Community Highlight: Alyssa Armbruster

Natural Resources Technician & Buckin’ Babes Alum

This week in our Community Highlight series, we’re chatting with Alyssa Armbruster. Alyssa is a 15-year veteran of the conservation world, currently working as a Natural Resources Technician for a local open space program. She’s the perfect example of why we do what we do: technical, tough, and dedicated to bringing more community to the field.

Tell us a little bit about what you do day-to-day.

"My day-to-day work varies, but it’s all centered around habitat enhancement and wildlife monitoring. From fixing fences and repairing stock tanks to conducting wildlife surveys and removing trees, I get to work on a wide variety of projects."

Why is the presence of women on working lands important to you?

"Women on working lands are important to me because we’re severely underrepresented. I’ve worked in male-dominated fields for the last 15 years, and the male-to-female ratio has consistently been off. I’ve watched women have to work harder than men to 'prove' themselves, and I hope to work in a world one day where that isn’t necessary. I think women often bring a strong sense of community to working lands and conservation, which helps fill important gaps in the field. Plus, we like to wear glitter while still being tough."

What was your biggest takeaway from the Buckin’ Babes workshop?

"My biggest takeaway was learning new ways to teach women to use chainsaws. It's so important to feel confident with the tools you use and to know how to maintain them yourself. I’ve been teaching crews how to use chainsaws for a while now, but this workshop really helped hone in on some skills I was lacking. I’m still leading chainsaw trainings, but now I’m able to incorporate practices I learned at Buckin’ Babes to make them more successful (and more fun)."

What is one skill you’ve worked hard to be comfortable with?

"The flexibility that comes with working in conservation or on working lands. You really can't predict what the weather, animals, or folks you're working with are going to do. Being able to drop what you're doing to switch gears has been a skill I've worked hard to be comfortable with."

What are the 'must-haves' in your pack?

"Fencing pliers and binoculars are always in my backpack. Plus a small bottle of rose water that I spray on my face at lunch—everyone makes fun of me, but they're always asking for it... skincare in the field!"

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Alyssa is a prime example of the "continuous learner" we love to see at Redwing. Even with a decade and a half of professional experience, she came to Buckin' Babes to refine her teaching methods and support the next generation of sawyers.