We are thrilled to announce and congratulate David Flaspohler, Ph.D., Megan Heft, M.S., and Lynn Miller, M.S., on their successful election to the board. Their diverse perspectives, extensive experience, and exceptional leadership skills make them valuable additions to our team. We eagerly anticipate their contributions and insights, which will undoubtedly help us achieve our goals and make a positive impact in the coming years.

We greatly appreciate the valuable contribution of the Michigan Audubon members who have voted and continue to provide their guidance to this organization. Your involvement is crucial to our success, and we are grateful for your ongoing support.

We were inspired by the exceptional candidates who participated in this year’s election. Their collective enthusiasm for avian conservation is a shining example of the hope and progress that can be achieved through our shared efforts. Together, we can make a meaningful difference for the birds and their habitats in the years to come.

You can learn more about the board at michiganaudubon.org/about-us/board-of-directors.

Meet the Newest Board Members

David Flaspohler, Ph.D.

David grew up in Parchment, Michigan, near Kalamazoo, where he formed his deep connection to birds and the natural world through visits to the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary and Ludington. He attended the University of Michigan as an undergrad and the University of Wisconsin-Madison for his M.S. in Conservation Biology and Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology, which involved one of the first investigations of edge effects on songbird breeding success in a forested landscape. David has been a professor at Michigan Technological University for 24 years and dean of the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science for about two years. He has conducted bird-centered research for 30 years in Michigan, Wisconsin, Hawaii, New Zealand, and much of Latin America. He has published 85 peer-reviewed papers on topics related to bird ecology and conservation, given dozens of scientific and public talks, and serves on the boards of several regional conservation organizations. For over 20 years, he led a field ornithology class, which involved a weekend trip to Whitefish Point Bird Observatory, where he saw his first Lark Bunting, Wilson’s Plover, and Spruce Grouse. He enjoys birding with friends and family, biking, Nordic skiing, and carpentry.

Megan Heft, M.S.

Megan is an avid birder and current Ph.D. candidate specializing in avian ecology and conservation. With a focus on understanding the consequences of anthropogenic activity on wild birds, her research delves into the relationships between human activity and avian populations. Her experience spans from birding to research and from falconry to bird banding. She has been involved in numerous bird banding projects ranging from Golden-winged Warbler breeding ecology to Rough-legged Hawk movement ecology. As a falconer and avian trainer, she has experience working with birds in various capacities, including education and wildlife rehabilitation. In addition to her work with wild birds, she also serves as a poultry judge, evaluating birds at various exhibitions across the Midwest. Megan’s commitment to avian conservation and accessible science is a fundamental aspect of her work.

Lynn Miller, M.S.

Lynn retired from teaching in 2022, having taught everything from physical science to ecology. In addition to his passion for biological research, his biggest project was starting and maintaining the district’s Science Olympiad program. Keeping middle school and high school girls involved in science-based education was a focal point while running the program, and he is proud of all the students’ efforts. After receiving his master’s in environmental sustainability management, Lynn worked to inject this into his district, successfully expanding district recycling. Before teaching, Lynn participated in what was, at that time, the largest passerine research project ever in Wyoming, helping a graduate student map bird locations and occurrences along with vegetation habitat. After that, Lynn participated in Birds Without Borders at two locations in Wisconsin through the Milwaukee Zoological Society. Upon completing the BWB project, Lynn was lucky enough to work as a seasonal bird bander for WPBO, stationed at Vermilion in 2000. His love for birds was set for life through these experiences. Having found a home near Whitefish Point, Lynn, his wife Caren, and their Australian shepherd Louie happily witness the beauty of Lake Superior daily.