Since I was a little kid, I've loved exploring the waters, woods, and skies of northern Michigan. From the hex hatch to the aurora borealis, the sand dunes to the bay, this special place on Earth is part of my soul. I'm using that passion as fuel to help launch the Cerulean Center, a Great Lakes ecosystem research nonprofit in Traverse City. We plan to tackle critical research and communications gaps, as well as open up the process of discovery. We're especially excited about the promise of citizen science to engage kids and families in the joy of discovery and stewardship. I'm a big believer in the notion that you protect what you love and love what you know. To help make sure people know these beautiful places throughout the Great Lakes ecosystem, we're launching our Great Lakes bioblitz series in September 2016 with a bioblitz at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Can't wait to start!