Returning Stewards Mark and Jarred: Where We’ve Been

We're excited to welcome Jarred McPherson and Mark Peters back to our stewardship team for the 2025 season! Make sure you stop to say hi to Jarred, Mark, Jenna, and Hanna if you see them out in the parks. Look for posts from Jenna and Hanna soon!
Steward crew posing before a brush pile burn at Paint Creek Trail - Wet Prairie.
Meet our 2025 Stewardship Crew (from left to right): Jenna, Grant, Hanna, Mark, and Jarred

Jarred McPherson – Crew Lead

Since last season with Oakland Township, I’m proud to say I have finished my degree in Environmental Science and Management through Michigan State University. In my time there, I was fortunate enough to learn from some of the most passionate and knowledgeable people in my field, fostering a deep appreciation for the intricate relationship between nature and community. I am excited to continue this trend, returning to work with the excellent staff, new and old, at Oakland Township, where collaboration and shared goals are key to our success.

This season, I excitedly enter a new position as the Land Stewardship Technician Crew Lead, which presents a unique opportunity to apply my academic knowledge in a practical setting. I’m eager to embrace these new challenges in not only a leadership role, but also as a professional in my field, where I can make meaningful contributions to our projects and initiatives. Thank you to the incredible staff here for acknowledging and considering me for this position, as your support and encouragement play a crucial role in my growth and commitment to environmental stewardship.

Jarred wading through the waters of Bear Creek's pond, planting aquatic species.
Jarred wading through the waters of Bear Creek Nature Park’s center pond, planting aquatic species in 2024.

Mark Peters – Steward Technician

After my time here at Oakland Township last year, I returned to Michigan State University where I have continued towards earning my degree in Forestry. I will graduate next year in the spring. I have also continued to be involved with the MSU Forestry Club where I have been elected treasurer. With the club I have been able to travel to professional conferences around the state and participated in timber sports with other schools, which we are excited to see grow.

I am glad to be back here at Oakland Township for the season as a Land Stewardship Technician. I was able to learn a lot last year and meet a lot of fantastic people. I am excited to be able to keep learning and improving our parks before I return to Michigan State University in the fall.

Former steward Alexis Sell and Mark Peters at a timber sports competition with the MSU Forestry Club
Former steward Alexis Sell and Mark Peters at a timber sports competition with the MSU Forestry Club

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