We Survived The Arizona Desert!

[@evanoutside3516]

I'm a wildlife biologist out here in Arizona. Glad you liked your visit! Next time you're in the area I highly recommend checking out the Sonoran Desert Museum if you want a little taste of everything. For an organic look at the Sky Islands, I recommend going to Madera Canyon. There area a ton of rare birds and the chance to see Coati's out there.

[@alexsilva9536]

Save the Sonoran desert tortoise 🐢

[@TH3ShawshankRedemption]

She went there on her channel Maya Higa, she's incredible.

[@lilietournesol1597]

Hey Maya, concerning your imposter syndrome: I have a PhD (Neuroscience, not Entomology) and you have no idea how much I look up to you. You make such an impact, much much more than any of us in the lab do, and I wish I had chosen a path more like yours almost every day. You're truly impressive and I believe this is obvious to everyone around you. It is to me, at least.

[@Plague_Doc22]

It is never too late to change paths. I'm sitting on a masters and a bachelors and now work in nutrition science. Prior to this I worked in graphic design.

[@smoothlypink]

I wanted to touch on the part where Maya mentioned how it's hard to gain the metrics of what Alveus fans are doing with the education. So here's my testimonial. I grew up loving animals, my appreciation for the environment and nature came too. Wanted to be a veterinarian for some time. And for several years I was lost in what I wanted to do for a living. In the couple of years I've been following Alveus' mission, learning so much that has impacted the decisions I make, encouraged me to educate others.. it's a part of who I am and I have so much passion for conservation. I'm 19 years old, haven't gone to college yet but I'm planning to major around environmental science, animal studies, etc. What I'm trying to say is, the Sanctuary has had such a big impact on my life. Thanks Alveus team.

[@Whomkey]

We have similar stories! I am trying to double major in sociology and environmental science after realizing that conservation is such a inspiring and passionate field! Hope all goes well with your journey!

[@luckygnome2746]

If you already liked animals you probably would have chosen a similar major without Alveus. If you haven’t done actual conservation work or research then Alveus is just a place to learn about animals, this is the vast majority of viewers.

[@smoothlypink]

@@luckygnome2746 yeah no alveus re-lit the fire in me for animals and without it i never would have gone to college or valued getting higher education thanks tho

[@attabooii]

As an entomologist I less than 3 bugs and I always love to see Maya getting further and further into the rabbit hole of entomology! We need more people who are as passionate as you are Maya.

[@Itshalpal]

As a researcher (albeit in a very different field) I looooved hearing you get excited about research and its role in making the world better! We always need more contributions, more data, and researchers can't do it alone -- we absolutely rely on people outside of academia in TONS of ways. I less than three your bug researcher arc!

[@ViolentWrath]

It is so amazing to have seen how much Alveus has grown over such a short period of time. Just being able to be a part of and support such an up and coming preservation sanctuary is incredible. I less than three bugs

[@Kagekozo]

!!! i less than three bugs !!! I'm glad you had great time at the conference. I believe it's not just what you know, but who you know. Networking with like minds help you grow in the field of your interest.

[@steveknows_420]

I less than three bugs more and more everytime you take us on your wild adventures! Oh yeah woo yeah! Being part of a community that's always eager to learn more about bugs, animals and nature is a very refreshing feeling. Alveus Sanctuary is such a great place that's not just located in Austin, but in the minds and hearts of your most solid viewers, chatters and friends! Thank you so much Maya and Team Alveus, for helping people get more into what's really important in life! Kudos to you!

[@matthewdebeer8453]

1:10 “Sooooo, I’m kinda nervous, but I’m also really excited” this is giving “I love bugs. I love every kind of bug. I just want to hug all them but I can’t - can’t hug every bug”

[@kundo9639]

that is it! That sparkle in her eyes at the very end of the video! That sparkle is everything you need. Hold on to that Maya, cuz you and Alveus (and the team) are gonna do big big things, this is only the beginning. much much love and I can't wait to see where this goes

[@BethHernan001]

