Over the years the MIAL Crew has grown to include all who love Michigan’s great public lands… Here are some of our adventurous crew members…

JON

Jon is, first and foremost, an Eagle Scout. Growing up scouting gave him a sense of honor, tradition, and integrity that he feels can only be gained from youth being mentored by adults. Jon appreciated all the “old guys” along the way that taught him, not just the skills of survival, but also the respect for nature and its wonders. Jon hopes to be able to one day spread those skills and respect to younger generations of adventurers.

DREW

Drew is an arts educator from south east Michigan who grew up hunting and fishing all over the state. Drew’s passion for the woods is only matched by his obsession with planning adventures for those new to the outdoors. He holds the belief that the best way to protect our natural resources is to help everyone see their beauty and diversity up close. Drew’s goal is to show that Michigan’s great public lands are accessible to everyone, on any budget. From short weekends at local state parks and recreation areas, to week long deep woods excursions, its all fair game in Drew’s world.

DICK

Dick spent his childhood in Virginia before moving to Grayling, Michigan at the age of nine. He used his time in Grayling exploring back country trails and roads, getting into and out of his fair share of trouble. Dick spends the majority of his time either working hard or with his wife, Sam, enjoying bon fires in their back yard and hikes in the woods. Dick hopes to rekindle the love for hunting and fishing he had in his formative years now that he’s old enough to appreciate the value these things bring to ones life.

SAM

Pitch a tent. Catch a fish. Fight a bear. Sam will do whatever it takes to have a good time in the woods. Being married to Dick means never having a dull moment in nature, and spending a lot of time there. Every year Sam ends up hiking further into the woods, expanding her boundaries, while she looks for the ultimate peace and quiet in the most beautiful locations possible for her morning cup of coffee.

GERRY

Gerry usually prefers a warm couch and a good scotch to roughing it in Michigan’s wilderness. But every so often Gerry can be found bombing rivers, hiking trails, and hammocking with the best of them. Gerry believes the true path to preservation of our resources is to stop selling them for far below their actual societal value. Gerry is currently accepting applications from interested liquor sponsors.

NICK

Nick was born and raised near the banks of the Ausable river. He comes from a line of river caretakers. As such, he can surely find you the best offerings for hunting and fishing areas near northern/mid Michigan. Nick and his family spend time caretaking for properties along the Ausable river, flyfishing, and geocaching. He also works seasonally for a local Michigan state park. He feels the best way to help our environment is to stop looking for bigfoot and leave the poor guy alone.

KERRY

Kerry enjoys few things in life more than waking up on the shore of one of Michigan’s beautiful bodies of water, away from civilization, and with a fresh cup of coffee after a good 10 hours of sleep. Sometimes with a hike, sometimes by RV — however you get there, it’s nice to get away! When he isn’t busy evading society, Kerry likes to collect license plates, play Magic: The Gathering, and take in the occasional baseball game.