Growing Conservation Connections, One Project at a Time
If you've picked up a native plant, tree seedling, puller tool, rain barrel, or the no-till drill from the Washtenaw County Conservation District (WCCD), chances are Doug Reith was involved. As WCCD's Resource Specialist, Doug supervises and coordinates a wide array of programs that help residents conserve soil, water, and wildlife, right in their backyards and communities.
Since joining the team in 2020, Doug has become a driving force behind WCCD’s popular plant sales, rain barrel and compost bin distributions, and Tool & Equipment Rentals program. He also led the growth of the Native Plant Expo & Marketplace for years, and launched the School & Community Habitat Grant program, that continues to bootstrap schools and organizations across the county in creating native habitats and restoration projects.
His work bridges logistics and inspiration, helping thousands of people each year turn conservation goals into action.
Walker, Doug, and Summer at the Native Plant Expo.
(Doug is the butterfly in the middle, if you missed it)
A Mind for Systems, A Heart for Stewardship
Doug holds a degree in Computer Science from the University of Michigan, but his path has always been rooted in the land. He spent years involved in community gardening and urban farming in Detroit before moving to rural Tuscola County to work as an organic vegetable grower. Along the way, he honed his skills as a Stewardship Technician with Washtenaw County’s Natural Areas Preservation Program and became a 2019 graduate of the Michigan State University's Conservation Stewards Program, which introduced him to the WCCD.
As a web developer, I felt too removed from tangible meaningful impacts. In farming, land stewardship, and conservation work, I find alignment with my values through serving and supporting the health of the land, soil, water, and air for the benefit of local biodiverse communities and future generations.
Recognized by His Peers, Respected by His Community
In 2024, Doug received the “Employee of the Year” award for Region 10 from the Conservation District Employees of Michigan (CDEM). He was honored by his colleagues' recognition of his excellence in conservation service, creativity, and community impact.
Staff members praised Doug’s ability to manage the complex logistics of large-scale events, grow programs to regional prominence, and be a welcoming, thoughtful presence for both coworkers and the public.
He also received the Sapling of the Year (aka Aspen award) in 2023, nominated by the previous Executive Director, which honors staff member who excelled in their first year of service with the Conservation District. And earlier in 2023, was awarded the WCCD "Servant Leader" award, as voted on by his fellow staff members in a quarterly all staff meeting.
CDEM Region 10 - Employee of the Year: Doug Reith, with Summer Roberts, WCCD Executive Director.
"Doug’s attention to detail, patience, and problem-solving has helped build programs that thousands of people rely on each year. He’s a quiet force for conservation who makes a big difference."
Conservation at Home and Work
Doug lives in Chelsea, MI with his family, dogs, goats, and chickens where he has more plants than he has time to plant! He is an avid learner on iNaturalist and eBird, and serves as a county preserve steward monitoring bluebird boxes. Whether it’s connecting residents to tools for native habitat restoration or stewarding his own small homestead, Doug brings care, consistency, and passion to everything he does.
In addition to leading resource programs, Doug played a key role in managing the launch of WCCD’s new website and continues to bring a steady hand to communications and digital infrastructure. Most recently bringing these skills to the launch of the new Washtenaw Tool Bank Collective website in partnership with Growing Hope Urban Farm.
His beard length is seasonal, but his love for trees is perennial.
I believe in meeting people where they are in their journey with relating with the land and ecology that sustains our lives. We all have our own path, timeline, and perspectives, and we need to welcome each other and collaborate. I love that about conservation, we can all come together around clean air, soil, and water—all which are sacred and necessary for life!
If you're looking to start a pollinator garden, install a rain barrel, or borrow equipment for your land, Doug’s your go-to. Just don’t be surprised if he also shares a native plant recommendation or a useful spreadsheet for planning your project.
Quick Picks: Doug’s Conservation Snapshot
- Favorite native plant: Wild orchids, especially when you stumble into one unexpectedly in a fen!
- Most rewarding part of his work: Creating meaningful connections to support our community in their conservation journeys. And finding places to insert his oddball humor.
- Favorite tool or resource: Excel spreadsheets with pivot tables! (I see you rolling your eyes)
- Go-to conservation tip: Find one way to relate to the land: plant one plant, go to one volunteer stewardship / workday, learn a new bird, paddle a stretch of your watershed... Follow your curiosity, and let those new relationships tell you what you can do next!
Ask Doug anything!
He only has answers to somethings, but is a helpful fella!
Doug Reith
he/him
Resource Specialist
Local conservation districts play a critical role in protecting our land, water, and farms. Your support can help us continue this essential work during uncertain times. Please consider making a donation to keep conservation on the ground in our community.
