Hi! My name is Matthew Tangen, and I am part of the Oakland Township Parks Natural Areas Stewardship team this summer. I am excited to learn and grow as I work in the field and meet new people! I am currently studying Environmental Science at Oakland University with a specialization in resource management and sustainability and plan to graduate in April 2024.

From the time I was a young child I have had an interest in natural environments and environmental sciences. I grew up near Stony Creek Metropark with a small forest I explored in my backyard. As a child, my family and I spent weekends walking the trails at the Park’s Nature Center and reading the plaques that provided information on the natural areas. I remember reading one plaque about how glaciers carved out and formed the hilly landscape found within the park – I was amazed at the power of these processes. Given these opportunities, I spent most of my childhood outside exploring these areas with my friends and siblings. I became enthralled with natural areas and spent my time outside whenever I was able.

I remember in 2009, when I was in elementary school, I learned about the emerald ash borer. This invasive beetle, native to north-eastern Asia, first lays eggs in the bark of an ash tree. Then the larvae feed on the tree, leading to its death. Widespread decline of ash has had detrimental effects on Michigan’s natural areas. The effects of the bug became evident to me shortly after as I began to notice all of the dead ash trees. Since learning about this bug, I have always kept an eye out for them any time I’m outside. I have cared deeply about invasive species ever since. I am so excited to work with invasive species this summer and contribute to the restoration of something I care so deeply about.

I got a job at a park as soon as I could. Even though I was only a toll booth attendant, I was still happy to be able to spend my days outside and say that I worked at a park. I became a student at Oakland University shortly after and began my degree in Environmental Science. Taking classes such as soil science, water resources, and field ecology grew my interest in the environment even further, and I am sure that being a land steward will do the same.

The work that I have done so far has been very rewarding and exciting. I have put in a beaver baffle, done controlled burns, and pulled garlic mustard, and I have loved every minute of it. Installing the beaver baffle at Draper Twin Lake Park was an incredible learning experience for me that showed how nature and humans can interact and coexist in a mutually beneficial manner. By putting in the beaver baffle we were able to keep the water flowing through the lake while still providing a habitat for the beaver in the area. I am so grateful for this opportunity, and I am excited to explore Oakland Township’s lovely parks and meet its great residents!