MEET THE BOARD

SYBIL KOLON

PRESIDENT

Retired, but never from activism. Sybil spent her career as an Environmental Quality Analyst with the DEQ (now EGLE) and has served on the River Raisin Watershed Council, Manchester Township Board, Planning Commission, and Land Preservation Committee. She lives three miles from Watkins Lake and never tires of watching thousands of migrating waterfowl take refuge there each spring and fall.

LINDA KNOX

SECRETARY

From their 40 acres in Manchester Township, she and her family have spent 30+ years protecting native species from invasive plants and animals. She’s served on the board of the Raisin Valley Land Trust and as a founding member of the Stewardship Network’s Grand-Raisin Community. Recently retired, her free time is spent swimming, walking, kayaking, and birdwatching throughout the Irish Hills.

Andy Buchsbaum

VICE-PRESIDENT

An environmental attorney and professor at the University of Michigan Law School. He previously directed the Great Lakes Office of the National Wildlife Federation, leading efforts to restore and protect Great Lakes fisheries, wildlife, and habitat. Andy and his family have a home on Mud Lake in Norvell Township and are regulars at Watkins Lake State Park — a place he hopes his grandchildren will enjoy for years to come.

Joe Crisante

TREASURER

Holds a B.S. in Marine Engineering from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and spent his career in supervisory engineering roles. An Irish Hills resident since 2022, he has quickly found his place here — photographing wildlife at Watkins Lake, fishing, and boating the area’s many lakes.

Silas Bialecki

BOARD MEMBER

Grew up in the Irish Hills exploring stream beds, glacial ridges, and old farm fields and never lost his connection to the land. He brings over a decade of experience in land stewardship and habitat restoration. Silas and his family are regular visitors to Watkins Lake, including as participants in citizen science surveys of birds and butterflies.

Emily Jade Foley