Parks Group Expands Great Lakes Expertise, Opens Michigan Field Office

Traverse City, MI – The nonprofit National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) today celebrates the addition of Kira Davis to lead its work in the Great Lakes Region with a new field office in Michigan. In her new role as Great Lakes Senior Program Manager, Kira will focus on protecting national park waters, wildlife and landscapes. This work will include advocating for funding and water policy, and enhancing Great Lakes’ national parks for the millions of visitors that flock to them each year.

With more than 20 years of experience, Kira has dedicated her career to stewarding her home state’s land and waterways. She has led teams to improve miles of river corridor, creating clear passage for fish, new opportunities for recreation, and acres of restored riverbanks.

“Kira is a tremendous advocate for the Great Lakes, where her passion and personal connection to the land brings people together,” said Lynn McClure, Senior Director, Midwest Region of the National Parks Conservation Association. “I’ve been fortunate to work with Kira in the past and I know that her fierce dedication to the waters and land, wildlife and people, will benefit the landscapes in and around our national parks.”

From growing up near the shoreline of Little Traverse Bay in Petoskey, and as a Tribal Citizen of Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (Bedaasige in Anishnaabemowin), Kira’s traditional and cultural knowledge of the region provide a deep connection to all creatures that inhabit the lands and waters. As a Bear Clan member, she is considered to be part of the strategists, protectors, and healers of their communities and all their relations.

“Dedicating my life journey to protecting and caring for all life and landscapes of the Great Lake Region is part of who I am and a way to give back to Mother Earth for ultimately sustaining our survival, traditions and culture,” said Kira Davis, NPCA’s new Great Lakes Senior Program Manager. “I’m thrilled to take on this new role in sustaining the natural beauty our national park landscapes provide.”

Prior to her role with NPCA, Kira was Program Director at the Conservation Resource Alliance, supporting and overseeing river and wildlife restoration in the Sleeping Bear Dunes landscape. Before that, Kira worked with Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, managing the water quality and wetlands program, helping to pass tribal water quality legislation. Kira is a proud graduate of Michigan State University and spends her free time enjoying life with her family. You can find Kira enjoying outdoor activities each season has to offer including cross country skiing, snowshoeing, swimming, water skiing and the tranquility of the fall colors.

Follow Kira’s work at www.npca.org/midwest.

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About the National Parks Conservation Association: Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than 1.6 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.