After receiving her forestry degree from Michigan State University, Kama served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Paraguay. She helped establish a tree seedling nursery, an extension program with local farmers and taught environmental education in five, one-room school houses. Service has always been an important part of her life.
Returning to the US in the mid-1980s, Kama served as the Leelanau County 4-H Program Assistant. She then enjoyed stints with the DNR, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, several Conservation Districts and rural libraries, the 4-H Kettunen Center and MSU Extension. Kama returned to Leelanau in 2013 and retired last October as the Forestry Assistance Program Forester for Leelanau, Benzie and Grand Traverse Conservation Districts. She enjoyed her varied career as an outdoor and environmental educator, helping all ages connect with the natural world and inspiring everyone to be an observant and pro-active steward.
Kama has three grown children spread from coast to coast, and lives just north of Cedar. Traveling to visit her children, camping, kayaking, hiking, biking and gardening, playing her flute or penny whistle with area groups, and volunteering with many local organizations are other passions which bring joy to her life.
Photos of me serving in the county follow:
