Talk Nov. 10 on the little-known science agency that helps preserve state’s biodiversity
The Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) has been the state’s natural heritage program since 1980. Mike Monfils, the MNFI director, will provide an overview of MNFI and describe the many ways it helps guide the conservation of Michigan’s biodiversity.
- WHEN: 6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 10
- WHERE: Zoom. Register to receive a link to the talk
A state lab for biodiversity
MNFI provides stakeholders with the highest quality scientific expertise and information. Mike will explain the Natural Heritage Database and how it is used to inform decisions affecting biodiversity. He will provide examples of the many projects MNFI implements in collaboration with its partners to help conserve Michigan’s native species and natural communities, including field inventories, applied research, monitoring, education, and data management and analysis.
Getting involved
In addition, Mike will describe ways the public can contribute by gathering and sharing information for various conservation initiatives.
About Mike Monfils
Mike is director of the MNFI, which is housed within Michigan State University Extension and its Community, Food, and Environment Institute. He has worked as a wildlife ecologist since 1996 and started with MNFI as a conservation scientist in 2002. He served as MNFI’s science coordinator beginning in 2017 and interim director starting in 2023 before becoming director in 2024. Mike oversees the work of about 30 permanent and 15-20 seasonal employees as they gather and communicate information contributing to the conservation of Michigan’s biodiversity. During his career, he has developed and implemented biodiversity research and monitoring projects to evaluate and inform conservation actions, focusing on understanding wildlife responses to habitat management, ecosystem restoration, and invasive species expansion.