From growing up in Southeast Michigan to living in the Upper Peninsula, Tom is a whole-hearted Michigander. He graduated from Northern Michigan University (NMU) with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Geography, minoring in Earth Science. He also attended a natural resource program at Vermilion Community College in Ely, Minnesota.
Tom’s work experiences have provided him with a vast skill set. Since 2014, he has had the fortune to work as a Parkland Steward with the Grand Traverse Conservation District. Prior, he restored coastal dune ecosystems as a biological technician at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and participated in the sea lamprey control program throughout the Great Lakes Water Basin with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
In addition, Tom worked at The Nature Conservancy, where he contributed in prescribed fire restoration practices, and as a hydrologic technician with the Ottawa National Forest monitoring and restoring riparian habitats in the western UP.
Whether for leisure or work, by paddle or foot, Tom loves exploring and is continually intrigued by the outdoors. He also enjoys traveling and experiencing firsthand the vast beauty and cultural richness unique to this amazing planet we call home. But more than anything else, he loves doing these things — or just simply relaxing — with his family by his side.
