Aisha Muhammad
St Louis,MO
Summary
Dynamic conservation professional with a proven track record at the Missouri Department of Conservation, specializing in community conservation and ecological preservation. As an expert in community engagement topics and public speaking, I've led impactful partnerships and initiatives to promote environmental justice and resilient community projects. My approach blends a continued pursuit of technical proficiency with an enthusiasm for empowering communities with nature-based solutions.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Community Conservation Liaison
Missouri Department of Conservation
02.2021 - Current
- Developed partnerships with community organizations, municipalities, non-profit organizations, and government entities to support equitable access to high-quality nature.
- Attended a variety of working group meetings with partner organizations.
- Facilitated Green Workforce Development Internally and with Outside Partners.
- Worked as a Community Conservation Team Member to create and implement a priority model for equitable community conservation investment.
- Gave presentations on MDC’s Community Conservation Framework, community conservation methodologies, environmental justice, One Health, and mitigating vacancy with conservation BMPs.
- Collaboratively organized the Conservation Training Series with department staff and Great Rivers Greenway (GRG).
- Collaboratively organized a nature-based fun day at O’Fallon Park in St. Louis, MO, in May 2022, '23, and '24.
- Administered internal and external partner tours of department community conservation projects.
- Worked to implement and conduct a community engagement framework for the Bellefontaine Conservation Area.
- Provided community conservation cost-share funding assistance for community conservation projects.
- Oversaw and managed cooperative agreements for CBN, STLVC, E.C. Green Jobs Program, and the BTN Grant.
Interpretive Naturalist Intern
Missouri Department of Conservation
06.2020 - 08.2020
- Created education and outreach programs related to conservation.
- Assisted with natural community surveys of invasive and encroaching plant species.
- Assisted with dove banding and recapture.
- Assisted with bee monitoring in relation to permaculture and urban conservation.
- Assisted with RAM surveys in streams.
- Sprayed invasive stilt grass.
Education
B.A. - Biological Sciences, Freshwater Ecology Emphasis
Missouri University of Science and Technology
12.2020
Skills
- Knowledgeable about conservation planning tools
- Knowledgeable about conservation BMPs
- Knowledgeable about ecology, invasive species management, and native plant establishment
- High-quality performance in public speaking and presenting
- Proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite
- Can utilize ArcPro software to create maps and heritage reviews
- MO Stream Team LVL 1 Water Quality Monitor Certified
- CPR, AED, and First Aid Certified
- Pursuing MO Prairie Foundation Professional Certification in June 2025
Leadership Positions & Collaborative Involvement
- BiodiverseCity St. Louis Leadership Group | 03/21 - Current
- Froebel Green Schoolyard Community Advisory Board | 03/21 - 03/22
- Member of the Community by Nature Collaborative | 03/21 - 08/22
- Member & Organizer of St. Louis Green Community Workforce | 03/21 - Current
- Peace Park Partner & Community Advisory Committee | 04/21 - Current
- Organizer of the Conservation Training Series | 10/21 - Current
- Member of the Green Teen Alliance | 04/21 - Current
- Member of the NRCS Urban Ag Subcommittee | 04/22 - Current
- Ex Officio Board Member of Forest ReLeaf of Missouri | 05/22 - Current
- Member of the Jennings Vacancy Task Force | 07/23, Current
- Member of the St. Louis Vacancy Collaborative | 09/21 - Current
- Board Member of the St. Louis Vacancy Collaborative | 12/22 - Current
- Small Grants Program Co-Chair of the St. Louis Vacancy Collaborative | 12/22 - Current
- Oversaw development of 'Small Grants for Greening Vacant Lots Program' for the STL Vacancy Collaborative | 12/23 - Current
- Board Member of The Fit and Food Connection | 04/24 - Current
Professional Accomplishments
- Organized MDC Legislative Tour of Community Conservation Efforts | 09/21
- Awarded Best Internal Partner of the Year at MDC Branch Conference | 09/21
- Graduate of the MDC LEADS Program | 06/22
- Lead a Tour at O’Fallon Park for the 'Plan It Native!' Conference | 09/22
- Member of the American Planners Association Missouri Chapter | 10/22 - Current
Timeline
Community Conservation Liaison
Missouri Department of Conservation
02.2021 - Current
Interpretive Naturalist Intern
Missouri Department of Conservation
06.2020 - 08.2020
B.A. - Biological Sciences, Freshwater Ecology Emphasis
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Similar Profiles
Joshua RoglonJoshua Roglon
Fisheries Technician at Missouri Department Of ConservationFisheries Technician at Missouri Department Of Conservation
Callen CaldarellaCallen Caldarella
Resource Management Technician at Missouri Department Of ConservationResource Management Technician at Missouri Department Of Conservation
Sabrina HansenSabrina Hansen
Naturalist at Missouri Department Of ConservationNaturalist at Missouri Department Of Conservation