Staff
The Washtenaw County Conservation District staff has expertise to assist landowners with the conservation and management of their natural resources. The Conservation District is assisted by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
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Nicholas Machinski, MAEAP Technician Nick provides assistance to producers interested in Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) verification. Before coming to Washtenaw, Nick was a MAEAP Technician for Lenawee County, worked as a Forestry Technician and studied Sustainable Systems with a focus on agricultural systems at the University of Michigan. He is a Certified to write Nutrient Management Plans through the Natural Resource Conservation Service. Contact Nick at (734) 302-8711 nick@washtenawcd.org Erez Brandvain, Conservation Technician Erez is the link between the WCCD and Washtenaw County NRCS, providing support on EQIP, CSP and other programs. Erez grew up in Farmington Hills, and has a degree in Sustainable Agriculture from Sterling College, in Craftsbury, Vermont. Prior to joining the WCCD team, he served as a MAEAP Technician in Cass County for four and a half years. Contact Erez at (734) 302-8714 erez@washtenawcd.org Doug Reith, Resource Coordinator Doug coordinates Resource distributions including the Tree & Shrub sales and Native Plant sales, and other programs including the School & Community Habitat Grant and equipment rental. Doug is originally from Macomb County and holds a degree in Computer Science degree from University of Michigan. Doug spent several years in Detroit involved in urban community gardening/farming and subsequently to rural Tuscola county where he worked as an organic vegetable farmer. Doug also served as a Stewardship Technician and Volunteer Coordinator Assistant with Washtenaw County NAPP and is a 2019 graduate of the Conservation Stewards Program. Contact Doug at (734) 302-8713 Doug@washtenawcd.org Summer Roberts, Community Forester Summer develops and facilitates educational opportunities, such as Tree Planting 101, provides technical assistance for forestry related inquiries, and is working to develop a countywide forestry initiative. While earning her master’s degree in Conservation Ecology and Environmental Informatics at the University of Michigan, she interned at the U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum where she performed natural area management and restoration techniques and furthered her plant identification skills. Most recently, Summer worked as an environmental consultant. Using aerial photographs, soil maps, and available GIS data as well as conducting field verification surveys to collect GPS coordinates, photographs, species lists, and landform notes, she would advise clients on best land management practices to reach their desired goals. Contact Summer at (734) 302-8716 Summer@washtenawcd.org Megan DeLeeuw, Executive Director Megan is responsible for administering, implementing and overseeing District programs and activities identified by the Board of Directors. Megan has a B.S. in Philosophy and Political Science and an MBA with a specialization in Nonprofit Management and Leadership (expected completion in Fall 2021). She has been involved in local food systems work for over 14 years, 8 years of which were starting and running Hand Sown Farm in Sharon Township. Megan has been involved in various aspects of local food systems work including earning a certificate in Organic Agriculture from Michigan State University. Megan currently serves on the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Committee (ALPAC) for Washtenaw County and serves on the Board of Directors for Acorn Farmers' Market & Café in Manchester. Contact Megan at (734) 302-8710 megan@washtenawcd.org |
