Haley Breniser, Executive Director

haley[at]walloon.org

Haley was born and raised in southeast Michigan and has lived in Antrim County since 2012. She holds a BS degree in Environmental Studies from Michigan State University and was very honored to receive the Outstanding Leader Award from the Association of Nature Center Administrators in 2017. Over the last 24 years, Haley has assumed diverse leadership roles in the environmental sector, adding a beautiful dimension to her life when she became a mother to her son, Atticus, in 2018. She enjoys building robust, happy teams, connecting people to nature, and leading conservation initiatives alongside passionate people.

Her career began in Banff National Park as a wildlife technician at the age of 22 and absolutely fueled her profound passion for land, water, and wildlife. From 2013-2022, Haley also co-owned and operated Undertoe Farm, a 14-acre certified organic vegetable farm in Kewadin alongside her husband, Adam Brown.

Haley believes humans are inherently good inside. She finds solace and inspiration in the wilderness, and she cherishes her time with family and friends. These days, you will find her playing gaga ball with her son and husband while the sun sets on the farm.

Eden Haven, Associate Director

eden[at]walloon.org

Eden is a native of Petoskey and has spent many summer days enjoying Walloon Lake and all its beauty. She graduated from Lake Superior State University with a degree in accounting and has worked in public accounting for the past five years where she worked in many areas, including nonprofit accounting and auditing.

When not at the office, you will find her spending time with her son (Jaxson), husband (Ian), and two dogs (Roman and Athena). Eden enjoys reading, swimming, and just spending time outdoors, whether it be going for a walk or just relaxing on the deck.

Tanner Yurk, Conservation Programs Manager

tanner[at]walloon.org

Tanner is a native of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and a graduate of Michigan State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries and Wildlife. After graduating, Tanner gained experience with invasive species and habitat restoration in the private, governmental, and NGO sectors. Tanner and his wife, Hannah, enjoy taking their dog, Theo, to the beach and to parks for walks and relaxing.

Kenzie Boesen, Development and Database Coordinator

kenzie[at]walloon.org

Kenzie is a Northern Michigan native and knew after graduating that this special piece of Northern paradise is something that cannot be beat.
She is currently attending Northwestern Michigan College through online classes to achieve her Business Administration degree. Her passion lies in both client relations and creativity, and she is extremely excited to put these passions to use in the Walloon Lake community. In her off time, Kenzie enjoys being a dog mom to her German Shepherd/Goldendoodle puppy, Milo, usually either being taken on adventures with him and his dad, Jordan or cuddling on the couch watching movies.

Skylar MacNaughton, Trail Maintenance Technician

skylar[at]walloon.org

Skylar is a Northern Michigan boy through and through! He was born and raised in Boyne City where he still resides with his wife, Jessica, and two children, Bella and Jaxtyn. They are an outdoorsy family and enjoy camping, hiking, traveling the country, and raising monarch butterflies in the summer months. Skylar is also the president and founder of Michigan Butterfly Habitats Inc. where their mission is to spread knowledge about native plantings throughout Northern Michigan and to help landowners create pollinator habitats of their own. He is an entrepreneur at heart as well as a self-taught naturalist and spends most of his time in the woods learning and experiencing what Mother Nature has to offer.