Sybil Kolon, president, is retired but has never retired from being an activist for nature and for our shared environment.  She worked as an Environmental Quality Analyst  with the Department of Environmental Quality (now EGLE) and has served on the River Raisin Watershed Council, as a trustee on the Manchester Township board (2004-2012), and also on the Manchester Township planning commission. She is currently on the Manchester Township Land Preservation Committee.  Sybil lives three miles from Watkins Lake and continues to be awed every spring and fall when thousands of migrating waterfowl take refuge there.

Linda Knox, secretary, lives with her family in western Manchester Township on 40 acres that include wetlands, fields and forest. For over 30 years, the family has fought to protect native species in their care from invasive plants and animals. She learned preservation principles serving on the board of the Raisin Valley Land Trust and as a founding member of the Stewardship Network’s Grand-Raisin Community. A recently-retired academic librarian, she enjoys swimming, walking, kayaking, and bird watching throughout the Irish Hills. 

Andy Buchsbaum, vice president, is an environmental attorney who teaches environmental law courses at the University of Michigan Law School. For many years he was the director of the Great Lakes Office of the National Wildlife Federation, where he led efforts to restore and protect Great Lakes fisheries, wildlife and habitat. He and his family have a house on Mud Lake in Norvell Township and are frequent visitors to Watkins Lake State Park. He loves the beautiful and peaceful region and hopes his grandkids will be able to enjoy it as they grow up.

Joseph Crisante (Joe), treasurer, graduated from the US Merchant Marine Academy with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Engineering. He held a number of supervisory engineering positions throughout his professional life. An Irish Hills resident since 2022, Joe appreciates the opportunities to pursue his interests of photography, especially at Watkins Lake, as well as fishing and boating in the numerous area lakes. 

Silas Bialecki, board member, has grown up in the Irish Hills and developed an appreciation for the land and its natural communities while exploring stream beds, traipsing along glacial ridges, and getting lost in the grasses of old farm fields. He has over a decade of experience in land stewardship and habitat restoration.  Silas and his family regularly visit Watkins for pleasure and as part of citizen science surveys of birds and butterflies. 

Emily Jade Foley, board member, is a Lecturer at the University of Michigan and a film producer who has executive produced and co-produced Academy Award winning films. A transplant to Brooklyn, MI from Brooklyn, NY, Emily has lived at Frog Holler Farm for 15 years while traveling extensively for work. She recently designed and built an eco-friendly home on Cash Road with the help of friends and family. Living close to the land has deepened her appreciation for fresh air, dark night skies, and the creatures big and small who share this place. She is committed to protecting the rural character, natural beauty, and public lands that make the Irish Hills so special.