Ecologist

Bio

Leah (she/her) discovered the magic of plants as a college sophomore while sitting in an introductory biology class at UW-Madison. Videos of seedlings bending toward light captivated her, sparking a profound moment of realization that plants are constantly reacting and responding to their environment. Inspired by this realization, Leah received a bachelor’s degree in Botany and Environmental Studies from UW-Madison and later a master’s degree in Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology from The Ohio State University.

Since her initial discovery of plants, Leah has worked in roles that combine urban ecology, natural resource management and environmental stewardship for the Minnesota GreenCorps program, River Bend Nature Center, and ISG (a Midwest consulting firm).

FMR Role

Leah’s work focuses on crafting natural resource management plans and implementing ecological restoration activities in natural areas. This work involves surveying native plant communities, drafting management plans to guide various restoration activities, securing grant funding for implementation, and overseeing restoration contracts. Leah also works with volunteers to steward and restore natural areas.       

Personal Details

Leah loves to go for neighborhood walks around Como Lake with her husband and daughter. In her free time, she enjoys knitting, crocheting, biking, talking on the phone with loved ones, and working on home improvement projects.

Contact

lweston@fmr.org, 651.222.2193