Meet Your Strike Team

The Invasive Species Strike Team is made up of dedicated individuals who aim to improve the local community. In Eastern Calhoun County, the Invasive Species Technicians work on treating Mile-a-minute weed. They are also available to treat Japanese Knotweed at your location and assist partner organizations in removing invasive species from their land. The Technicians play a crucial role in the team by working on the ground and participating in outreach activities such as Scalin up for Summer, Electronics Collection events, Outdoor Youth Day, and more.

  • Gabe Lagina

    Invasive Species Technician

    Having grown up in the woods of the Upper Peninsula, I have always enjoyed and felt comfortable outdoors. I spent 26 years as a bicycle technician and a couple of years as a stay-at-home dad. My search for a job where I could work outdoors and contribute to conserving our woods led me to the Barry Conservation District. In my free time, I can be found foraging, mountain biking, or on bike-packing adventures on some of Michigan’s wonderful trails.

  • Mary Murphy

    Invasive Species Technician

    I graduated from Olivet University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Visual Arts. I’m passionate about ecosystem science and regenerative agriculture and spend my free time drawing, caring for my goats, and hiking. I’m excited to spend the summer managing invasive species with the Barry Conservation District!

  • Megan Halm

    Invasive Species Technician

    As a recent graduate majoring in Environmental and Sustainability Studies and minoring in Public and Nonprofit Administration, I’m stoked to be a part of this strike team and tackle some invasive species! My experience includes teaching summer camp classes at John Ball Zoo and partaking in the creation and execution of GVSU’s first year of Beaver Island Field School in 2022. I enjoy reading, thrifting, and being outside in my free time. I look forward to the fieldwork and learning that I will be able to do with Barry Conservation District this season!

  • Nicolette Sexton

    Red Swamp Crayfish Technician

    I graduated from Northern Michigan University in 2019 with a B.S. in Zoology. I’m also currently a graduate student studying bats and their parasites at Western Michigan University, a Huron Pines AmeriCorps member serving with the Michigan Natural Features Inventory, and have been a seasonal Invasive Crayfish Technician with the BCK CISMA for the past 2 years. I grew up looking for turtles, snakes, and crayfish at a lake near my house, and I love that I get to use my crayfish-catching skills to help the BCK CISMA manage a population of invasive red swamp crayfish. I’m passionate about conserving Michigan’s native flora, fauna, and parasite/disease ecology (especially ticks).