We reluctantly bade farewell to Jerry Ziegler, who joined the Board in 2008 and served as Board Vice President for 3 years and as President for 2 years. Succeeding Jerry is former Vice President, Andy Holschbach, who has served on the Board for the past 8 years. Other changes include 6 new Directors who joined the Board in January and will each serve initial three-year terms:
Natalie Dorrler is Associate Director of Development at Riveredge Nature Center and Invasive Species Coordinator for the Friends of the Mukwonago River. Natalie is experienced in securing grants and managing funded projects for publicity and outreach, invasive species control, land stewardship, nature based education and partnership building.
Bob Wakeman (on the left in this photo with bigfoot) is the Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator for Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources specializes in water resources management and is the statewide spokesperson for aquatic invasive species. Bob’s experience and agency representation includes aquatic plant management, grant programs, and partnerships with Wisconsin lake property owners.
Melissa Curran currently works as a Botanist for Stantec Consulting Services, where she assists clients with ecological and botanical assessments and characterizations; natural resource inventories including rare, threatened, and endangered species surveys; long-term biological monitoring; and environmental permitting. She manages large-scale orchid conservation projects and regularly teaches workshops and gives lectures on orchid conservation.
Samantha Geyer is Field Supervisor for the Milwaukee County Parks Natural Areas and specializes in urban natural resources management and invasive species education. Samantha is responsible for leading project teams in conducting all of the invasive species management within the County Park System’s natural areas. She is also a DATCP certified applicator for use of herbicides.
Scott Horzen is a Wetland Ecologist and Botanist for Oneida Total Integrated Enterprises and specializes in natural resources consulting. Scott’s expertise includes natural areas assessment, native restoration, and land management. He has a strong background in invasive species management and is a DATCP certified applicator for use of herbicides.
Jean Weedman serves as President/Chair of Eagle Nature Trail, is a former Board Member for the Friends of the Mukwonago River, and retired educator Oak Creek-Franklin School District. Jean’s expertise includes education, writing, communication and outreach, as well as membership development. She also has experience in native plant and prairie restoration, including invasive species management.
We also extend tremendous gratitude to newly retired members Mike Yanny, Julia Robson and Nan Calvert for their commitment to our mission and for the innovative ideas they shared throughout their terms of service.