Yessenia Mendez is an invasive species fellow at John Heinz NWR at Tinicum in Philadelphia, PA. She is managing invasive species with the bio-team to improve the refuge’s natural diversity and integrity. The Bio team has caught over 1,200 Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) and Northern Snakehead (Channa argus) this summer. Yessenia conducts an invasive species survey using ArcGIS and assists in spraying herbicide around the refuge. She replaces invasive species with native plants such as beardstongue and goldenrod in pollinator gardens. “I believe our team’s dedication to improving biodiversity aids in improving conditions for native and migrating pollinators such as bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, as well as other wildlife”- Yessenia Mendez