Some workplaces can be vicious, but Jamie Rustowicz greets the bears, bobcats, and foxes that populate hers with an enthusiastic smile each day.
The stuffed wildlife on display at the Moose Tree Nature Preserve, where Rustowicz recently assumed duties as head naturalist, aren’t the only recipients of her energy for all things wild. She also works with more animated creatures like Lake Orion students and, since last year, the public who, according to Rustowicz, don’t seem to know they are now welcome.
‘Our goal is to get the community here,? Rustowicz said. ‘They have this wonderful resource in their own backyard they don’t know about.?
Rustowicz knows a little bit about Orion’s backyard. Born and raised in the area, she graduated from Lake Orion High School in 2001. She said much of her childhood was also spent in northern Michigan on family property near Gladwin, where Rustowicz cultivated a love for all things outdoors.
‘My family went up there religiously,? she said. ‘I was raised outside.?
When it came down to picking a major at Central Michigan University, Rustowicz said she was first drawn toward education, but was eventually steered to something that could combine that interest and her passion for the outdoors, receiving a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Recreation, Parks and Leisure with a concentration in Outdoor Recreation and Environmental Education. She holds a second bachelor’s in Earth Science, as well.
‘I decided I wanted to do something that got everyone outside,? she said.
After graduating from college, Rustowicz did an internship at the Lewis E. Wint Nature Center in Clarkston, where she stayed on part-time afterward. In May, she was hired on at the preserve, adjacent to Webber Elementary School, which Rustowicz has since dubbed ‘The Moose.?
Now, her biggest goal is to share her love of the outdoors. Kids have so many distractions these days like TV and video games, Rustowicz said, that they ignore the thrill of the outdoors. What she likes most is to watch their reactions.
‘It’s amazing to teach them about something inside the classroom, then take them out so they can see it physically, get their hands dirty. Their faces light up.?
Superintendent Ken Gutman praised the enthusiasm Rustowicz brings to the center at the school board meeting on Sept. 10.
‘We’re really lucky to have her,? he said. ‘She’s gone above and beyond.?
Once a curriculum tool for the school district, the preserve was made available to the rest of the community last year. It features 35 acres of woodlands and wetlands that are home to many deer, wild turkey, frogs, snakes, birds, and various plantlife.
Three trails with interpretive signs wind their way through the property. Some new additions include bird feeders donated by Wild Wings and bathouses. There are new programs, as well. Trail Ready Backpacks equip you with everything you need for a nature hike, like field guides, bug catchers and blankets. Geocaching, a treasure hunt of sorts with GPS units, is also new this year.
‘The Moose? is also hosting their annual free open house this Saturday (Sept. 27) from noon-4 p.m., and their Spooktacular Story Stroll on Oct. 18.
Rustowicz says many residents still don’t know about the preserve and implores them to visit.
‘Come meet the goofy lady at ‘The Moose,? she said.
For more information about Moose Tree and any of their events, check their website at www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us/District/Departments/MooseTree/MooseTree.htm.