BOARD OF DIRECTORS
James Costello - Chair
James Costello joined the Board of Directors of Grass River in August 2016. He is a retired senior financial services executive with over forty years of experience at both large and mid-level firms. James’ educational background includes a BA in business from Michigan State University, and a MBA from Wayne State University. He completed a senior financial services program at the University of Michigan and a senior marketing executive program at the University of Virginia. James has served in leadership positions with a number of for profit and non-profit organizations including, Lions Club, executive committee and officer; Friends of Lansing Symphony, board member; CUNA Mutual Insurance Company, advisory council member for the State of Michigan; CU Corp., Chairman, Board of Directors; CU Village Inc., Chairman, Board of Directors; and Michigan Business Connection, founding member of the Board of Directors. James and his wife, Meg moved to Central Lake when they retired in 2011. They both enjoy golfing, hiking, snow shoeing and traveling.
James Costello joined the Board of Directors of Grass River in August 2016. He is a retired senior financial services executive with over forty years of experience at both large and mid-level firms. James’ educational background includes a BA in business from Michigan State University, and a MBA from Wayne State University. He completed a senior financial services program at the University of Michigan and a senior marketing executive program at the University of Virginia. James has served in leadership positions with a number of for profit and non-profit organizations including, Lions Club, executive committee and officer; Friends of Lansing Symphony, board member; CUNA Mutual Insurance Company, advisory council member for the State of Michigan; CU Corp., Chairman, Board of Directors; CU Village Inc., Chairman, Board of Directors; and Michigan Business Connection, founding member of the Board of Directors. James and his wife, Meg moved to Central Lake when they retired in 2011. They both enjoy golfing, hiking, snow shoeing and traveling.
Dan Cline - Vice Chair
Dan Cline is a Michigan attorney practicing in the areas of land conservation, non-profit organization, and real estate law. In 2014, following his retirement from the full-time practice of law, he founded Conservancy Law PLC, which focuses on the legal needs of Michigan land trusts. He has been in the private practice of law since 1981, and has worked with many non-profit organizations, both as legal counsel and as a volunteer board member. Dan is a Commissioner on the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, which accredits land trusts throughout the United States, and is also a member of the Board of Directors of Heart of the Lakes Center for Land Conservation Policy, an education and advocacy organization serving its member land trusts throughout the State of Michigan. He is a past President and former board member of The Little Forks Conservancy, Inc., and is a past member of the Board of Directors of Chippewa Nature Center, Inc., both based in Midland, Michigan. He holds a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and a B.A. in economics from Yale University. Dan and his wife Linda live in Traverse City, and they enjoy sailing, hiking, canoeing, snow shoeing, and backcountry skiing.
Dan Cline is a Michigan attorney practicing in the areas of land conservation, non-profit organization, and real estate law. In 2014, following his retirement from the full-time practice of law, he founded Conservancy Law PLC, which focuses on the legal needs of Michigan land trusts. He has been in the private practice of law since 1981, and has worked with many non-profit organizations, both as legal counsel and as a volunteer board member. Dan is a Commissioner on the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, which accredits land trusts throughout the United States, and is also a member of the Board of Directors of Heart of the Lakes Center for Land Conservation Policy, an education and advocacy organization serving its member land trusts throughout the State of Michigan. He is a past President and former board member of The Little Forks Conservancy, Inc., and is a past member of the Board of Directors of Chippewa Nature Center, Inc., both based in Midland, Michigan. He holds a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and a B.A. in economics from Yale University. Dan and his wife Linda live in Traverse City, and they enjoy sailing, hiking, canoeing, snow shoeing, and backcountry skiing.
