Leslie Mertz joined the staff of the GTCD in February 2010 as the program coordinator of the Grand Traverse Stewardship Iniative. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication, and a master’s of science and Ph.D. in biological sciences. She has done population surveys of amphibians and reptiles in Michigan, has been part of a scientific expedition to the Canary Islands, and studied sea cucumbers in Bermuda. Her background includes experience as a newspaper reporter and editor; science writer and author; and college-level educator specializing in field-biology courses for science and education students, as well as in-service teachers and non-science students.

Originally from southeastern Michigan, she has lived in seven counties throughout the state, including the Upper Peninsula. She and her husband moved to northern Michigan in time to see the dawn of 2000, and now spend their time enjoying fishing, skiing, hiking, biking and all the other outdoor activities this region has to offer.

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