Past Webcasts

Towards Sustainability: Developing a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan

(11am CT, 10am MT, 9am PT)

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks adopted their first formal Climate Action Plan in 2023, centered on addressing vital needs both within their park boundaries and in the communities they serve. To ensure that their goals aligned with the concerns and interests of their region, they actively sought input from employees, residents, and partners, taking on their concerns, needs, and ideas. In this episode, Katie Carlisle and Jennifer Jaworski join us to discuss the methodologies used in crafting their Climate Action Plan and explore the successes and challenges encountered during its inaugural year of implementation.

Guest

Katie Carlisle

Huron-Clinton Metroparks

Chief of Natural Resources and Regulatory Compliance

Katie Carlisle is the Chief of Natural Resources and Regulatory Compliance for the Huron-Clinton Metroparks. This park system in southeast Michigan covers 5 counties and 25,000 acres of various natural communities. Katie’s background is in geology and geophysics, but her career path switched to natural resources after getting involved in outdoor environmental education and learning about prescribed burning. Katie worked for Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation before moving to the Metroparks. In her current role, Katie is responsible for the management and stewardship of all land, water, and wildlife within the Metroparks.

Jennifer Jaworski

Huron-Clinton Metroparks

Chief of Interpretive Services

Jennifer’s career in interpretive education spans over three decades, during which she has made significant contributions to the outreach efforts of the Metroparks in southeast Michigan. As Chief of Interpretive Services, she has played a pivotal role in expanding the park’s engagement with underserved communities in the region. In addition, she serves as Chair of the Climate Action Plan committee. Before joining the Metroparks, Jennifer accumulated valuable experience working at Michigan State Parks, The Henry Ford, and the University of Michigan Natural History Museum. Jennifer holds a Master of Science in Heritage Interpretation, and a Bachelor of Science in History and Anthropology. Driven by her passion that every child deserves an opportunity to experience the wonder of the outdoors and gain exposure to S.T.E.A.M education, Jennifer’s work is guided by a desire to foster lifelong learning among visitors to the Metroparks. Her dedication to this cause has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the community she serves.