I moved out to AZ a year ago, this is my birth state but moved when i was little, and weirdly enough not being connected through childhood memories to the bugs here makes it a little harder to marvel at their beauty (I'm VERY afraid of bugs lol but they do fascinate me) I'm so happy to learn a little about the insect wildlife here! I love learning about wildlife, especially in the state i live in, but i hardly ever see anything about the bugs, unless its capturing them to make them sting/bite. I'm happy to see bugs talked about in a more positive way, its not only refreshing but helps me feel more comfortable around them IRL. So thank you Maya, I've only recently become aware of all the work you do with wildlife and conservation but i am definitely hooked and happy to show support for all you do. And like someone (with far more qualifications than i have lol) else has stated, the imposter syndrome you are feeling when it comes to the legitimacy of your place in these conferences is normal, im sure most of the speakers/attendees felt the same way at their first conference. Though, not necessarily helpful, i did want to let you know that you SHOULD be there! These conferences are meant for people like you, those who genuinely care and are intrigued by not only wildlife but by one of natures most important wildlife building blocks, insects! The love and care that you demonstrate for animals/insects/really anything is inspiring and educational for everyone and is definitely AT LEAST as important of work as obtaining a PHD :P You are doing amazing things for the education and betterment of wildlife and its conservation. Very proud of you Maya! Keep up the good work :)

[@bradnarraway9141]

I

[@ceciibnhm]

I less than three bugs! Maya you have also truly inspired me and i have started to apply what i have learned at work. I live in an industrial town were we use harsh paint and chemicals, however being an engineer i have actively worked to reduce those emissions by 80% thru advocating for innovation and investing on new technology and materials to cut those emissions. Im still not done and even though i cant watch your streams often, you have inspired me to try to make change in any way possible. Maya you truly are awesome!!!

[@Kiki-reads]

That’s amazing & important work!!!

[@Blob-jx3fg]

Maya is so freakin cool. I'm sure she would cringe at the statement but she really is an inspiration in my opinion. Best of luck to all the alveus crew

[@endeityloon136]

i less than three bugs ❤your inspiration is contagious! my spouse and i love to watch the bugs that live in our yard and see how the species change with the seasons. i've got shaky hands and i'm not much of a photographer, but i'd love to try getting pictures of the solitary wasps that visit our yard, the crickets that like to climb our windows, and all the various little bugs i don't yet know the names of!

[@OXMStudios]

I am so excited for things to come. I learned to love bugs trough your advocacy and my perspective has changed dramatically! love from France ! I

[@Smiley0Day]

Your excitement and passion is contagious. I did research in college and haven't done any since. You remind me that I miss it. I less than three bugs :)

[@sweetsisawsome]

It was cool to see you at the conference this year! I hope you come again next year!

[@StillOnTrack]

I LESS THAN 3 BUGS! This is so exciting! Can't wait to see the pollinator garden and learn more about bugs! Your excitement does totally show in the passion you have for the topic. So glad you had such an inspiring trip 😁 that last reiteration of "It'll be really good" made me so happy!

[@AshKay131]

Vlogs on the alveus channelll letsgo!

[@kaileygarland]

I less than three bugs. I've learned so much from you and the alveus staff. I'm stoked to see you change the world!

[@just_some_donkus]

2:42 that view rocks

[@johnspecht72]

I

[@Kiki-reads]

Welcome to the community! ❤

[@Kasstato]

i less than three bugs. also your content around bugs has helped me a lot with overcoming my fear of bugs, and approaching them with curiosity and love. whenever I find a bug in my house I'll try to catch it and then research what it is and learn about it before putting it back outside rather than killing them. you're doing good teaching and educating, and you've inspired me to want to do animal conservation work one day (and bug conservation hehe)

[@alopex8175]

I less than three bugs~ You and Alveus made me actually like bugs and in doing so enabled me to start my own vegetable- and pollinator garden (without jumpscaring every two seconds because of a fly buzzing by or something). It's making me feel fuzzy to see Alveus growing up in this way, Alveus was already doing amazing imo but maintaining this type of professional contact with the conservation world will really root Alveus to the real world in terms of being able to make lasting contributions to conservation in many different ways that the conservation world actually needs most. Hurray!

[@Dohregard]

your speech at the end was so passionate and motivating!

