Mike Stoddard is a forest ecologist with the Ecological Restoration Institute at Northern Arizona University. For the past 20+ years, Mike has studied reference conditions as a means of detecting current changes in forest ecosystems and plant communities. His research interests include: disturbance ecology, climate adaptation and historical human land use. Mike has a B.S in Botany and M.S in Forestry from Northern Arizona University. Some of the highlights of his job are the remote sites he visits, the extensive time spend outdoors and engaging with students on topics of ecological restoration and conservation ecology. As a long-time river enthusiast, observing changes over the last 20 years on the Verde River has inspired Mike to help increase awareness of and become involved in the conservation of a free-flowing Verde river. Mike is excited to be part of the Verde River Institute team. |
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Adrienne Crawford Vice-Chair |
Professor Crawford specializes in Biology, Environmental Education and Ecology at Grand Canyon University. She grew up in a small town in Michigan and has always had a passion and curiosity for the natural world around her. Spending time on the water and hiking through numerous ecosystems around the world has driven her to focus her efforts on conservation and developing community awareness about the problems we face and more importantly the solutions. She has a BS in Biology from Grand Valley State University, a Master of Science in Biology emphasizing in Ecology, from University of Arizona where she researched the effects of urbanization on seed dispersal and plant characteristics of fishhook barrel cactus. Currently she is working towards increasing awareness and improving water conservation efforts along the Verde River in collaboration with the Verde River Institute. Other areas of interest include coral reef restoration and contributing to reef restoration efforts in the Bahamas. As an instructor at Grand Canyon she enjoys being able to share her excitement for Biology with her students as well as bringing her research background and real life experiences into the classroom. In her free time she enjoys scuba diving, skiing, and kayaking. Adrienne is the Vice Chair of the Verde River Institute. |
Secretary/Treasurer |
Meghan Smart is a scientist with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). She obtained her B.S. degree from U of A in Natural Resources in 2006. A biologist by training, she has declared her position at ADEQ as “the best job ever!” For 12 years she studied perennial streams, wetlands, and intermittent streams throughout Arizona. She is passionate about nature, all things related to science, photography, and celebrating unique national holidays. She is very excited for the opportunity to be on the Verde River Institute Board! |
Doug Von Gausig Executive Director |
A third-generation native Arizonan, Doug was the Mayor of the Town of Clarkdale for 16 years. He serves or has served on the Yavapai County Water Advisory Committee, the Northern Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, the Verde River Basin Partnership, the Verde River Valley Nature Organization, and other water-oriented committees, and is the immediate past President of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. He also serves on the Arizona State Committee on Trails (ASCOT) and sits on the Board of Directors of Arizona Forward. Doug graduated as a fellow of the Flinn-Brown Civic Leadership Academy in the fall of 2011. He spends much of his time on water resource issues and on conservation of the Verde River. Doug is a professional photographer and sound recordist, providing photography and natural sound recordings to museums, films, reference libraries, conservation organizations and state and national parks. His consulting company, Riparian Systems Consulting, concentrates on river, water resource and ecosystem services issues in Arizona. Doug was elected to his fourth 4-year term as Mayor of Clarkdale in March of 2016, and he is the Executive Director of the Verde River Institute.
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