The Lake Leelanau Lake Association is continuously growing in the work we do to protect Lake Leelanau, none of which would be possible without our amazing summer staff. This week, we would like to introduce you to the talented individuals who make our mission a reality. If you see them at the boat wash stations or on the lake, please say hello!
Boat Wash Station Crew
Lake Leelanau Lake Association has installed four boat wash stations (Lake Leelanau-East (Bingham), Lake Leelanau-West, The Narrows, and Suelzer Park). Our summer staff hold down the fort at the stations Friday-Sunday and on holidays from Memorial Day through mid-September. Additionally, approximately 30 trained volunteers provide incremental coverage at the boat wash stations on other days of the week.
The goal is to assist boaters in washing their boats and educating boaters and community members on the importance of cleaning their boats properly to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) such as Eurasian watermilfoil and curly-leaf pondweed.
"We are already seeing a change in culture. Boaters are actively taking measures to clean, drain and dry their watercraft. If we 'Clean, Drain and Dry' it will be a great step forward in controlling and preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species in Lake Leelanau and other surrounding lakes”. - Nick Papes, Boat Wash Station Manager
Nick Papes - Boat Wash Station Manager
I'm originally from Free Soil, MI (near Ludington). I've worked for the park services many times during the summer. In the “offseason”, I teach at St. Mary School in Lake Leelanau. Working on the shore of Lake Leelanau is a blessing and it affords me time and opportunity to spend with my wife Sarah and son Wade during the week! This is my second year working for LLLA.
Nick Hendrick - Boat Wash Station Attendant
I'm originally from Saginaw, Michigan. I came to Leelanau to work at St. Mary in Lake Leelanau. Coming from downstate, I appreciate being able to work near and with the lakes and nature. This is my second year working for LLLA.
Cathryn Mikowski - Boat Wash Station Attendant
I’ve lived up north my whole life and love the outdoors and anything where I can engage with people! I just graduated from St. Mary’s and will be attending Hillsdale in the fall to pursue a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Biochemistry. This is my first year working at the boat wash stations, and I’m enjoying connecting with my community in this new way at LLLA, learning a lot, and spending time in the sunshine!
Alan Anderson - Boat Wash Station Attendant
Originally from Battle Creek MI, I lived in the Upper Peninsula for 10 years, and have been in Leelanau County since 2000. I retired from USDA in 2020, and am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with LLLA in their efforts to protect our beautiful lake.
Alyssa Foley - Boat Wash Station Attendant
I am an aspiring conservation scientist with a passion for the Great Lakes! After graduating from Smith College in Western Massachusetts last year with degrees in environmental science and policy, and French, I decided I had to return home to Traverse City! I am spending the summer here working this DREAM job on my favorite lake in the area and soaking in all the Michigan fun! In the fall, I am heading to the Netherlands to get my masters in forest and nature conservation. I will miss the lakes with all my heart, so I am incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to spend the summer serving and supporting Lake Leelanau this year alongside this fantastic team!
Lake Crew
Some of our staff spend their days on the water or under it in our effort to control aquatic invasive species. Meet our intrepid lake crew.
Catherine Dunn - Diver
There’s nothing I like better than putting on a wetsuit and hunting for milfoil. For work, I teach high school art and paint and draw Leelanau County: the places, the animals, the plants, and the people. I hope someday to grow some Cosmic Crisp apples and have a good garden that the deer can’t find. This is my fourth year diving for LLLA.
Austin O'Connor - Diver
I'm starting my fourth year working for the LLLA. I recently graduated from Glen Lake as co-valedictorian, and I enjoy spending as much time on the water as possible. My grandparents had a cottage on Lake Leelanau, and that's where my love of the lake began. I enjoy mountain biking, trap shooting, fishing, camping---pretty much anything outdoors. I will be attending Ferris State University in the fall to study welding.
Mara Pellerito - Diver
I graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Creative Writing in the spring of 2024 and began graduate school this past fall at the University of Montana to get a Master’s of Science in Environmental Studies and Environmental Writing. I love all things outdoors! This is my second summer diving for LLLA.
