Current AmeriCorps Members

Justin Burchett, Otsego Conservation District, Education Coordinator

Justin graduated in 2008 from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology with an emphasis on plants. Justin worked with the Michigan Natural Features Inventory in the Allegan State Game Area and Muskegon State Game Area inventorying plants and with the Michigan Nature Association to remove invasive species. He was a Volunteer Steward with the Michigan Nature Association for the Karner Blue Preserve in Newaygo.

Emily Cook, HeadWaters Land Conservancy, Land Protection Technician

Emily comes from Frankfort, MI with a year of AmeriCorps service with the Student Conservation Association in New Hampshire under her belt. She’s worked for The Nature Conservancy and the National Park Service on invasive species removal on the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. She graduated in May of 2010 with a BS in Natural Resources Management from Grand Valley State University. Emily's special certifications and trainings include: Leave No Trace, Aerie Wilderness First Responder, Game of Logging Chainsaw training, Michigan Commercial Herbicide Applicators License and U.S. Forest Service Axing.

Philip Hartmeyer, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Education and Outreach Specialist

Philip graduated in May 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in archaeology with emphasis on maritime archaeology from Saint Mary's College of California. He has dedicated himself to the ocean and freshwater bodies, in both archaeological and ecological pursuits. He is excited to be serving at Thunder Bay and inspiring others to cherish and protect our maritime history.

Daniel Moffatt, Michigan Sea Grant - Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative, Education Coordinator

Daniel graduated from Evangel University (MO) in 2007 with a major in international multicultural studies. He is originally from Tawas City but has lived all over the United States including Colorado, Florida, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina and Oregon. He also served as an AmeriCorps member in 2009 with the Student Conservation Association in New Hampshire. Daniel’s certifications include: American Heart Association CPR and AED,  Aerie Backcountry Medicine-Wilderness First Responder and First Aid, American Canoe Association-Moving Water Canoe Instructor and Leave No Trace trainer.

Garrett Noyes, Huron Pines, Watershed Technician

Garrett was a Seasonal Land Steward with The Nature Conservancy in New Hampshire, an interpretation ranger intern at the Big Bend National Park in Texas and has a variety of agricultural experiences. Garrett graduated in May of 2006 from Unity College (ME) with a BS in Parks, Recreation and Ecotourism and his certifications and trainings include Northeast Woodlands Training-Game of Logging I and II, Solo Wilderness Medicine-Wilderness Forest Responder and AHA Healthcare Provider CPR, and U.S. Forest Service-Basic Wildland Firefighter Training. He is also an avid canoeist, fly-fisher, and freshwater naturalist.

Harriet Smith, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Education and Outreach Specialist

Raised in Rhode Island, the Ocean State, water has always been a major part of Harriet’s life. In 2009, she graduated from Clark University (Massachusetts) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in American History. The following year she received her Master’s from Clark, also in American History. Harriet  participated in a mentoring program for local high school students and was a member of Water Watch, a student organization devoted to water conservation. Harriet has studied abroad in Scotland and has traveled to Italy, Spain, Belgium, and Holland.