[@Kiki-reads]

Right? I’m fired up to do citizen science 🔥 🔥 💪 🐛 🐜

[@NecroticIce]

youve completely changed my feelings towards bugs. Im so excited to see all ideas come to life and be part of some of them! alveus team always does such an amazing job i know you guys are going to come up with some great stuff

[@KuraiKaNinja]

i dont even post all too much on show and tell, but i do something every week, even most days that could be put on there. some things i've been doing for a while but quite a few habits i've picked up are because of alveus videos! i was actually able to identify an ant lion and reassure my spouse that they were chill and not to harm it just yesterday because of the insect night streams!!!

[@KuraiKaNinja]

not bug related but i only buy certified humane eggs since the first time i heard you talk about the label! i actually found out only 2 grocery stores in my area varry eggs with the label, so we shop at only those locations now 😊

[@Kiki-reads]

You’re doing amazing! 👏🏽 Not everything has to be shared on show & tell. Actually that’s great because then I feel you’e more likely to continue to do things if Maya ever stops doing these reviews frequently because the number of posts died down (she did in the past). External vs internal motivation & such. Although a certified humane egg label post would be super cool! We hardly ever get ethical label posts.

[@davina5313]

yay what a lovely vlog! I‘d love to see more vlog type stuff/day to day alveus happenings on this channel :) keep doing the amazing work you‘re doing

[@Kiki-reads]

Idk if you already follow the Alveus Sanctuary Highlights channel, but there’s a lot of daily content there! It’s long form and unedited though, so it’s like 1-3h videos

[@davina5313]

@@Kiki-reads ty for the suggestion! :) I do follow the alveus highlights channel I just don‘t always have the attention span for the full vods haha

[@jasminelambert3753]

I

[@cierraslowsdown]

I less than three bugs! Lol this was such a cool and neat video! I could tell you were jazzed about what you can take back to Alveus!! Whoo!

[@laurenoliver4872]

I freaking love you ! "I got a compass in case I die." "Oh and a flashlight,you know in case I die." Your streams bring me joy its amazing work you're doing on the animal sanctuary

[@dkecskes2199]

I less than three bugs! Your vidoes from the conference have taught me so much love for bugs and I appreciate you and Alveus for that.

[@mahoganyk]

I less than three bugs maya! I've always loved animals and been interested in conservation but watching alveus videos and streams has taught me so much about what i can tangibly do to not contribut to the problem:)

[@BenAstridge]

I less than 3 bugs. I'm 25 and feel extremely lost in life, but i walked in a field nearby this week to observe bugs and it soothed my heart and soul just a little... i think watching this video i've had the idea that maybe i want to be an entomologist. BUT i'm very intimidated by the education system and don't feel confident i would pass. I wish i had people to help me in life...

[@brookersaurus]

i less than three bugs!!!! Maya & Alveus thank you for opening my eyes to start appreciating bugs!! it is definitely making going outside a little exciting to see what tiny fwiends i can find & makes the time more enjoyable by not being scared to see a bug. thank you for all you do!!

[@ayahiraya]

Huge respect to researchers and scientists but Maya gotta give herself a pat on the back for probably converting the most bug haters through Alveus streams out of all those people in the room.

[@SaraAnderson-di6hf]

Fantastic video and successful trip! I less than three bugs and totally get the excitement and exhaustion after a multi-day conference. Thanks for the video!

[@mayajade7506]

YAYYY MORE VLOG. Thank you so much for sharing this with us!!! 🎉🎉🎉

[@quodarabbit]

Highly recommend sphinx moth. Highly recommend. Sphinx moth. So cool. They’re literally hummingbirds. They look and act and are the size of hummingbirds.

[@beckywiz]

So cool to hear your potential future plans for alveaus and conservation! You’re living my dream and I love seeing your success and growth! Edit: I

[@dry_spit]

I

[@miatx6818]

For real i thought this my Maya’s main channel watching this video (mostly in the beginning. Because she talks in this vlog which i love. In most of her main channel videos she now does voice over which is also nice but i love this style much more.

[@nicholasmiller1335]

I

[@davehock7239]

I less than 3 bugs, loved the video, so happy for you and Alveaus!

[@ShutterJunkie]

I

[@humandoodad]

Your excitement during the "journal" part was palpable! Just wanted to give you that feedback since you paused to apologize for possibly not seeming excited as someone who often worries about not being outwardly enthusiastic enough.

[@kaseyxx]

Getting involved in research is so awesomeeee

[@thomascarr6037]

i less than three bugssssssss!!!!! the citizen science sounds super cooooool!

