Projects
Project Manager & ProducerPlatte Basin Timelapse
Founded in 2011 by iLCP Senior Fellow Michael Forsberg and veteran Nebraska Public Media producer Michael Farrell, Platte Basin Timelapse (PBT) is a conservation storytelling project that explores watersheds, builds community, and inspires care for our natural world. It is a team of multi-talented professionals who tell stories, create films, give presentations, host events, teach classes, and conduct research. PBT is in partnership with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Mariah has been part of the PBT family since 2015 and is the project manager and a producer. She helps keep the many moving pieces of PBT running, from managing projects, budgets, partnerships, and field logistics to producing films and stories. The other hats she wears include photographer, cinematographer, editor, writer, mentor, and instructor.
Learn More: www.PlatteBasinTimelapse.com
Film Director & Project CoordinatorWetlands of Nebraska
In partnership with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Platte Basin Timelapse embarked on a multi-year project titled “Wetlands of Nebraska: An Outreach and Education Project”. This project aims to raise awareness of the importance of Nebraska's wetlands and the need to conserve them. The products from this project include an updated Nebraska Wetlands guidebook, a student wetland activity booklet, and a series of multimedia products including five films and ESRI StoryMaps.
Learn More: https://nebraskawetlands.com/
Project Manager, Photographer & Film EditorPedaling the Whooper Highway
Whooping cranes are five feet tall, angel white, and the rarest crane species in the world. Twice a year, they make a 2,500-mile migration between the Texas Gulf Coast and their nesting grounds in northern Canada, following an ancient pathway through the heart of the Great Plains known as the Central Flyway.
In 2026, conservation photographer Mike Forsberg and ecologist Dr. Andy Caven set out to experience that same migration in an entirely new way: by bicycle. Pedaling the Whooper Highway followed their 2,500-mile journey from Texas to Saskatchewan, documenting the habitats, threats, people, and places whooping cranes encounter along the way.
A forthcoming film is currently in production–its release is expected in Summer/Fall 2027.
Learn More: https://whoopingcranechronicles.com/bike/
Project Manager & Podcast Executive ProducerWhooping Crane Chronicles
Conservation photographer and writer Mike Forsberg spent five years chronicling the hidden lives of whooping cranes and creating his newest book, "Into Whooperland".
The Whooping Crane Chronicles is a podcast that expands on these stories. In this series, Mike will talk with crane enthusiasts in their homes or places of work. Guests include scientists, artists, and landowners who all have a shared connection–their love for whooping cranes. Stories recount hardship, success, sorrow, and joy, which are braided together by cranes.
Mariah is the executive producer of this podcast alongside co-producers Carlee Moates and Grant Reiner.
Learn More: www.WhoopingCraneChronicles.com