The LandTrust for Central North Carolina has named Michael Nye as its new Membership and DSC_4743-EditOutreach Director. “We are extremely excited to have Michael join The LandTrust staff,” Travis Morehead, LandTrust Executive Director, says. “Her commitment to conservation is undeniable. We are looking forward to her leading our membership and outreach efforts across the region.”

Michael grew up in Orrum, North Carolina and attended North Carolina State University where she earned a degree in fisheries and wildlife science with a minor in environmental science. After obtaining her degree in 2002, Michael worked as a wildlife biologist in Wyoming and later in Montana as the Regional Hunting Access Enhancement Coordinator (HAEC) for Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. As the HAEC, Michael managed over 1.5 million acres of private and public land to be utilized for public hunting and recreation.

Before joining The LandTrust, Michael served as the Southern Piedmont Hunter Education Coordinator for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). Covering 15 counties, she administered Hunter Education and Conservation Education Programs, and coordinated the efforts of nearly 200 hunter education volunteers. Additionally, she organized and presented skills-based courses geared towards introducing women and youth to the outdoors.

“The Piedmont is a rich and diverse landscape.  With essential agricultural lands and pristine natural areas, North Carolinians are truly blessed with all that it has to offer.  It is our responsibility as stewards to conserve North Carolina’s heartland for generations to come,” Michael says. “As the Membership and Outreach Director for The LandTrust for Central North Carolina, my vision is to ensure all outdoor enthusiasts are able to enjoy these rural and natural areas by hunting, fishing, hiking, and paddling.  My focus will be to increase awareness of The LandTrust’s important conservation efforts in our region, and grow The LandTrust membership base so we can continue to conserve places that are vital to our hunting and outdoor recreation community.”