Project Wingspan: A grassroots effort to expand habitat for imperiled pollinators
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Project Wingspan (PW), backed by donations and grants from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, is a multi-year effort by the non-profit Pollinator Partnership. It aims to improve pollinator habitats across the Midwest and Great Lakes Region. By collaborating with volunteers and land stewards, PW provides support, training, and resources to enhance habitats for monarchs, rusty patched bumble bees, and other pollinators. The goal is to secure over 18,000 acres of high-quality habitat for these species.
Maraiah Russell, Indiana State Coordinator for Project Wingspan since April 2024, has a background in wildlife conservation. She worked as a veterinary technician at Fort Wayne Children's Zoo and as a steward and volunteer manager with Little River Wetlands Project. Maraiah advocates for native plants and pollinators professionally and personally and collaborates with community volunteers to enhance connectivity for pollinators and people.