Jackie Serran

Detroit River Canadian Cleanup

Remedial Action Plan Coordinator

Jackie is the Remedial Action Plan Coordinator for the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup. Jackie works with community groups and partners, including federal, provincial, and municipal governments, conservation authorities, and the public to implement the Detroit River Remedial Action plan to protect, restore and enhance the Detroit River ecosystem. The ultimate goal of this work is to restore beneficial uses to the Detroit River and remove the Canadian side of the Detroit River from the list of Great Lakes Areas of Concern. Prior to working at the DRCC, Jackie managed a research lab that conducted research on wetland hydrology, harmful algae, and translating science to policy. Jackie received her MSc in Geography in 2015 from the University of Western Ontario.

Gina Pannunzio

Essex Region Conservation Authority

Partnerships and Outreach Coordinator

Gina Pannunzio is currently the Partnerships and Outreach Coordinator with the Essex Region Conservation Authority, and the Remedial Action Plan Assistant with the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup. She works with both ERCA’s and DRCC’s partners, volunteers, organizations, businesses and individuals on a number of stewardship and citizen science initiatives. These in the field or on the ground actions help those involved connect to the environment and feel a sense of purpose and contribution. Gina is endlessly passionate about the environment and enjoys exploring natural areas during her free time. She has completed a Master’s of Science in Environmental Practice along with an Environmental Studies degree with Honours from the University of Windsor, the Post-Graduate Environmental Management and Assessment program at Niagara College and holds a Sustainability Education certificate from Algonquin College.

David Miechiels

Detroit Riverfront Conservancy

Volunteer Coordinator

David Miechiels is the volunteer coordinator for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. He oversees the Conservancy’s volunteer program through recruitment, organization, communication, and retention. Prior to joining the Conservancy, David was a public school teacher in Metro Detroit. While teaching, he was involved in a number of committees focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the education system. David earned his B.M. in Music Education from Michigan State University, where he taught community music classes and worked to provide educational programs for local youth. When not on the Riverfront, David enjoys reading, staying active, and making music. David and is looking forward to being a part of the Detroit River Coalition and increasing conservation efforts along the Riverfront.

Linda Walter

Michigan DNR Outdoor Adventure Center

Director

Linda joined the DNR to open the DNR’s newest venture, the Outdoor Adventure Center in 2015. Previously, Linda was the Parks and Recreation Director in Clinton Township where she was the very first Parks and Recreation director – fresh out of college. Linda grew up in metro Detroit and graduated from Wayne State University. She has been married “forever” and is the mom of terrific, young men. She loved her time as their Cub Scout leader and “fan in the stands” for their sports. She is active in her church and school district. Tent camping is her favorite outdoor activity and she enjoys camping in Michigan State Parks and the Ontario Provincial Parks. She is a Past President for the Michigan Recreation and Parks Association, a CPRP, frequenter presenter and former teacher and coach. She is proud of the variety of programs, classes and outdoor experiences the OAC offers to the public.

Jaclyn Heikkila

Friends of the Rouge

Restoration Assistant

Jaclyn has been with Friends of the Rouge since May 2018 while completing her bachelor's degree in Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University. She grew up and currently lives in Metro Detroit and has a passion for the environment and how we all interact with nature. Jaclyn enjoys coordinating FOTR's annual Rouge Rescue river cleanup events throughout Southeast Michigan. She loves having community members out to connect with their local parks and natural areas, seeing youth learning about the environment and how to be a good land/ water steward every day. In her free time, she loves to take nature walks with her significant other. while they're out they pick up litter or invasive garlic mustard to leave it better than they found it.

Natalie Jakub

Green Living Science

Executive Director

Natalie is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University where she holds a B.A degree with a concentration in Marketing and a Master’s degree in Social Foundations – Eco-Justice Education. After finishing her education, Natalie started as a Volunteer Coordinator at Green Living Science through the AmeriCorps VISTA program – spending two years building the organization’s database of volunteers. Natalie has progressed in her 7 years with Green Living Science, and now serves as the organization’s Executive Director. She is a certified TRUE Advisor – helping facilities achieve zero-waste. She assisted in the development of a program focused on helping businesses reduce their waste and establishing sustainable recycling programs.
In addition to her role at Green Living Science, Natalie serves as the chair of the Recycling and Waste Reduction subcommittee with Detroit City Council’s Green Task Force influencing policy at a local level. She is also an active member of the Policy Subcommittee for the Michigan Recycling Coalition which focuses on state legislation. Natalie is an alumna of the MSU Extension Great Lakes Leadership Academy - Leadership Advancement Program and a current participant of the Environmental Leadership Program.

Kaylee Peterson

Friends of Detroit River

Community Outreach Coordinator

Kaylee has been with Friends of the Detroit River since July of 2019, where she serves as Community Outreach Coordinator. She is a graduate of Michigan State University with a bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies and Sustainability. Growing up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan her love for nature started young, now residing in Detroit she admires the significance the Detroit River has on residents in Southeast Michigan and Western Ontario. She is extremely passionate about the benefits of being outdoors and connecting folks to nature within their own communities. In her free time, she loves to hit the trails, either on bike, foot, or in a kayak. She also enjoys cuddling her two adorable cats and exploring remote backpacking locations.

Aly Melnik

Belle Isle Conservancy

Volunteer Coordinator

Aly became part of the Belle Isle Conservancy in the spring of 2019 and has loved every moment since. Aly is a graduate of Western Michigan University, where she received her Bachelors of Arts and Sciences in Political Science and Environmental Studies. Aly oversees the vast Belle Isle volunteer team on a day to day basis as the point of connection between the Conservancy staff and the volunteer team. As Volunteer Coordinator, she is implementing and ever evolving the volunteer programming at the Belle Isle Aquarium and Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory. She is reminded everyday how beloved the park is to so many when she is working hand in hand with the individuals who give up their weekends to guarantee the Aquarium, Conservatory, and park are here for generations to come. As a native Metro-Detroiter, the Detroit River holds a special place in her heart, filled with countless memories of family bike rides.