Executive Director

​Tristan Hewitt
Tristan joined the district in April 2019 as the Executive Director. He is from West Branch, Michigan and graduated from CMU with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics. He previously worked as a Farm Bill Technician for Sanilac County, Michigan.  Tristan is an outdoor enthusiast and loves northern Michigan. He also loves traveling, spending time with his family, and learning. 

Community Outreach &
​Conservation Educator

Zach Bates
Zach grew up in Gratiot County and graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor’s in Secondary Education. During his academic career he chose to focus on earth sciences, chemistry, and engineering sciences and how they all interconnect within our environment. After CMU, Zach was a science educator in Gratiot County before joining the Conservation District in May 2023. He enjoys camping, kayaking, and exploring the outdoors. As the Community Outreach and Conservation Educator, Zach hopes to share his curiosity and passion for the outdoors with the community.

Forester

​Joe Nash
Joe Nash grew up in a small town in Michigan's lower peninsula exploring the outdoors. He graduated in May 2020 as the "Outstanding Senior in Forestry" at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, and then dove into the research side of forest ecology and obtained his Master of Science Degree in Forest Resource Management from SUNY ESF in Syracuse, NY. Joe has a diverse background in forest soils, forest inventories, downed wood, data analysis, and forest biomass and carbon calculations.
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​Joe returned to Michigan in 2022 with the aim of spreading his knowledge and passion of forest ecosystems, and to work with the public to promote sustainable forest management. 
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions you have regarding trees on your property or about conservation programs that may be available to you. Joe is here to help you better understand, plan, manage, protect, and utilize your forest resources.