8200 W. County Line Road, Mequon, WI 53097 | (262) 242-8055 | Open Daily: Dawn to Dusk

Our Team

Meet the dedicated people and conservation dogs working to restore habitat, inspire environmental stewardship, and keep MNP free and accessible for all.

Our small but mighty team combines extensive experience with unwavering passion for conservation. From restoration and education to research and community engagement, each member plays a vital role in bringing our mission to life. Together with exceptional volunteers and a visionary board, we’re creating lasting impact for future generations.

Leadership

kristin thiel
Kristin Thiel
Executive Director

Kristin leads MNP’s strategic vision and operations, fostering partnerships and ensuring the preserve remains a vital community resource. Her leadership has expanded educational programs and strengthened conservation efforts across all 510 acres.

Cory Gritzmacher​
Cory Gritzmacher
Chief Operations Officer

Cory ensures smooth daily operations and strives to make every visit memorable. From leading restoration projects and maintaining scenic trails to improving accessibility and designing fun experiences, his work keeps MNP vibrant and welcoming.

Education Team

Jamie Schiesel

Ecological Education Manager

Jamie designs and leads award-winning environmental education programs that bring thousands of students to MNP each year. His innovative field trips inspire the next generation of environmental stewards through hands-on discovery.

Amanda Gardner

Ecological Outreach Manager

Amanda coordinates various programs and events at MNP and assists in environmental programs. She also tells the story of the different projects going on at the Preserve through social media and newsletters.

Juliana Mahler

Education and Monitoring Steward

Juliana coordinates field trip programs and assists with ecological monitoring projects. Her dedication to animal care ensures that every visitor encounters healthy, thriving wildlife during their visit.

Restoration Team

Nick Gall

Ecological Restoration Manager

Nick leads the various research and monitoring programs that take place on MNP property. He teaches community members, interns, and volunteers on how to conduct this vital research. He also assists with land restoration management; making sure the trails are inviting and accessible to all.

Ka Ying Yang

Restoration and Operations Steward

Ka Ying supports both restoration projects and daily operations, from planting native species to maintaining trails and facilities. His dedication ensures the preserve remains beautiful and functional year-round.

Biodiversity Team

Gary S. Casper, Ph.D.

Director of Biodiversity Programs

Gary directs biodiversity programs at MNP and throughout the Great Lakes Region, transforming scientific data into actionable insights. His decades of research have shaped restoration strategies and positioned MNP as a hub for protecting local species of concern.

Caleb Duren

Biodiversity Programs Steward

Caleb supports biodiversity research programs. He assists with wildlife surveys, habitat assessments, and helps to maintain MNP’s position at the cutting edge of conservation science.

Operations Support

Ann Pledger

Education Building Steward

Ann plays a vital role in delivering an exceptional visitor experience by keeping MNP’s education center clean, organized, and ready for exploration.

Barb duren

Guest Relations

Barb plays a vital role in working on a variety of Education Center duties as well as creating a welcoming environment for visitors. With the help of some of our volunteers, she has created new signage, new activities for our youngest visitors, and is always ready to answer any questions visitors might have. 

Alli Parker

Project Development Manager

Alli coordinates the donor stewardship process at MNP, supporting the team with administrative and operational work. She works closely with the leadership team and Board of Directors in solicitation efforts and relationship building to ensure correspondence is timely and data is accurate.

Conservation Canines

Meet Tilia and Timber, our incredible conservation dogs. These specially trained English Field Labradors use their powerful noses to detect invasive plants and monitor indicator species, making them invaluable members of our restoration and research team.

conservation dogs
Timber
Next Generation Conservation Dog

Born at the end of 2021, Timber is a chocolate English Field Labrador and the offspring of Tilia’s sister. He’s learning the ropes from Tilia and developing his own impressive detection skills. His powerful nose will be a key tool in MNP’s ongoing land restoration efforts, continuing the legacy of conservation dog work at the preserve.

Timber’s Training:
  • Currently building scent library
  • Learning from Tilia
  • Developing detection skills
Tilia
Wisconsin’s First On-Staff Conservation Dog

Born in 2016, Tilia is a chocolate English Field Labrador and a pioneering member of our team. She assists in monitoring animal species and eradicating invasive plants through detection work that represents the cutting edge of conservation science. Her powerful nose can locate species that humans often miss, making restoration efforts more effective and efficient.

Tilia’s Scent Library:
  • Blue-Spotted Salamander
  • Eastern Tiger Salamander
  • Wood Turtle
  • Wild Parsnip
  • Garlic Mustard

Board of Directors

Since 2011, Mequon Nature Preserve has been guided by dedicated volunteer board members who provide governance, strategic direction, and unwavering support for our mission.

Kurt Theune
Chairman

Mortenson, General Manager

Lee Szymborski
Vice Chairman

GovHR USA, Senior Vice President

Elizabeth Hellman
Board Secretary 

WE Energy Group, Director of Water Quality

Nathan Otero
Treasurer

U.S. Bank, Private Banking Relationship Manager

Clayton Frazer
Board Member

Native Range Ecological LLC, Principal Ecologist

David Scritsmier
Board Member

Pieper Electric, President-Construction

Eric Manges
Board Member

Meteorologist and Johnson’s Nursery Salesman

Kathleen Schneider
Board Member

City of Mequon, Alderperson

Conor Leedom
Board Member

Godfrey & Kahn, S.C., Associate Attorney

Dr. Barbara Thompson
Board Member

Former Wisconsin State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Join Our Mission

Whether through volunteering, visiting, or supporting our work, there are many ways to become part of the MNP community.

trail and observation tower mequon

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