OHIO graduate turns his passions into successful career, new opportunities

To say Michael Whittemore is busy exercising his passion for environmental and ecological studies is an understatement.

The Ohio University Master of Science Environmental Studies (MSES) Program graduate is the founder of Rewild Ecological, works full-time for the Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust, and recently wrote his first book, the "Ecology of New Hampshire's 4,000-foot Mountains."

Whittemore graduated from the MSES Program, offered through the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service, in 2018.

For Whittemore, choosing a career path was not difficult.

"I'm somebody who really has known what I've wanted to do for a long time, but you can't really accomplish that without coming into the right opportunities," Whittemore said. "I really didn't know what was possible until I joined the MSES program."

Some of the projects Whittemore worked on during his time at OHIO included developing a partnership with Crane Hollow Nature Preserve, where he spent one summer creating plant community assessments on the 2,000-acre preserve in the Hocking Hills.

"I set up extensive forestry plots to measure trees, saplings and understory plants," Whittemore said. "I was able to deliver a plant community assessment of their preserve, which is important because Crane Hollow Nature Preserve, although it's relatively small, has found over 10,000 species. This study helped map the natural communities across the preserve, providing an ecological framework for understanding where more than 10,000 documented species occur and the communities to which they belong.”

Some of Whittemore's current work includes conducting plant surveys through Rewild Ecological and serving as Communications and Engagement Manager for the land trust.

The New Hampshire-based ecologist also released his first book on Nov. 1. The book explores the ecology and natural history of New Hampshire's 48 4,000-foot mountains and the broader White Mountain landscape across approximately 500 pages.

Whittemore said the book highlights three areas and he started writing in April. It is an ecology and natural history book focused on the ecological processes and natural history of the White Mountains, includes profiles of long-term scientific research conducted in the mountains, and incorporates "peak profiles" blending trail maps and field guide details.

"The reason it is 500 pages is because so many scientists, conservation organizations, and photographers were so willing to donate their time and experience toward this project," Whittemore said.

Although he has more than 10 years of hands-on experience in ecological restoration, environmental studies and stewardship, Whittemore said the creation of his book has been the most exciting part of his career thus far. Whittemore credits a majority of his career success to the MSES Program.

"MSES blended the practical workforce side with the more rigorous science side of applied conservation that I had not had any experience with," Whittemore said. "MSES is to this day, I think one of the best programs I've seen that integrates the practical side with the rigorous science side (of the workforce)."