Matt Connors – Restoration Field Coordinator

Matt joined Friends of the Rouge in 2024 as the Restoration Field Coordinator. He developed his affinity for the natural world at a young age through exploring Michigan’s various lakes, streams, and forests. These formative experiences along with a desire to be of service to others inspired him to pursue a degree in environmental science from DePaul University.

After graduating in 2016, Matt moved to Seattle to work for EarthCorps, an environmental non-profit dedicated towards training young adults across the world in ecological restoration. There he worked closely on crews with people from a variety of cultural backgrounds removing invasive species, planting native trees and shrubs, building trails, and leading groups of volunteers.

In 2018, Matt decided to return to his roots and become involved in the conservation and restoration efforts happening in Southeast Michigan. Over the past 5 years he has spent a couple seasons landscaping, one season working on a conservation crew with The City of Ann Arbor’s Natural Areas Preservation, and two years working with Washtenaw County assisting with the Master Rain Gardener program, giving advice to homeowners, and overseeing their public rain gardens.

Matt’s excited to continue working with green infrastructure and collaborating on efforts that expand greenspaces, reduce pollution, and enhance the quality of life. He is a native plant enthusiast and enjoys looking for wildflowers and mushrooms while out on hikes. He also enjoys camping, biking, swimming, and cooking meals with his friends.