Rich Hannan – Secretary
Richard Hannan is a retired research Horticulturist who spent 32 years in Pullman, Washington working on the conservation of plant genetic resources for the National Plant Germplasm System of the USDA, Agricultural Research Service. During that time, his duties ranged from technical support to curator of over 1,400 species of crop plants and their wild relatives to research scientist and then as Research Leader of four conservation programs in three states. Besides conducting basic and applied research, he traveled worldwide to collect wild species of crop plants in order to broaden the gene base of the US collections. Since retiring he has worked as a genetic resource consultant and as a staff member of Grass River Natural Area. He first visited Grass River Natural Area in 1976, and from then until 2006 he has supported GRNA from afar. After moving to Antrim Co. in 2008, he both served GRNA on the Board of Directors, on numerous committees and as Executive Director (2013). He holds a BA in Botany from UC Berkeley, a MS in Plant Pathology from Washington State Univ., and a PhD in Plant Physiology from Washington State Univ.
Richard Hannan is a retired research Horticulturist who spent 32 years in Pullman, Washington working on the conservation of plant genetic resources for the National Plant Germplasm System of the USDA, Agricultural Research Service. During that time, his duties ranged from technical support to curator of over 1,400 species of crop plants and their wild relatives to research scientist and then as Research Leader of four conservation programs in three states. Besides conducting basic and applied research, he traveled worldwide to collect wild species of crop plants in order to broaden the gene base of the US collections. Since retiring he has worked as a genetic resource consultant and as a staff member of Grass River Natural Area. He first visited Grass River Natural Area in 1976, and from then until 2006 he has supported GRNA from afar. After moving to Antrim Co. in 2008, he both served GRNA on the Board of Directors, on numerous committees and as Executive Director (2013). He holds a BA in Botany from UC Berkeley, a MS in Plant Pathology from Washington State Univ., and a PhD in Plant Physiology from Washington State Univ.
Pete Byron – Treasurer
Pete has been a board member since August, 2013, and served as Treasurer for most of that time. Prior to joining the board, he volunteered at stewardship activities such as the Spring clean-up event. He works as Controller of a manufacturing operation in Traverse City and has experience running the financial, human resources, and operations activities of for-profit entities. He lives in Alden and enjoys spending time on Torch Lake. Pete grew up in the Detroit area and attended the University of Michigan where he earned a degree in business administration.
Pete has been a board member since August, 2013, and served as Treasurer for most of that time. Prior to joining the board, he volunteered at stewardship activities such as the Spring clean-up event. He works as Controller of a manufacturing operation in Traverse City and has experience running the financial, human resources, and operations activities of for-profit entities. He lives in Alden and enjoys spending time on Torch Lake. Pete grew up in the Detroit area and attended the University of Michigan where he earned a degree in business administration.
Gillian Cobb – Chair of Marketing & Fund Development Committee
Gillian Cobb joined the board of Grass River Natural Area in the spring of 2016. A 2014 graduate of Michigan State University, Gillian has a background in professional writing and marketing. She currently serves as the Chair of the Marketing and Fund Development Committee. Growing up, Gillian gained an appreciation for wild spaces and the great north woods through vacations with her family in Northern Michigan. After three winters in Antrim county, Gillian is proud to consider herself a local and is excited to make an impact in our community through her work at Grass River.
Gillian Cobb joined the board of Grass River Natural Area in the spring of 2016. A 2014 graduate of Michigan State University, Gillian has a background in professional writing and marketing. She currently serves as the Chair of the Marketing and Fund Development Committee. Growing up, Gillian gained an appreciation for wild spaces and the great north woods through vacations with her family in Northern Michigan. After three winters in Antrim county, Gillian is proud to consider herself a local and is excited to make an impact in our community through her work at Grass River.
David Yuhaus
David moved to Northern Michigan in 2008 with his family to accept the job as the Director of Environmental Education, Conference, Retreats and Day Camp for YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camps. In a desperate search for things to keep their small children active, David and his wife found the Grass River Natural Area soon after their move. The Yuhaus family has spent many hours hiking the trails and enjoying the birds and other wildlife that weren’t scared off by the Yuhaus children. David holds an Environmental Science Degree and a Psychology Degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. He has been teaching Environmental and Outdoor Education in Michigan, North and South Carolina and Illinois since 1996.
