Tyler Allyn-White, Stewardship Supervisor

Tyler has been with Ottawa County Parks since 2023.

What drew you to working for parks? 

I was drawn to our parks system because of the high level of ecological stewardship that’s evident throughout the parks system. I lived in the Grand Rapids area for a few years prior to this role and spent most of my free time in an Ottawa County Park. Rosy Mound Natural Area, Grand Ravines, and Hemlock Crossing were regular weekly visits for my family. I always told myself that I would apply in a heartbeat if a stewardship-focused position became available.

Can you explain what you do in that role? What are your day-to-day tasks?

I oversee our Stewardship Technicians and work with the Coordinator of Natural Resources Management to coordinate and execute our day-to-day ecological stewardship work. We complete a wide variety of work including invasive species management, native plantings, forest health management, prescribed fire, and biological surveys. Our priorities shift with the seasons, but we work outdoors pretty much every day except in the case of inclement weather. This time of year, we are focused on wrapping up winter forest health surveys, removing garlic mustard and other spring invasive species, and preparing for prescribed, or controlled burns.

What is the best part of your job? 

My favorite part of my job is the ability to work outdoors and  being on my feet almost every day. While my job does involve a fair amount of advanced planning and project management, I am still able to get out in the field with our Stewardship Technicians the majority of the time. Despite the physically arduous and sometimes exhausting work that we do, working in beautiful natural settings with great co-workers always makes it enjoyable. Through this job, I have gotten to know all of the parks on a much deeper level and have gotten to explore parts of the parks system that I otherwise wouldn’t be able to.

What is your favorite Ottawa County Park?

It’s so hard to pick just one, but my favorite Ottawa County Park is Hemlock Crossing in either late May/early June when all of the wild lupine and butterfly weed are flowering together in the restored grassland, or paddling along the river in early August when all of the cardinal flower is in full bloom. The spring ephemerals in May at Grose Park, Hager Park, and Grand Ravines are certainly all worth mentioning as well.

What is a hidden gem in Ottawa County Parks? 

The far northwest portion of Eastmanville Farm is definitely a hidden gem. While most of the park is open grassland habitat and rolling hills, there is a wooded section with vernal pools, large mature hemlock trees, lots of spring ephemerals like trout lilies, and a deep ravine with a wooded creek that winds through the bottom.

I would just add that volunteering with our stewardship staff is a great way to get to know the parks better and explore new areas that you may not be aware of. We rely heavily on volunteers to help manage our land, so there are always opportunities available. Getting to explore these parks has been by far my favorite part of this job, and volunteering is a great way to get that same experience.

by Bobbi Jones Sabine

White baneberry (Actaea pachypoda) is also known as Doll’s-Eyes, and you’ll know why as soon as you see it: the distinctive white berries with black dots resemble doll’s eyes. This unique native wildflower is found in rich, moist woodlands throughout Michigan in slightly acidic, organic-rich soils.

White baneberry is popular with a wide range of pollinators, including bees and flies that are critical for the pollination of many other plants. The plant also provides habitat and food for insects and small animals. Its berries are toxic to humans, but can be consumed by certain bird species.

Despite the toxicity of the berries, a diluted tea from the roots was used historically in small doses by Native Americans and settlers for treatment of coughs, colds, rheumatism, and syphilis, and reportedly as a stimulant to revive or rally patients near death. Small doses were said to help calm nervous tension, restlessness, and anxiety. An external application was used for itchy skin. All parts of the plant should be handled with care and used only by experienced professionals.

Get Involved

How would you like to get involved?

• Volunteer on a Foundation committee.

• Join Parks Sustainers Club.

• Join Parks for Life.

• Make an IRA or Stock contribution.

• Purchase a commemorative bench.

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