Becky Gajewski​, Stewardship Specialist

I am very excited to join the team at NAP as a Stewardship Specialist! I've always had a strong interest in learning about nature and ecological restoration, and that naturally led me to Ann Arbor to pursue my bachelor's and master's degrees from U of M's School of Natural Resources and Environment. After graduating, I spent three years completing natural resource management and restoration projects for the Huron-Clinton Metroparks. Now I am glad to return to Ann Arbor and give back to the city that has given me so much over the years.   

Phone: 734.794.6627 x43476​

Dana Novak, Outreach Assistant

Dana studied Environmental Science and Wildlife at The Ohio State University, and then wandered around the states from the east coast to the Rockies as a semi-professional volunteer before settling in Boise, Idaho, working in the realms of storm water and environmental consulting. The births of their two beautiful boys in 2008 gave them a new definition of "tired" and a renewed sense of their collective ability to make a positive impact. Dana can be found leading workdays, but is no longer in the NAP office. She says, "I challenge you all to get out there and join us at a workday, if you haven't before - or attend one more workday than usual! If you're like me, it will invigorate your body and refresh your spirit." 

Field Crew

 

 

Amy Wells, Conservation Worker

My name is Amy Wells, and I'm a graduate of the University of Michigan, with a degree in Plant Biology. As someone who has always loved exploring and protecting Michigan's natural areas, I'm thrilled to be joining the NAP crew! I've worked for Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum as a natural areas intern, and also as a landscape foreman for a private gardening company. What I enjoy most about these jobs is seeing the dramatic changes in landscapes as I remove weeds and invasive species to make way for gorgeous native plants and flowers. I'm looking forward to a great burn season this spring, and the wildflower blooms to follow!

Morgan Boyer, Conservation Worker

I graduated from the University of Michigan – Flint, earning a degree in Wildlife Biology with a minor in Environmental Studies. My previous work with the DNR and the Genesee County Parks has focused on public education and conservation.  I am excited to join the NAP field crew to see the restoration practices I have taught other people about put into use within the city park system.  I look forward to working with the wonderful people of Ann Arbor in helping promote natural areas for everyone to enjoy!

Kayla McGuire, Conservation Worker

My interest in environmental science and ecology began in high school when I took AP Environmental Science. At Purdue University, I was able to pursue that interest further, but it wasn’t until I started a graduate program at Eastern Michigan University that I found conservation as a passion. I am in the process of completing a Masters degree from EMU and conducting research concerning the impacts of road salt on carbon movement in wetland ecosystems. Through my thesis research and volunteering at Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy, I have been able to learn much more about the practical applications of conservation. Working with NAP will allow me to use the knowledge and experience I have gained to show the Ann Arbor area how conservation practices are done and that the goals of conservation can be pursued by anyone.

I'm excited to join the NAP team as a Conservation Worker! I graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Environmental Science and a minor in Sustainable Food Systems. In the past I have worked on a trail crew in Tennessee and on sand dune restoration in northern Michigan; but I am excited to spend more time in Ann Arbor's parks and getting to know the volunteers. It's great to work in an area full of people who understand the importance of conservation. My passion for restoration stems from my love of the outdoors and the desire to share it with others, which I have lots of opportunities to do at NAP!

Liz Berghoff, Conservation Worker

This summer, I graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Environmental Science. Before moving over to NAP, I worked with GIVE 365 where my love of Ann Arbor parks and leading volunteer groups began. I spent the summer interning with the Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy where I was able to gain experience monitoring and maintaining nature preserves. I enjoy exploring all the natural areas Michigan has to offer and petting as many dogs as I can along the way. I'm excited to learn more about land conservation and lead volunteers in meaningful work.

Chris Robey, Conservation Worker

As a recent transplant from western North Carolina, I've only just begun to familiarize myself with Ann Arbor's natural areas and I am eager to come to know them through hands-on, engaged stewardship work as a member of NAP's conservation crew. Connecting people to places through stewardship and storytelling lies at the heart of what I do. I graduated from Appalachian State University with a self-designed Environmental Humanities degree and minors in English and Sustainable Development. Previously, I've written articles for the Appalachian Voice, a nonprofit environmental newsletter, worked on and led trail crews for Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards (SAWS), and learned the ropes (quite literally!) as a groundsman for a local arborist. Now, I am thrilled to join NAP's staff and our wonderful volunteers as we work to fulfill our mission of caring for our natural areas and nuturing an environmental ethic among those who frequent them.