David N. Ewert

EDUCATION

Ph.D. 1978 City University of New York
M.S. 1976 City University of New York
B.S. 1970 University of Michigan (Biology)

EMPLOYMENT

2001-present: Director of Conservation Science, Great Lakes program, The Nature Conservancy.

Articulate and implement science programs which advance protection of sites that support regionally significant species, communities and landscapes in the Great Lakes region by collaborating with scientists throughout the region. 

1985-2001: Director of Science and Stewardship, Michigan field office, The Nature Conservancy.

Manage system of 37 preserves. Direct and manage science and stewardship program. Conduct studies of flora and fauna, administer grant programs, supervise contract workers, volunteers, interns, and five staff members. Fundraise. Develop and oversee budget for program. Coordinate activities with federal, state and local governments, corporations, academic and research institutions.

Major initiatives:

• Development of conservation plan for Two Hearted River basin. Directed plan which integrates protection of a complex forest and wetland landscape, and associated rare species and plant communities, with sustainable forestry practices. Cooperative effort with Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Mead Corporation, and Shelter Bay Forests.
  
• Directed efforts to restore Ives Road Fen by filling of a ditch, alien weed management, and prescribed burn management with support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, corporate support, and volunteers.
  
• Directed and managed a study of stopover sites for migratory landbirds along the northern shore of Lake Huron in cooperation with Central Michigan University, Hiawatha National Forest and Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Raised funds from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and other sources to support research and land acquisition.
  
• Certified fire manager. Responsible for approving, implementing and overseeing prescribed burn program in Michigan.
  
• Participant in Eastern Upper Peninsula Partners in Ecosystem Management, a consortium of government agencies, timber companies and The Nature Conservancy devoted to development of complementary management practices all across the eastern Upper Peninsula which further protection of biodiversity, sustainable forestry and other land uses.
  
• Directing efforts to coordinate statewide conservation planning for landscapes harboring globally rare species and communities in cooperation with agencies and others.

1982-present: Associate Adjunct Professor, Central Michigan University.

Teach Conservation Biology (graduate level), serve on graduate student committees.

1983-1985: Director of Science and Stewardship, Iowa field office, The Nature Conservancy.

Manage system of 17 preserves in Iowa. Direct and manage science and stewardship program in Iowa. Develop and administer budget. Coordinate activities with government agencies, academic and corporate institutions. 

Major initiatives:

• Initiate science and stewardship program. Develop cohesive program incorporating volunteers, academicians, and others.
  
• Develop comprehensive management plan for 800 acre Five Ridge Prairie with Plymouth County Conservation Board and Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

1982: Director, Whitefish Point Bird Observatory, Paradise, Michigan. 

Direct research programs, staff and oversee budget.

1978-1981: Temporary Assistant Professor, Central Michigan University.

Taught Conservation Biology, Introductory Biology, Ecology, Tropical Avian Ecology.

GRANTS RECEIVED

Grants received from Frank M. Chapman Memorial Fund, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Geographic Society, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, North American Loon Fund, Central Michigan University.

PUBLICATIONS

Approximately 20 technical publications (in American Midland Naturalist, Animal Behaviour, Auk, Biotropica, Condor, Jack-Pine Warbler, Proceedings Linnaean Society New York and others). Popular articles in several journals, especially Michigan Natural Resources Magazine.

FIELD EXPERIENCE

Concentrated in Michigan, U.S. Virgin Islands, Venezuela; other studies conducted throughout Central and South America and elsewhere in eastern North America.

SOCIETIES, CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS

American Ornithologists' Union, Cooper Ornithological Society, The Nature Conservancy, North American Loon Fund, Society of Conservation Biology.