Mark has over 25 years of experience protecting Northern Michigan’s natural resources and managing public land. Over this period, he has received and administered 5 million dollars worth of grants and raised an additional 5 million dollars in donations for environmental and community organizations.

Mark lives in Bellaire with his wife, Monica, and daughters Colleen and Ella. He and his family enjoy canoe camping, athletic activities, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Say hello to Mark at : mark.randolph@macd.org

Renee comes to Kalkaska with a B.A. Degree in Conservation Leadership from Lake Superior State University. Her past experience includes work as a utility arborist with Environmental Consultants, Inc., and as a restoration technician with Cardno JFNew. She also has had a variety of experiences conducting ecological restoration while working for The Nature Conservancy in Ohio and Michigan. She has participated in prescribed burns and has knowledge of many techniques used to control invasive plants, such as herbicide application, mowing and hand pulling. In addition, she assisted in bird banding and Piping Plover research at Whitefish Point in the Upper Peninsula.

Renee’s responsibilities include working with landowners in Kalkaska County to manage forest and wildlife resources. She can provide on-site assistance and is very knowledgeable in plant and tree identification, both native and invasive species. Renee can help landowners develop plans for attracting wildlife to their property, including planting trees, shrubs and wildlife food plots. She can make recommendations regarding erosion control methods and techniques. Renee will also be mapping and reporting invasive species in Kalkaska County.

Say hello to Renee at: renee.penny@macd.org

Sarah attended Michigan State University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics. She began her career by becoming involved in local food systems and education by serving with FoodCorps, a branch of AmeriCorps, in Flint, MI. FoodCorps allowed Sarah worked closely with children in this role to teach them about fresh produce and forge a connection to where their food comes from. She said, “It was so rewarding to see them find the courage to try new fruits and veggies that they never saw before.”

After almost 2 years of service, she continued to work for a non-profit in Flint where she taught nutrition education to people of all ages, did community outreach, and worked toward policy change. Upon moving to Northwest Michigan in 2021, she ran the after-school program at the Kalkaska Middle School before accepting her position with KCD.

Sarah’s Community Engagement Specialist role at KCD will include will coordination of District outreach efforts, particularly with school personnel, after-school organizations, and community groups to conduct field trips that meet educational objectives. We’re most excited that she’ll officially bring back Conservation Tours and Farmer to Community fundraisers with our local schools.

Sarah loves learning about plants and nature, holistic living, and sharing that knowledge with others. In her free time, Sarah and her dog can be found at the beach or in the woods.

Say hello to Sarah at: sarah.schroeder@macd.org

Larry Czelusta, (pronounced sa-les-ta) currently the Conservation District Forester in Wexford and Missaukee Counties, has expanded his territory, and has a wealth of experience in tree-related issues and forest management. Larry has a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from Virginia Technological University. He particularly enjoys working with landowners to provide solutions to what he calls, “bugs and rots.” He likes diagnosing tree illnesses, and providing recommendations on how to help the tree that is stressed, but also manage for the overall health of the forest or woodlot. Larry can work closely with landowners who would like to learn more about enrolling in the Michigan Qualified Forest Management Program, or QFP.

In addition, Larry can provide information on the selection and planting of trees and shrubs for reforestation, windbreaks, and wildlife habitat enhancement. He also has experience with such diverse topics as: timber sales, prairie restoration, and increasing pollinator habitat.

Say hello to Larry at: larry.czelusta@macd.org

Monica Caster is a District Conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). She assists landowners with natural resources management planning and land use resources assessment, as well as with contract and application management.

Monica graduated from Lake Superior State University with a Bachelors’s in Conservation Biology. Monica has been with the NRCS since 2011. She has worked throughout Michigan, Alpena, Sault Ste. Marie, Jonesville, and the Gladstone field office before moving to Bellaire field office.

Monica grew up on a farm in Montmorency County, she continues to be involved with the farming operation. Monica enjoys the outdoors, including fishing, biking, camping.

You can reach her at monica.caster@usda.gov or by phone at (231) 533-6450 ext. 3.

Ranger is our friendly office dog. He likes long walks in the forest and lots of ear rubs. You can find him curled up in the office chairs or in his bed under Renee’s desk. Ranger will be your forever best friend if you bring him treats or deer antlers to chew on (one of his most FAVORITE toys!).

Stop in the office and say hello to Ranger!

Lucas is part of our Regional Team. His role in MAEAP is to provide assistance to farms within Kalkaska, Missaukee, and Wexford Counties.

Lucas grew up in Coldwater Michigan before going to Glen Oaks Community College where he played baseball and obtained an associates degree in general studies. Recently he graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Fish and Wildlife Management from Lake Superior State University. Before coming to the District he worked as a Fish and Wildlife Technician for Bay Mills Indian Community Biological services in the Upper Penninsula helping to manage fish and wildlife populations in the area. Outside of work Lucas enjoys spending time outside and enjoying all that Northern Michigan has to offer.

Say hello to Lucas with any MAEAP questions or concerns: lucas.santure@macd.org