DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS
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CHAIR
Larry Gross is our District Chairman. Larry has been with the Clare Conservation District for many years. He has participated as both a District Board Member and as a landowner working on different programs and Projects. In addition to volunteering his time to the Clare Conservation District, Larry owns and operates a honey bee farm and enjoys spending time with all of his grandchildren. If you would like to email Larry, please click here. TREASURER
Scott Peterson is a Director for the Clare Conservation District. Scott has owned and operated a farm in Clare County for over 15 years. He is familiar with a lot of programs offered by the District and feels that Conservation practices and programs are important. If you would like to email Scott, please click here. DIRECTOR
Joy Simmer |
VICE - CHAIR
John Hood is our District Vice-Chair. John is new to the area but has made many contributions in such a short time. John owns property in Clare County that he manages for wildlife. In addition to volunteering his time to the Clare Conservation District, John also sits on the ALPOA Board and on the Michigan Lakes and Streams Board. If you would like to email John, please click here. DIRECTOR
John Kennedy is our newest Director for the Clare Conservation District. He joined us this past December. If you would like to email John K, please click here vacant- please contact the district for details if you are interested in becoming a board member. |
Staff Members
Melissa Townsend, District Administrator
Melissa joined the District July 2016 as our District Administrator. She was born and raised in Clare County on her family's farm that has been passed through several generations. She left the farm and received her Bachelor's degree in Professional Technical Writing at Saginaw Valley State University. Melissa has interned with one of the CD's partners, Little Forks Conservancy, and Gladwin MSU Extension Office. She has always been interested with the Conservation Districts and protecting the environment.
Christine Brooks, Soil Erosion Agent
My name is Christine, I am an Olivet College graduate. I received my bachelors in 2017 with a double major in environmental science and biology. My decision to pursue a college education in environmental science and biology was direct result from my passion to be outdoors. I enjoy to fish, hike, kayak, bike, go trail riding on my horse, or go on nature walks with my dog.
Taking in account the amount of time I spend in nature it seemed fitting to major in environmental science and biology so that I could protect nature. Protecting the environment is a passion of mine and I would like to help people understand the importance of why we should protect the environment.
Now that I have graduated from my undergrad program I am pursuing my career. I would like to make a difference for the environment that we all live in. I am excited to be a part of the Clare County Conservation District as the Soil Erosion agent, I am hopeful that this position will bring with it much knowledge and excitement.
Taking in account the amount of time I spend in nature it seemed fitting to major in environmental science and biology so that I could protect nature. Protecting the environment is a passion of mine and I would like to help people understand the importance of why we should protect the environment.
Now that I have graduated from my undergrad program I am pursuing my career. I would like to make a difference for the environment that we all live in. I am excited to be a part of the Clare County Conservation District as the Soil Erosion agent, I am hopeful that this position will bring with it much knowledge and excitement.
Alex Svoboda, MAEAP Technician
I am a recent graduate of Northern Michigan University where I received a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science with a concentration in Natural Resources. Upon graduation, I worked for the Marquette County Conservation District as part of the CISMA program before being hired as a MAEAP Technician.
I grew up in Wasilla, Alaska. I enjoy fishing, hiking, gardening, and playing hockey. The wild places of Alaska instilled within me a tremendous passion for conservation. My goal is to pursue conservation as a tool that benefits both environmental and community health. I greatly look forward to working with Clare County!
I grew up in Wasilla, Alaska. I enjoy fishing, hiking, gardening, and playing hockey. The wild places of Alaska instilled within me a tremendous passion for conservation. My goal is to pursue conservation as a tool that benefits both environmental and community health. I greatly look forward to working with Clare County!
Nia Becker, District Forester
Nia Joined the District March 2017 as our District Forester. She is from DeWitt, Michigan and graduated from Michigan Technological University with a Bachelor's Degree in Forestry. She has traveled to many places and last worked in Montana as a Wildland firefighter. In her free time she enjoys biking, cooking and anything outdoors! She also has a pet rabbit and small garden.
(Left to Right) - Roberta Schunk; District Treasurer, John Hood; District Vice-Chair, John Kennedy, Scott Peterson, Larry Gross; District Chairman
