About us
From wild places to the urban jungle
Mitchell Lettow
Ecology and conservation
I have had an insatiable curiosity about nature before I could even say the word nature. A child-like love for animals matured into an awareness and passion for the environment around me. My intense fascination with all aspects of the natural world and the way its working parts interact led me to pursue a career in ecology and conservation. I have a B.S. in Environmental Biology/Zoology and an M.S. in Entomology from Michigan State University, and spend my working life at the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy. I work to care for and connect people to nature preserves in their neck of the woods. I have more recently realized my love for writing about nature, which is why you’re reading this now!
Emily Petz
Community and sustainability
I am an Urban Planner and yogi. I want to create spaces and places where people can live to love and love to live! I have a degree in Urban and Regional Planning and have an accreditation in LEED Building Design and Construction and am a Economic Development Finance Professional. I have worked for the State of Michigan for 10 years, serving the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. I have focused much of my time and energy on sustainable mix-use developments that incorporate affordable housing. So much of what is built today does not incorporate elements that can stand the test of time. I plan to encourage urban development that truly meets the needs of the community, and uses design principles that embrace environmental sustainability.