Brianna Raggio

Vegetation Inventory Tech

Brianna Raggio grew up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, where a love of the outdoors and the natural world took root early. She went on to earn a degree in Biology with an emphasis in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior from Boise State University, and spent three seasons with the USDA as a Biological Science Technician, documenting plant diversity indices for long-term vegetation monitoring at climate observatory sites. That hands-on field experience gave her a deep appreciation for the kind of careful, consistent observation that helps us understand how ecosystems change over time.

Brianna moved to Moscow in 2022 and has since woven herself into the fabric of the community, working as an Administrative Systems Coordinator, Social Media Coordinator, and Evidence Technician. When she heard about the Palouse Land Trust’s vegetation inventory work, it felt like a natural fit: a chance to get back outside, put her plant identification skills to good use, and contribute something meaningful to the land and community she now calls home.

At the Palouse Land Trust, Brianna is currently leading vegetation inventory efforts at the Dave Skinner Ecological Preserve, carefully cataloging plant communities and documenting the ecological condition of this rare remnant Palouse prairie. Her work helps ensure that management plans are grounded in clear, up-to-date ecological information and are actively supporting the long-term health of this landscape. By building a detailed record of the preserve’s vegetation, she is strengthening future monitoring efforts and contributing directly to the ongoing stewardship of one of the region’s most ecologically significant sites.

When she’s not surveying vegetation or juggling her many professional hats, you’ll likely find Brianna out on a trail, hiking or running through the Palouse with her husband and son. She brings a steady mix of scientific training, field experience, and genuine enthusiasm to her work and volunteer efforts.