Staff Spotlight - Say Hi to Jessica!

This month's Staff Spotlight features Jessica Grisier, Lucas SWCD's Communication & Outreach Coordinator. 

How long have you worked for Lucas SWCD?
4 years

What did you do prior to joining the team at Lucas SWCD?
I grew up in Sylvania and spent most of my childhood either playing a sport or outside with my siblings. After high school, I received my Bachelor’s degree from Wittenberg University where I majored in Communication and minored in Environmental Science and Journalism. I then went on to get my Master’s degree in Community Sustainability from Michigan State University. My graduate program focused on community outreach and education. After school, I moved back home to Toledo where I worked for four years at Wixey Bakery and at the same time, worked part-time for local non-profit organization, Partners for Clean Streams as their Communications Specialist. I was hired by Lucas SWCD in the summer of 2018 as a temporary employee and came on full-time as the administrative assistant in the fall. I transitioned to part-time in the summer of 2020 after my kids were born. 

What do you like most about your job?
My favorite part of this job is that no day is the same! There is always something to plan for and look forward too – in the spring, it is our Tree and Native Plant Sales; in the summer, it is the workshops and community events we participate in; in the fall, it is harvest time and our annual meeting; and in winter, it is time to catch our breath, clean our desks and get ready to start all over!
 
I also love talking, and providing resources, to folks who stop in our office.

What is something you want to share with our readers?
The best way for you to stay up-to-date on all that we do is by following us on Facebook @LucasSWCD. You can also sign-up for our bi-annual newsletter which is sent out every spring and fall with tons of information packed into it! Look for the fall 2022 issue to be sent out early September. If you don’t already receive our newsletter, contact our office by phone or visit our website’s contact us page to sign up.  
 
We are also in the process of rebuilding the Residential Resources page on our website. Here you will find information on all different topics, many of which we receive questions on throughout the year, like native plants, rain gardens, small-space gardening, composting, rain barrels, and even backyard chickens! 
   
What is something you enjoy doing outside of work?
When I am not working, I am usually found playing with my kids, tending to my yard and gardens, coaching or playing volleyball, baking, or going to baseball games with my husband. I also love spending my time in nature at our local parks, on the shores of Lake Erie, and in northern Michigan. 

Stop by the office and say hi to Jessica!

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