Renee came to Kalkaska with a B.A. Degree in Conservation Leadership from Lake Superior State University.

In October 2024 she was promoted from KCD’s Conservation Specialist to District Manager.

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

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, Wexford, and Crawford 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