During this episode of the Conservation Cast, Maya spoke with Kirsten about her 12-year journey studying hellbenders, and how her aquatic ecology background and love for salamanders led to her position on the board of directors at FCSAL. Kirsten informed viewers of the lack of attention salamanders get despite the sheer importance of salamanders, given their role in their ecosystem as central links in the food web. The two discussed the aim of FCSAL in providing seed grant funding for projects surrounding salamanders, Kirsten also highlighted some small changes we can make in our everyday lives to aid the conservation efforts of hellbenders.

Maya’s community raised $1775.53 for the Foundation for the Conservation of Salamanders (FCSAL), a non-profit with the goal of providing funding for and raising awareness of their conservation.