I have an enduring passion for the outdoors and its health, and that is why I am an environmentalist, dedicating myself to fieldwork, conservation, and stewardship. 

Currently, I am employed by the Pacific Northwest National Wildlife Federation in Seattle, Washington. I am involved in a variety of activities to create a conservation coalition to preserve our wildlife. Activities include developing hands-on programs, policy development, community outreach, and more.  

Previously, I was the Urban Forestry Technician for the city of Ann Arbor.  In this role, I focused on urban woodlands for environmental factors but also for the enjoyment of the city residents. Further, effective woodlands can reduce energy costs as they cool areas throughout the city. Also, woodlands provide ample habitats for various wildlife. Some of my responsibilities included prepping planting and removal sites for trees. I also inspect trees and natural areas for insects, diseases, and any damage that might diminish the quality of tree health. I looked for safety issues trees may cause to residents.

I also educated the public. To that end, I developed activities and published materials for Arbor Day as as well as other needed information. I also coordinated with private landowners throughout Ann Arbor who nominate trees on their property for the city's Champion Tree program.  My course work in woody plants and restoration ecology, among others, have proved quite useful as well as my experience with invasive species at UM's Matthaei Botanical Gardens. 

I graduated with High Distinction from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science in the Program in the Environment (PitE ). Over my college career, I have been devoted to gaining environment-related knowledge and experience.  I interned at the UM Matthaei Botanical Garden’s Nature Academy, immersing myself in meaningful work in its Natural Areas. It recently awarded me its Nanette LaCross Student Prize. I spent another summer at UM’s life-changing Camp Davis in Wyoming. This past summer was devoted to Brines’s Farm, a diversified vegetable, fruit, and nut farm operation, and tree & shrub nursery.  

At UM, I was employed as a Peer Advisor for PitE, assisting new and prospective students. Further, I was the elected Public Relations Committee Chair for the service group Circle K as well as its Bulletin Editor. In this position, I designed various event and marketing materials, branding materials, published its online newsletter, created podcasts, and oversaw its social media. These experiences have developed within me  devotion, curiosity, a strong work ethic, knowledge, and a diversity of skills. 

As a PitE student, I grew intellectually. I completed a course at the UM Rocky Mountain Field Station, Camp Davis, conducting fieldwork in Wyoming’s Grand Tetons, Yellowstone Park, and surrounding areas. I also completed a Restoration Ecology course that exposed me to more field techniques, such as macroinvertebrate monitoring in native Michigan ecosystems and developing management plans. The course taught me the important multidisciplinary approaches between environmental science and the social implications involved with conservation and restoration.

Further, I  completed a GIS course and gained incredibly useful knowledge and skills in manipulating spatial data and using it for georeferencing, using LiDAR data, and much more. Additionally, as an intern for the Nature Academy at MBGNA, I spent hundreds of hours in the field conducting invasive species removal, identifying native and non-native plants, and completing restoration projects. I worked eight hours each day in the spring and summer with my team members, ultimately developing the most efficient and effective methods to eradicate invasive species through collaboration. I also am adept at identifying different species of plants and always endeavoring to learn more.  My internship led to my proficiency in many skill areas like the use of power tools, spraying of pesticides, and maneuvering off-road vehicles. 

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I also gained experience in data collection from an independent project. For years, Matthaei has had an indigenous seed garden. I was curious as to their viability. So, for my study, I measured seed viability and vigor of a rare Native American corn variety, gaining skills and developing useful knowledge about the future uses of this seed. 

As a PitE peer advisor and Public Relations committee chair for Circle K, I was an effective and enthusiastic communicator, leader, and planner. I conveyed information to PitE students  requiring assistance in building schedules and knowledge of opportunities and resources. In both positions, I employed my considerable art and writing skills to create email campaigns, weekly newsletters, advertisements, and various communications, including social media. I have advanced skill in Microsoft suite as well as Photoshop. For Circle K, I also assisted in planning numerous events. 

Finally, as an artist, I share my love of the natural world and the unique way I see our world. I paint animals, people, characters, landscapes, and more in colorful, playful ways. It expresses my care and affection for what I love. See my Art Store Kell-eidoscope: https://kelleebyard.com/art-store.

All of these experiences have shaped me into a passionate, dedicated, hard working, and skilled team member and enthusiastic leader who is happy to be in an environmental career in which I can care for the planet.