The Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve is very pleased to announce that Andi Kantola has been elected to serve as our new Board President. Andi succeeds outgoing president Steve Thompson, who served in that role since 2021.
Andi brings a wealth of experience in identifying, monitoring and removing invasive plant species, having served as the Preserve Habitat Committee Chairperson and her work with the Muskegon Conservation District as a Forest Pest Manager. Andi will continue her duties with the Habitat committee.
Andi also created the Saturdays with a Scientist program last year and it was so successful, it has been expanded this year.
Congratulations Andi and best wishes for success as you lead the Board forward.
Steve Thompson was elected to the Board of Directors in 2017 and served as the Board Vice President. He was elected Board President in 2021 at a critical time in the Preserve’s history. Restoration of the Preserve was under way due to invasive plant and tree species that had overwhelmed much of the Preserve and flooding had become a problem.
The restoration included the creation of a pollinator area, vernal ponds (to help prevent flooding), aquatic habitat structures and expansion of the parking area. The hydrologic connection between Muskegon Lake and the wetland systems within the Preserve was also re-established. The restoration was completed in 2023.
Steve’s leadership during the restoration was critical in keeping the Preserve open and accessible while at the same time working with the restoration project managers from West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission (WMSRDC) and GEI Consultants to meet their timeline.
Steve also served as the Maintenance Committee Chairman while serving as the Board President and will continue in that role.
Thank you so very much Steve for your leadership, hard work and dedication over the past nine years.