David moved to Northern Michigan in 2008 with his family to accept the job as the Director of Environmental Education, Conference, Retreats and Day Camp for YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camps. In a desperate search for things to keep their small children active, David and his wife found the Grass River Natural Area soon after their move. The Yuhaus family has spent many hours hiking the trails and enjoying the birds and other wildlife that weren’t scared off by the Yuhaus children. David holds an Environmental Science Degree and a Psychology Degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. He has been teaching Environmental and Outdoor Education in Michigan, North and South Carolina and Illinois since 1996.
Courtney Bierschbach
Courtney joined the Grass River Natural Area Board of Directors in 2019. She has an extensive background in environmental education and non-profit management. She graduated from Central Michigan University with Bachelors in Outdoor and Environmental Education Administration. She has served in multiple program coordinator and director capacities with organizations including Inland Seas Education Association, Grand Traverse Conservation District, City of Boulder (Colorado) and as an advisory board member for the recreation department at Central Michigan University. Perhaps her most exciting work was with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics where she spent 16 months camping and training national and state park employees in outdoor ethics implementation. She currently works as the Assistant Director for Central Michigan University's Traverse City Center and Northern Michigan Region.
Courtney joined the Grass River Natural Area Board of Directors in 2019. She has an extensive background in environmental education and non-profit management. She graduated from Central Michigan University with Bachelors in Outdoor and Environmental Education Administration. She has served in multiple program coordinator and director capacities with organizations including Inland Seas Education Association, Grand Traverse Conservation District, City of Boulder (Colorado) and as an advisory board member for the recreation department at Central Michigan University. Perhaps her most exciting work was with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics where she spent 16 months camping and training national and state park employees in outdoor ethics implementation. She currently works as the Assistant Director for Central Michigan University's Traverse City Center and Northern Michigan Region.
Chris Hale
Chris Hale is vice president of sales and marketing for Schuss Mountain and Shanty Creek Resort. His 20+ year career in advertising and marketing has included leadership roles in media and technology within the telecommunications industry, tourism, and creative production. He is the proud father of two, Liv and Miles, and a resident of Antrim County.
Chris Hale is vice president of sales and marketing for Schuss Mountain and Shanty Creek Resort. His 20+ year career in advertising and marketing has included leadership roles in media and technology within the telecommunications industry, tourism, and creative production. He is the proud father of two, Liv and Miles, and a resident of Antrim County.
Steve Springsdorf
Steve is a retired YMCA CEO who spent 40 years leading Y’s in Saginaw, Kalamazoo, and the State YMCA. He graduated with a BS degree in Environmental Education from Michigan State University then began work for the Saginaw Y leading it’s Resident Camp and Outdoor Education programs. In 2000, he and his family moved to the Bellaire area to work at the YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camps on Torch Lake. During that time the family enjoyed the GRNA. In 2008 he became the CEO of the Kalamazoo YMCA’s, retired in 2018 and moved back to the Kewadin area. He and his wife, Judy, enjoy golf, gardening, and boating on Torch Lake.
Steve is a retired YMCA CEO who spent 40 years leading Y’s in Saginaw, Kalamazoo, and the State YMCA. He graduated with a BS degree in Environmental Education from Michigan State University then began work for the Saginaw Y leading it’s Resident Camp and Outdoor Education programs. In 2000, he and his family moved to the Bellaire area to work at the YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camps on Torch Lake. During that time the family enjoyed the GRNA. In 2008 he became the CEO of the Kalamazoo YMCA’s, retired in 2018 and moved back to the Kewadin area. He and his wife, Judy, enjoy golf, gardening, and boating on Torch Lake.
Terry VanAlstine - County Liaison
To learn more about the Antrim County Commissioners, go here: http://www.antrimcounty.org/boc.asp
To learn more about the Antrim County Commissioners, go here: http://www.antrimcounty.org/boc.asp
OUR BOARD CULTURE
We are a friendly, cohesive group who care deeply about conservation, education, and connecting the community with Grass River Natural Area through both. GRNA, Inc. board service is extremely rewarding. We are hardworking but also like to think we keep a good sense of humor! The work we do at Grass River Natural Area not only touches the lives of children but also enhances the lives of residents and visitors of Antrim County.Board members are expected to participate in community awareness and fundraising events. Service on the Grass River Natural Area, Inc. board is a wonderful way to meet new people and become involved in the Antrim County community.
