Contact 3 — Griffin Brooks - Restoration Ecologist

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Griffin Brooks

zeta40.griffin@gmail.com

231.342.8146

8541 N Gills Pier Rd; Northport, MI 49670

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Education & Special Skills

Bachelor of Science in Restoration Ecology – Colorado State University

Associate of Applied Science in Wildlife Technology – Front Range Community College

Certified Master Herpetologist – Amphibian Foundation

Comprehensive knowledge of

Anatomy and Physiology – animals and plants

Taxonomy - animals, plants and soils

Invasive species plants/animal identification and control methods

Measurement and sampling methodology and statistical analysis

I am familiar with

GIS applications software ArcGIS Pro for plant and animal analysis

Grant Writing

RStudio for meta-analysis

Jamovi and Excel for complex data analysis

Project Wild and Project Learning Tree certified instructor- DNR

Relevant Employment & Experiences

Leelanau Conservancy - Leelanau County, Michigan

The mission of the Leelanau Conservancy is Conserving the Land, Water and Scenic Character of Leelanau County.

I was employed full-time for nine months at the Conservancy thru the AmeriCorps program.

My responsibilities included:

GIS mapping (using Google Earth Pro) of plants and animals found in the 28 natural areas and preserves.
Implemented invasive species monitoring and control programs
Monitored trees for disease
Supported herpetofauna research, including locating, catching and studying reptiles and amphibians.
Placed and managed trail cameras as part of a wildlife corridor study. The most exciting footage was of a black bear.
Assisted with water quality monitoring.
Performed natural area restoration and trail maintenance.

Rocky Mountain Raptor Program (RMRP) - Fort Collins, Colorado

RMRP’s mission is to inspire the protection and appreciation of raptors and the spaces where they live through excellence in rehabilitation, education and research.

I was employed as an intern and then volunteered part-time for two years, while a student at Colorado State University.

Responsibilities and experiences:

Extensive training/ certification of the anatomy, physiology and taxonomy of raptors
Training in how to safely capture and restrain raptor patients
Diet preparation and general husbandry, as well as detailed reporting of behaviors and health
Observed and assisted with wound identification and care
Participated in raptor necropsies to identify prior health and cause of death
Acted as an ambassador at community events, sharing information and answering questions

Rocky Mountain Golden Eagle Research Internship - Front Range Community College, Fort Collins, Colorado

My responsibilities included:

Hiked into the Rocky Mountains, weekly, to view / monitor Golden Eagle presence, behavior and nesting
Wrote reports of sightings and activity

Climate Change and Wildlife Conservation Research - Cordova, Alaska

Tracked Salmon migration in the Copper River using Sonar tools
Visited Prince William Sound and observed examples of ecological succession
Analyzed tidal pools to determine how climate change affected the Biotic Community
Performed deep sea fishing on the Prince William Sound to gather population data

African Lion Environmental Research (ALERT) - Zimbabwe, Africa

ALERT is non-profit organization, located in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Africa. They focus on African Lion education and reintroduction, as well as environmental and landscape redevelopment. ALERT uses a 4-step program to release lions back into the wild, with the goal of raising the lion population in Zimbabwe.

I volunteered with ALERT to help raise orphaned lion cubs that had been rescued from the wild, after poachers had killed their parents or pride.

The six lion cubs that I worked with were aged 7 to 24 months.

My responsibilities included:

Studying and documenting their behavior patterns
Food preparation.
Behavior enrichment activities, including making ‘toys’ from sticks and plants.
Learned techniques for safely ‘managing’ the lions in various settings.
Led “Lion Walks” which were in natural, open Savanah, outside of the fenced in areas.
Learned how to navigate through very unique African terrains.
Removed snares and traps set by poachers.
Learned about local culture from nearby village people.
Volunteered at local orphanages to reinforce the importance of appreciating and protecting local wildlife and to play soccer with the children.