Michael acquired his affinity for nature as a young boy wandering the canyons outside his home in San Diego, California. There, his curiosity about the natural landscape and its inhabitants, led him to begin to develop the naturalist qualities he possesses today. His self directed studies have manifested themselves in the pursuit of habitat improvement programs and documentation of the local wildlife in his home community of Pearl, Idaho.
Michael has worked with the National Wildlife Federation on their Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program, and has had five of his past and current homes certified in the last decade and a half. He is currently an Ambassador for Southwestern Idaho representing Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology's Project FeederWatch and NestWatch programs.
These are citizen scientist programs that aid scientists in detecting and forecasting bird population trends throughout the United States. He continually contributes bird sighting information to the Birdnotes database where, along with other contributors across the Pacific Northwest, he helps to increase our understanding of our avian inhabitants. Michael leads ‘nature walks’ periodically throughout the year to help educate the various communities’ inhabitants about the value of the indigenous plants and animals they reside in.
After a quarter century managing inventories and personnel in the pharmaceutical, personal computer and semiconductor industries, Michael has chosen a new path in life. With a strong belief that we should give something back to nature as we travel through our life's journey, he has started a new business that helps people create and maintain wildlife and environment friendly habitats. Through this business, Habiscapes, he can help you choose the appropriate plants, irrigation systems and bird feeding amenities that will encourage nature to join you in your own particular environment, as well as help you to reduce water consumption and protect your homes from fire.