Em Masterson - Diver
I'm a Yooper who learned to dive in Lake Superior. I just finished nursing school and will begin my residency at Munson this summer. I somehow landed this amazing job that lets me blow bubbles and chase fish a couple of years ago. This is my third year diving for LLLA.
Marin Young - Diver
I’m from Elk Rapids and have spent my whole life enjoying the beautiful lakes of Northern Michigan. I graduated last summer from University of Michigan with a degree in Environmental Science and am passionate about wildlife, conservation, and protecting our great lakes. In my free time you can find me bird watching, sailing, knitting, or playing with my cats. This is my first summer working with LLLA and I am so excited to be part of an awesome team with an amazing mission!
Elizabeth Haber - AIS Field Technician and Data Manager
Hello everyone! I am thrilled to have this opportunity to spend the summer on Lake Leelanau. I'm originally from Kalamazoo, MI, but have spent part of almost every summer in Leelanau County, with many of those being at Fountain Point. As an experienced botanist, I've done botanical and ecological work on four continents, but Michigan has always been my anchor. Aquatic plants are a particular interest of mine so I am very excited to get to know the native flora of Lake Leelanau while helping control invasive plant species. In this photo, taken in the bay of Harbor Island off the eastern coast of the U.P., I'm holding one of my very favorite plants: Zannichellia palustris, or horned pondweed. It has the most adorable banana-shaped fruits!
Chris Froelich - Boat Driver and Field Technician
I take exquisite pride in my boatmanship while wearing my trademark straw hat. I handle the swells and rollers with ease, presiding over a modest pontoon (with many divers), a flat-top vessel known for exceptional speeds, and a catamaran with stealth-like concealment. I deliver impassioned speeches about boating and maintaining a safe distance from divers. Known for reciting poetry at local speakeasies, I believe docking is an art form—“parallel parking with poetry.” Though confined to the serene waters of Lake Leelanau, my logbook is made of rich mahogany and boasts of travel throughout the Midwest.
Office Squad
Our office squad is working to streamline our processes to record memberships and donations, plan and run events and programs, and communicate our projects and stewardship knowledge.
Willow Myles-Nuffer - Virtual Office Manager
I'm originally from a small town by the Mackinaw Bridge. After school and traveling, I landed in Traverse City in 2000. I value time spent with family above all and contributing to the local community, its assets, and people. Living downtown makes it easy to be involved and immersed in the culture being cultivated. This has grown a deep appreciation for organizations that champion our NoMi assets, and are committed to the success of our ever-growing region. I am a lifelong learner of finances, and have the capacity to manage multiple projects, which makes me a great addition to LLLA as we grow and continue to serve our constituents. You may see me out on the water, below the water, biking and hiking with my family and friends. Wherever you see me, please say Hello!
Jen Watkins - Marketing and Communications Specialist
I grew up in Leland on Lake Leelanau and can see it all sparkling and inviting out my window right now. After spending a decade or two out west, where I scoffed at every puddle and reservoir those desert dwellers tried to pass off as a lake, I’m back where I belong. I like to read by the lake, write by the lake, assemble a jigsaw puzzle by the lake, and of course spend time on it and in it. I am typing this as fast as I can so I can go for a swim.
LLLA Champions
And lastly, let us reintroduce our long-running champions for the lake.
Ron Reimink - Lake Biologist
I have been Lake Leelanau's lake biologist since 2023 when I stepped in to fill the big shoes left by Brian Price. For the past thirty years, I have spent summers in Leelanau County, teaching and collaborating in academic research in various aspects of lake biology.
Annalise Povolo - Director of Administration and Programs
I am the Association's one mighty full-time employee. After diving for two years to control Eurasian watermilfoil, I became LLLA's Director of Administration and Programs in 2022 and continue to lead the dive team in the summer. I am originally from Lake Leelanau and after traveling, studying, and learning abroad for nearly a decade, I consider it a blessing to live back home and protect the lake on which I grew up.
We Love Lake Leelanau
Just like you, our staff are dedicated to protecting Lake Leelanau’s water quality, shoreline, ecology, and natural beauty. Now that we've introduced our team, if you see our friendly staff members on the lake or at the boat launches, wave or say Hi!