Michael French and Rikki McGee work with the Anderson Island Park and Recreation District to study and support forest health. We blend local woodland knowledge, scientific training, and hands-on stewardship to help Anderson Island residents protect soils, waters, and wildlife across community forests.

Island Forest Story

Since coastal forests shape our watershed and community life, this blog shares updates, tips, and grounded guidance to help stewards nurture resilient woodlands.

Learn more about Western Washington Ecosystems.

Meet our Stewards

Michael French, Forester, Researcher, Steward

Michael French is an experienced land management specialist with a diverse career spanning fieldwork, research, and government regulatory affairs. Michael’s professional life in forestry includes key roles with the U.S. Forest Service, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Weyerhaeuser Company, and the St. Regis Timber Company.

Michael’s academic background demonstrates a holistic approach to land management, featuring an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science with a minor in Ethnobotany and a concentration in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

A strong dedication to service defines Michael’s personal life, highlighted by three years in the Peace Corps implementing sustainable Agro-Forestry Practices and Environmental Education programs, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship.

Michael is the visionary of the AI Forest Pathways project.

Rikki McGee, Researcher, Naturalist, Steward

When Rikki left academia, she did so with a clear sense of purpose: to dedicate herself to the natural environment. Since then, she has built a joyful life as a naturalist, earning certifications as a Texas and Oregon Master Naturalist, a Mountaineers Naturalist, and a steward with the National Wildlife Federation and the Pierce Conservation District. The National Association of Interpretation has certified her to educate the public in both museum and outdoor settings.

Her hands-on work spans environmental restoration, project management, and community leadership — from stewarding the Meeker Creek restoration and Clover Creek Preserve in Puyallup, to serving on the Chambers-Creek Watershed Council and the Pierce County Conservation Futures Citizens Advisory Board. On Anderson Island, she coordinates the Pigeon Guillemot summer survey, takes part in the Green Crab survey, serves the 90-acre Nisqually Land Trust Oro Bay property, and contributes to the archives at the AIHS. For more details, see her Naturalist Service Portfolio.