[@Nizhoni_pony]

I live on an indian reservation out here in AZ, its so nice to see yall have a nice time out here. Please come by again ^^ I

[@_mortiam]

I less than three bugs! Excited on what's about to come!

[@sierradacey5487]

i

[@jeremyyerke]

So smart and so loving of our little planet. Thank you

[@Yakumo]

I

[@winkzart]

i less than three bugs. It's really inspiring to see someon excited to make a difference and use their influence for positive change.

[@himynameiswaylon]

I

[@Fr0styGuru]

I love Allison sm. She's so cool.

[@Zakarum420]

I

[@357.maggNUM]

Rubber Duck Ranger, that's CRAZY!

[@rjploops]

I

[@MachineBone]

How would anyone not want to be Allison‘s friend? Not that she’s knowledgeable or a nice person, just for the 10 out of 10 smile. Just seeing that would make me happy every day. Lol PS I want more VoiceOver Maya.

[@Kiki-reads]

I’m a person who doesn’t smile much, but Allison’s cheeriness and smile are so infectious! She’s a treasure to the Alveus community. Her bubbling passion has been a huge factor in my conversion to Bug Lover.

[@Rustanator2]

I less then three bugs. I love what alveus does and i am a strong supporter for the love of bugs. I hope you end up planting a native meadow or whatever the equivalent is for alveus's climate. Bugs need native plants 👍🏻

[@edinthekitchen]

I LESS THAN THREE BUGGIES!! PUMPED FOR CITIZEN SCIENCE LETSGOOOOOOO!!

[@allocat586]

So stoked for this! love it!

[@poshrat993]

Even if bugs are spooky scary to me still I can live vicariously through Maya and Allison!!! I

[@AbsurdAsparagus]

omg, you came to tucson. i never see streamers i watch coming to this dusty desert city. I used to live right next to were you went and its so beautiful out there.

[@roseelise]

how many pairs of bug socks do you guys think will be in the next PO box stream?

[@Kiki-reads]

That was my immediate thought too haha

[@giovannimateo-ramos1406]

That pop up hat is FIREEEE

[@wormbenjoyer]

I am watching this and noting every bug i have caught in animal crossing :)

[@ShaneRob93]

The untapped potential for good rings forever true - I less than three bugs!

[@wingelchen]

good one

[@stephsteph969]

very cool to see tucson getting some recognition! btw you do not pronounce the g in saguaro, its like suh waa roo

[@alessm2206]

Omg double vlog!

[@KuraiKaNinja]

i didnt realize it was your first time meeting allison in person!!!! how freaking cool

[@shay6565]

5:50 thats an ocotillo! :)

[@breadboi420]

thank you for all you do for bugs ❤ I

[@laurenedge6392]

I

[@justwyverns7688]

i less then 3 bugs... looking forward to new things coming to alveus :D

[@bloomingstays]

i

[@DamonDakota]

I less than three bugs (I

[@Carmen-ne5xl]

I'm a law student in new Zealand and from following you for just under a year now I've gotten my own second hand toaster strudel and want to make an effort to share conservation knowledge with other people and only want to contribute to second hand (rescue) pets

[@EliasPluto]

I

[@cocoabear_art]

6:19 * notices the tadpole but doesn’t see either of the spiders right beside it *

[@tomatoluvs]

yippeee new vlog!!

[@bagelhog4967]

HELL YEAH MAYA! i less than 3 BUGS

[@vspence2]

I

[@zadejames6269]

Damn, im early Fun video idea !!!

[@zakonelli9897]

I

[@Gem.Stoned138]

I

[@yuukadoodles]

I

[@eliareyesgonzalez2590]

i love your videos, ur amazing, i less than three bugs

[@aga.sprus23]

I

[@immortalhistory5472]

I less than three bugs ❤ Loved the video, the desert is so cool!

[@bearc3930]

I

[@Rjbrennan1]

I

[@Rufas5000]

I

[@sophiecampbellburden]

I less than three bugs! 🐛🐞🪲🪳

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

Regarding what Maya says, starting at about 07:56 in this video: *_"Life finds a way."_* - JURASSIC PARK [1993] *EDIT→* I < 3 bugs.

[@Crypticcoconut19]

I

[@kevoramma]

i