Nicole Schafer

Nicole comes to ABC in 2026 with extensive experience in forest ecology, silviculture, and collaborative conservation across the Great Lakes region. She has worked with the USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, coordinating multi-agency habitat restoration projects, managing large-scale forest health programs, and implementing science-based forest management strategies to enhance resilient forest communities. Nicole holds a Master of Natural Resources Stewardship in Forest Sciences, a Graduate Certificate in Advanced Silviculture, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She is passionate about cross-boundary partnerships and adaptive management to support resilient forest ecosystems. Nicole lives in Traverse City, Michigan, with her spouse, their two dogs, Dahgo and Layla, and their cat, Boekeloo.