As Stewardship Manager, the scope of my work falls under two categories: land management and facilities maintenance. Our land management practices include everything from cutting buckthorn with a chainsaw and chemically treating the stump to forestry mulching with a compact track loader. My involvement is more in the latter example. Our facilities were designed and constructed with a commitment to existing in balance with the land. This sounds peaceful and serene and maybe passive. But as anyone who has owned a home knows, every structure ages, which requires dynamic and active involvement–the very definition of stewardship. On any given day I might be replacing, rebuilding, or repairing.

The path I have taken to arrive at the Leopold Foundation is a winding one. With an academic background in kinesiology, I was in need of a recharge after ten years in that field. I became a certified arborist and self-described tree nerd. Coupled with my upbringing, which had me in the outdoors from an early age, any work done outside almost feels like play. The Driftless region of Wisconsin has always captured a special place in my heart. I was raised in Richland Center, and I am excited to be near the home farm again.

I am a woodworker who finds special meaning in a Friday fish fry. Most weekends find me trying to wear out our Lab and walking with the family. In the fall I am loath to be found in clothing which is not camouflage in color. Being smack dab in the middle of the digital age, I may be more slightly inclined to the school of the Luddite. I strive to improve upon my listening skills, but no person has the chance of holding my attention if a Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 is within my eyesight, it has an undeniable combination of classic styling and functionality. A pour-over cup of coffee is mandatory for any semblance of cohesion for my words in the morning, and I like to cook meat over real wood charcoal for long periods of time.