We are a friendly, cohesive group who care deeply about conservation, education, and connecting the community with Grass River Natural Area through both. GRNA, Inc. board service is extremely rewarding. We are hardworking but also like to think we keep a good sense of humor! The work we do at Grass River Natural Area not only touches the lives of children but also enhances the lives of residents and visitors of Antrim County.Board members are expected to participate in community awareness and fundraising events. Service on the Grass River Natural Area, Inc. board is a wonderful way to meet new people and become involved in the Antrim County community.
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Standing Committees:
Executive Governance Development & Marketing Education Land Management |
Skills we are currently seeking:
Public relations/marketing Fund Development Accounting/Financial Board Development Natural Resources Management Environmental Education |
Board term limit:
Three years, three terms Meeting date/time: Third Wednesday, 6:30pm |
If you are interested in Grass River Natural Area, Inc. board service and have professional skill in the above areas, please call or email jenn@grassriver.org
STAFF
Jenn Wright, Executive Director: jenn@grassriver.org
Jenn joined GRNA in 2018 and is excited to be a part of Grass River Natural Area. Growing up in northern Michigan, Jenn developed a deep love of nature at a young age. Whether hiking with her father or spending summers fishing and swimming on Michigan's lakes and streams, the natural beauty of our state has always captivated her. After graduating from Central Michigan University with a B.S. in Biology, Jenn found herself at Chippewa Nature Center (CNC) as a summer camp counselor. It was that very first day of staff training where Jenn knew that working in the environmental field was what she wanted to do with her life. After 4 years at CNC she spent 17 years at the Kalamazoo Nature Center, most recently as the Chief Operating Officer. She and her husband Dougg are excited to return, with their French Brittanies, Fen & Huma, to their roots in northern Michigan. She looks forward to becoming part of the Antrim County community and to sharing the passion and history of the Grass River Natural Area with the public.
Jenn joined GRNA in 2018 and is excited to be a part of Grass River Natural Area. Growing up in northern Michigan, Jenn developed a deep love of nature at a young age. Whether hiking with her father or spending summers fishing and swimming on Michigan's lakes and streams, the natural beauty of our state has always captivated her. After graduating from Central Michigan University with a B.S. in Biology, Jenn found herself at Chippewa Nature Center (CNC) as a summer camp counselor. It was that very first day of staff training where Jenn knew that working in the environmental field was what she wanted to do with her life. After 4 years at CNC she spent 17 years at the Kalamazoo Nature Center, most recently as the Chief Operating Officer. She and her husband Dougg are excited to return, with their French Brittanies, Fen & Huma, to their roots in northern Michigan. She looks forward to becoming part of the Antrim County community and to sharing the passion and history of the Grass River Natural Area with the public.
James Dake, Education Director: james@grassriver.org
James Dake joined GRNA in February 2014 as our Education Director. James grew up in Flushing, Michigan and has studied science education at Central Michigan University and Western Michigan University. He is a certified teacher in the state of Michigan and holds a Master of Arts in Science Education. He is a Certified Interpretive Guide through the National Association for Interpretation. James has taught environmental studies & science in the classroom, as well as with nature centers and museums in Michigan and New York. He spent over two years in New York State and authored a field guide of the flora and fauna of the Finger Lakes Region using his own photography, and he is the author of Grass River's Field Guide to Northwest Michigan. He also spent time in the Adirondack Mountains and on an apple orchard in Central New York. He moved back to his home state in 2010 and is now living in Elk Rapids. Along with teaching outdoors, his passions are backpacking, biking, photography, art, writing, and music. In the summer of 2012, James and his wife, Lauren, rode their bicycles from Michigan to California, with their trip beginning in northwest Michigan. He is proud and happy to call this region his home.
