, ensuring that I prioritize tasks that have the most impact on our conservation goals.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring ideas to life by collaborating with a team of ecologists, other technicians, and community stakeholders. It starts with detailed research and data collection, followed by brainstorming sessions where we map out the feasibility and impact of the idea. Pilot projects often help us test these ideas in smaller scopes before rolling them out on a larger scale.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m excited by the trend towards greener cities, where urban planning increasingly incorporates green roofs, vertical gardens, and wildlife corridors. This trend not only supports urban biodiversity but also enhances the quality of life for city residents.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that boosts my productivity is starting my day with a clear plan. I review my tasks every morning and prioritize them based on urgency and importance. This helps me stay focused and effective throughout the day.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to worry less about the path and more about the destination. Early in my career, I was concerned about taking the “right” steps, but I’ve learned that diverse experiences often provide the richest learning and can lead you to where you need to be.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that cities can be redesigned to be as biodiverse as some rural areas, through careful planning and community involvement. Many people think urban areas are lost causes for biodiversity, but I see them as opportunities for major environmental impacts.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Spend time in nature. It’s essential for my mental and physical health, and I believe it fosters a greater appreciation for the environment, encouraging more sustainable personal and community decisions.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I take a walk outside. Disconnecting briefly from the immediate pressures and immersing myself in nature helps reset my mind and restore focus.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Networking within interdisciplinary fields has been crucial. Building relationships with professionals in related areas like urban planning and public health has opened up new perspectives and opportunities in my work.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I led a project that didn’t reach its objectives due to inadequate stakeholder engagement. I learned the hard way the importance of involving every relevant party from the outset. Since then, community and stakeholder engagement has been a cornerstone of every project I manage.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
An app that connects people with local conservation projects. Users can find opportunities to volunteer, contribute to, or learn about conservation initiatives in their area, fostering community involvement and environmental stewardship.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
GIS (Geographic Information Systems) software is indispensable in my work. It helps me visualize and analyze environmental data, plan conservation projects, and monitor changes in wildlife populations and habitats over time.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
One book that has deeply influenced me is “The Sixth Extinction” by Elizabeth Kolbert. It’s a powerful reminder of the impact humans have on the planet and underscores the urgency of conservation work.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently watched “Our Planet” on Netflix. It’s visually stunning and does an excellent job of articulating the beauty of the natural world and the critical environmental issues facing it today, which resonates deeply with my work and passions.
Key learnings
- Importance of Community Engagement
- Value of Interdisciplinary Networking
- Adaptability and Learning from Failures