Kalkaska Conservation District Announces Renee Penny as New District Manager
Kalkaska, MI - 03/03/2025
The Kalkaska Conservation District (KCD) is pleased to announce the recent hiring of Renee Penny as the new District Manager. Penny brings a wealth of experience in natural resource conservation and a deep commitment to protecting the environment of Kalkaska County.
Penny joined the district as a Conservation Specialist in 2017, bringing with her a range of experience working with private environmental groups, governmental organizations, and for her alma mater, Lake Superior State University. Her focus has been on restoration through education. Penny graduated from LSSU with a degree in Conservation Leadership.
When asked she said that she looks forward to continuing the growth of the District in conducting site visits and the conservation mini-grant program, which is now in its second year. “I have really enjoyed working at the District for the past 8 years and am excited I can continue to grow with a conservation community in Kalkaska”, said Penny.
Penny continued on to say that looking ahead for the District she was excited for plans to develop a new service center that would be complete with community gardens and outdoor learning space for workshops. “I envision an interactive learning space that includes a sensory garden for mindfulness, community garden beds that compliment how-to gardening and composting workshops, storage space for equipment like our tree planter, and upcoming tool lending program.”
The KCD Board of Directors welcomes Renee Penny as the District Manager and congratulates her on this new role. Board chair Dawn Moses, states “Renee has been an outstanding asset to the Conservation District over the last several years. We look forward to the continuing energy, vision and dedication that she brings to the District; thereby ensuring the District’s capacity and ability to provide conservation services to our county residents.”
KCD will be celebrating Ms. Penny’s new appointment at the District’s 75th anniversary kick-off party on Friday, March 21, 2025 at Railroad Square Pavilion in Downtown Kalkaska from 3:00-6:00pm. More information on the event can be found at www.kalkaskaconservation.com/events/75years
In addition, the Conservation District Hosts many other events, including the Kalkaska Farmer’s Market, Weeknight Hikes, workshops, and family events. More information on the programs can be found on their website at www.kalkaskaconservation.com .
The mission of the Kalkaska Conservation District is to provide leadership in the natural resource management of Kalkaska County, deliver conservation assistance and information to residents and visitors, and ensure quality implementation of conservation practices.