James Dake joined GRNA in February 2014 as our Education Director. James grew up in Flushing, Michigan and has studied science education at Central Michigan University and Western Michigan University. He is a certified teacher in the state of Michigan and holds a Master of Arts in Science Education. He is a Certified Interpretive Guide through the National Association for Interpretation. James has taught environmental studies & science in the classroom, as well as with nature centers and museums in Michigan and New York. He spent over two years in New York State and authored a field guide of the flora and fauna of the Finger Lakes Region using his own photography, and he is the author of Grass River's Field Guide to Northwest Michigan. He also spent time in the Adirondack Mountains and on an apple orchard in Central New York. He moved back to his home state in 2010 and is now living in Elk Rapids. Along with teaching outdoors, his passions are backpacking, biking, photography, art, writing, and music. In the summer of 2012, James and his wife, Lauren, rode their bicycles from Michigan to California, with their trip beginning in northwest Michigan. He is proud and happy to call this region his home.
Sheila Fox, Office Manager/Bookkeeper: sheila@grassriver.org
Sheila has always had a deep appreciation for nature. Growing up in northern Michigan gave her plenty of opportunities to be outside camping, hiking, skiing, stargazing and enjoying the beautiful lakes and streams we have here. College days found her at Northern Michigan University earning her BS in Conservation. Shortly after college, Sheila returned to the area and with her husband, Dan, raised four daughters. She served as head secretary at Elk Rapids High School and is now very excited to be a part of Grass River Natural Area.
Sheila has always had a deep appreciation for nature. Growing up in northern Michigan gave her plenty of opportunities to be outside camping, hiking, skiing, stargazing and enjoying the beautiful lakes and streams we have here. College days found her at Northern Michigan University earning her BS in Conservation. Shortly after college, Sheila returned to the area and with her husband, Dan, raised four daughters. She served as head secretary at Elk Rapids High School and is now very excited to be a part of Grass River Natural Area.
Betsy Willis, Development Coordinator: betsy@grassriver.org
In 1971 Betsy moved to Northwest Michigan with her family and despite several efforts to leave, she has remained near the lakes and rivers where she is most happy. On, in, or near the water or involved in the arts is how she describes her best moments in life. Most recently Betsy worked as the Development Director for the Old Town Playhouse in Traverse City, and throughout her adult life was involved on the stage or behind the scenes as a volunteer. Her degree is in Business Management from Northwood University in Midland and she has a Certificate in Fundraising Management from the Lilly School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. She also possesses a lifelong passion for the environment and what she feels is an obligation to preserve nature (after all it is the most beautiful art there is), so the opportunity to use her skills in development, marketing, and management for the GRNA seemed a natural fit. Betsy is a Board member of Bay Area Recycling for Charities (BARC). The Grass River is calling her to get out a kayak and enjoy life! She hopes to meet you there.
In 1971 Betsy moved to Northwest Michigan with her family and despite several efforts to leave, she has remained near the lakes and rivers where she is most happy. On, in, or near the water or involved in the arts is how she describes her best moments in life. Most recently Betsy worked as the Development Director for the Old Town Playhouse in Traverse City, and throughout her adult life was involved on the stage or behind the scenes as a volunteer. Her degree is in Business Management from Northwood University in Midland and she has a Certificate in Fundraising Management from the Lilly School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. She also possesses a lifelong passion for the environment and what she feels is an obligation to preserve nature (after all it is the most beautiful art there is), so the opportunity to use her skills in development, marketing, and management for the GRNA seemed a natural fit. Betsy is a Board member of Bay Area Recycling for Charities (BARC). The Grass River is calling her to get out a kayak and enjoy life! She hopes to meet you there.
Franny Bluhm, Naturalist
Franny has been a Naturalist at Grass River Natural Area since 1993, making 2018 her 25th anniversary! Franny has deep knowledge of the natural world and loves to teach others about many aspects of nature, especially kids.
Franny has been a Naturalist at Grass River Natural Area since 1993, making 2018 her 25th anniversary! Franny has deep knowledge of the natural world and loves to teach others about many aspects of nature, especially kids.
