Woman with dog
Alaska

Lauren Cusimano

Communications Manager, ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Alaska
About

Lauren (she/her/hers) manages ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Alaska's communications, which include news articles, newsletters, social media, and media outreach. She has reported on travel, culture, music, food, and sustainability in her former career as a journalist and editor in Arizona.

Since her interests have long been in conservation (and birds), she moved to Dzantik'i Héeni/Juneau in 2021 to work in communications for the Tongass National Forest and Juneau ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Society. She now lives in Dghevey Kag'/Anchorage. She also teaches remotely at the Cronkite School of Journalism. 

Joys include cycling and paddling with her partner, scary books and movies, and singing to her pets, Fred Meyer and Leroy.

Favorite Birds
!
Marbled Murrelet
Auks, Murres, Puffins

Articles by Lauren Cusimano

The Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta from space.
Western Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Is Big … for Arctic-Breeding Shorebirds
June 24, 2024 — A new study reveals Alaska’s climate-sensitive YKD to support 7 million Arctic-breeding shorebirds—including the majority of six North American populations.
ALASKA Important Bird Areas
Group of people birding by lake
A First-Timer’s Trip to the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival
May 14, 2024 — Homer hosts a spectacular annual bird festival. Here's a recap of the presentations, workshops, and (in)famous bird-calling contest of the 32nd annual event.
ALASKA Festivals and Events
Chilkat Valley in Alaska
The Importance of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve IBA to Migratory Birds
May 07, 2024 — One small study area in Southeast Alaska shocked the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Science Division: The Chilkat Valley is a major migration passage for many Alaska birds.
ALASKA Important Bird Areas
Ambler Road Is Out of Here!
April 19, 2024 — Today we can officially say that our message was heard loud and clear. The Ambler road is effectively stopped, protecting the Brooks Range for future generations.
ALASKA Public Lands
Two birds bathing in fresh water
Interior Announces Strengthened Protections for Special Areas
April 19, 2024 — The Western Arctic is home to 13 million acres of Special Areas, some of the most important bird habitat in America’s Arctic—and the planet.
ALASKA Arctic Lands
Five people with binoculars on boat
Exploring POW’s Part of the Southeast Alaska Birding Trail
April 10, 2024 — Putting rubber boots on the ground at birding sites in Hollis, Craig, and Klawock on Prince of Wales Island during the 2024 Whale and Bird Fest.
ALASKA Trails
Multiple people lined up on coast with scopes
Time to Fly: Alaska’s Bird Festival Season Is Here!
April 06, 2024 — Here’s how Alaska’s annual birding events honor culture and art, benefit tourism and local economies, highlight conservation issues, and truly celebrate birds.
ALASKA Festivals and Events
Large bird overlooking boat harbor
Southeast Alaska Bird Trail—What’s Coming in 2024
March 11, 2024 — Over the coming year, we’ll be working to further improve the Southeast Alaska Birding Trail mobile app and to grow its usage within the region. We plan to expand partnerships with local Southeast Alaska businesses, including adventure guides and outfitters, to elevate the trail’s value.
ALASKA Trails
Shorebird in water
Alaska’s Federal Public Lands Updates
March 11, 2024 — A lot is happening on Alaska’s federal public lands. Here’s where we’ve been and where we’re going in 2024 ...
ALASKA Arctic Lands
Caribou and pipeline on tundra
The Latest on America’s Arctic
March 11, 2024 — During last fall's public process for both the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the National Petroleum Reserve–Alaska or Western Arctic, ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ heavily encouraged comments from the public. Here’s how you came through for the Arctic!
ALASKA Arctic Lands