Tech balances field studies with TEK preservation
L Wilkins is settling into GLIFWC’s Biological Services Division, aiming to make a big impact through their new dual role. Wilkins first came aboard during the 2024 summer intern cycle before they were hired in 2025 to work in the Climate Change Program. Wilkins began integrating their new position, climate change archivist & technician, during the Half Winter Moon of 2026.
As an archivist, Wilkins is responsible for digitizing GLIFWC’s historical materials, including years of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) interviews from VHS, DVD, cassette, microcassette, and even BETA formats to digital files—helping preserve important knowledge for future generations. They are also transcribing TEK interviews to make the knowledge more accessible so it can be utilized in GLIFWC’s work.
As a climate change technician, Wilkins continues doing field work, including plant phenology monitoring, ice and snow monitoring, bird surveys, and seed collection. Hannah Panci, GLIFWC environmental scientist said, “We’re really lucky to retain L who is a hard worker, has been involved with local tribal communities for years, and brings a wealth of cultural experiences to the table.”
Wilkins grew up in Seymour, Wisconsin and attended Northland College for three years. When Northland College closed last summer, they transferred to Lawrence University and graduated in 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in Ethnic Studies.
“After Northland closed it was the community I had built, along with the connections I made with the land and the water that brought me back and kept me in the Northwoods,” said Wilkins.
Wilkins lives in Ashland, Wisconsin and enjoys beading, painting, and sewing. They are quite artistic and even dressed up as an ink cap mushroom, which won GLIFWC’s Halloween costume contest!
Wilkins has spent years studying Ojibwemowin, playing baagaa’dowewin in local communities, and regularly participating in taekwondo. They also love being in the woods, identifying plants and animals, and photographing details of the natural world.