Anne Drake, Naturalist
Anne’s career as a naturalist began in 1987 at the Sterling Heights Nature Center. Upon moving to the Grand Traverse area, she joined the Grass River team in 1998. Nature and protection of the environment are her life-long loves. This passion began when as a young child, her family traveled the country camping in many of our National Parks. Anne attended Northern Michigan University and Michigan State before graduating from Eastern Michigan. Her specialty is early childhood Education.
She has said that being a naturalist is like being a General Practitioner in the medical field. You are expected to know something about everything. Anne always says, “ It’s a wonderful challenge to take on the title of naturalist, because there is always more to learn.” Anne’s favorite interests are Astronomy, Geology, Birds, Trees, and . . . (don’t laugh). . . Big foot.
Anne’s career as a naturalist began in 1987 at the Sterling Heights Nature Center. Upon moving to the Grand Traverse area, she joined the Grass River team in 1998. Nature and protection of the environment are her life-long loves. This passion began when as a young child, her family traveled the country camping in many of our National Parks. Anne attended Northern Michigan University and Michigan State before graduating from Eastern Michigan. Her specialty is early childhood Education.
She has said that being a naturalist is like being a General Practitioner in the medical field. You are expected to know something about everything. Anne always says, “ It’s a wonderful challenge to take on the title of naturalist, because there is always more to learn.” Anne’s favorite interests are Astronomy, Geology, Birds, Trees, and . . . (don’t laugh). . . Big foot.
Kaye LaFond, Naturalist
M.S. Environmental Engineering
B.S. Applied Ecology & Env. Sciences
Kaye joined the Grass River team in the fall of 2015. Kaye also works for Circle of Blue as their Data Visualization and Reporting Manager, as well as for NOAA as a graphic designer and media specialist. Kaye is both a scientist and a journalist, helping to drive Circle of Blue’s reporting with data and research. She holds an MS in Environmental Engineering from Michigan Technological University. She is skilled in GIS and in creating infographics. Kaye enjoys making science and data interesting and understandable to the public. The Great Lakes are her first love!
M.S. Environmental Engineering
B.S. Applied Ecology & Env. Sciences
Kaye joined the Grass River team in the fall of 2015. Kaye also works for Circle of Blue as their Data Visualization and Reporting Manager, as well as for NOAA as a graphic designer and media specialist. Kaye is both a scientist and a journalist, helping to drive Circle of Blue’s reporting with data and research. She holds an MS in Environmental Engineering from Michigan Technological University. She is skilled in GIS and in creating infographics. Kaye enjoys making science and data interesting and understandable to the public. The Great Lakes are her first love!
Jason Minaker, Naturalist
B.A. Environmental Geo-science
Jason joined the naturalists at Grass River in fall of 2016. He has a B.A. in Environmental Geo-Science from West Virginia University.
B.A. Environmental Geo-science
Jason joined the naturalists at Grass River in fall of 2016. He has a B.A. in Environmental Geo-Science from West Virginia University.
Arlene Westhoven, Naturalist
An aptitude test Arlene took in the sixth grade suggested that she should become a forest ranger, and her career goal was to become a teacher. After obtaining an art degree at the University of Michigan, a biology degree at Central Michigan University, owning and cooking at a restaurant, and teaching environmental biology at Ferris State University; Arlene became exactly what was predicted. She is a naturalist here at Grass River Natural Area. She loves watching, drawing, and learning about all aspects of the natural world from the miniscule to the monumental. She especially likes the observational aspects such as painting, photography, and writing. Arlene enjoys sharing these with all ages and helping their appreciation and involvement grow. The people at GRNA are wonderful to work with to achieve these goals.
An aptitude test Arlene took in the sixth grade suggested that she should become a forest ranger, and her career goal was to become a teacher. After obtaining an art degree at the University of Michigan, a biology degree at Central Michigan University, owning and cooking at a restaurant, and teaching environmental biology at Ferris State University; Arlene became exactly what was predicted. She is a naturalist here at Grass River Natural Area. She loves watching, drawing, and learning about all aspects of the natural world from the miniscule to the monumental. She especially likes the observational aspects such as painting, photography, and writing. Arlene enjoys sharing these with all ages and helping their appreciation and involvement grow. The people at GRNA are wonderful to work with to achieve these goals.
