Jeff Plakke Natural Areas Manager (734) 274-1809 Jeff Plakke loves the outdoors and has worked in the field of Natural Resources for over ten years. While pursing a B.S. in Forestry at Michigan Technological University, he worked with Dr. Rolf Peterson on the Ecological Study of Wolves and Moose on Isle Royale and continues to work as an EarthWatch Research Team Guide for the this study. He also worked on Isle Royale as a backcountry Ranger and a Biological Sciences Technician conducting vegetation surveys. After graduating from MI Tech, Jeff began working as a Conservation District Forester in Oceana and Newaygo counties of Michigan where he consulted on tree health and land management for timber and wildlife. Jeff moved to Ann Arbor several years ago and began working for the Nichols Arboretum evaluating and removing hazardous trees and managing the Rhododendron Collection. Since then, his primary focus has involved working with all aspects of MBGNA’s Natural Areas Stewardship: Prescribed Burning, Exotic Invasive Species Control, the Propagation of Native Plants as well as many other aspects of the care and promotion of these facilities. Jeff is currently enrolled in the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment and plans to graduate with a M.S. in Resource Ecology and Management. |
