Eric Herrygers
Eric Herrygers grew up in Oceana County on the family farm. After initially working for other farmers in the County, he put his experience and work ethic to good use and started farming full-time with his brother Alan in 1989.
Eric was first elected to the Oceana Conservation District Board in the late 1980s. He served on various boards over the years and remains active on two–the Elbridge Township Board and the Conservation District Board. Among many other activities at the District, he particularly enjoys planting pollinator habitat, in fact, Eric planted 540 acres of pollinator habitat through the District’s habitat restoration program over the last six years. He also looks forward to picking up trees from multiple nurseries around the state each spring in preparation for the tree sale.
Eric states, “We have assembled a great team of employees and have a lot of exciting things happening through the District. The current Board is well-rounded with vast backgrounds, making for a productive Board. I would like to continue to be a part of the momentum and progress for the next four years.”
Mike Kramer
Michael Kramer is a longstanding resident of Michigan including Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and now Claybanks Township. He is passionate about the outdoors and supporting causes such as community health and protection of natural resources. His early education included a Zoology degree at Miami University (Ohio) where his training included ecology research. Mike graduated from medical school and proceeded to medical residency at University of Michigan. Mike practiced for 10 years before taking on health system leadership roles. Mike has been a physician executive at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health and most recently OhioHealth. Mike and his wife Kristie became residents of Claybanks in 2022 where they have had a home since 2017. They currently have four adult children and plan to retire in the area. They enjoy hiking, gardening, and exploring the West Michigan geography. Kristie and Mike volunteer at a local food co-op where they raise vegetables, hogs, chickens, and sheep. Mike is currently restoring a 1948 Jeep Willys.
Garry McKeen
Garry has served on the Oceana Conservation District Board for the last four years. He also serves on the Oceana County Planning Commission, Oceana County Parks and Recreation Commission, USS Silversides Museum, Oceana Community Foundation’s Investment Committee, and the Stony Creek Watershed team. He is committed to furthering his knowledge in natural resource management as an MSUE Advanced Master Gardener and MSUE Online ASK the Extension volunteer. Garry also works with the DNR identifying and removing invasive species in our state parks. Garry and his wife Julie live in Mears and their property is MAEAP Verified as well as American Tree Farm certified.
“Four years ago you elected me to the Conservation District Board and I am grateful. At that time I said the following, ’My hope is to bring a different perspective to the board and help find the resources available to grow the Oceana Conservation District.’ Here is how we did as a board and staff during the past four years.
We received two land gifts, 80 acres from the Ottos that we developed into the Otto Nature Preserve, and 40 acres from the Hunter and Hedlund families that we will develop into the Stony Creek Nature Preserve.
The District hired an Educator to develop education programs for youth including a Knee-High Naturalist Program and summer day camps.
The District awarded several scholarships to local high school graduates interested in pursuing a degree in agriculture, natural resources or conservation.
The District built a strong relationship with the Oceana Community Foundation in the form of grants and fund holding.
The District built a strong relationship with Oceana County Parks and Recreation in the form of Gales Pond and Doolittle Park usage.
The District was able to purchase our current location in Shelby and upgrade the offices.
The District most recently launched a campaign to celebrate the District’s 50th anniversary.
We recently hired a Stewardship Coordinator to expand habitat restoration activities in Oceana County.
The District is very proud to retain an incredible staff who serve as great resources in the community and are integral in growing the long-term future for Oceana County. It is important to me to not only be a steward of the land, but to teach others as I have been taught.”
