<p>
	<img alt="" src="{filedir_5}John-Canoeing-250pxl.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 188px; float: right;" />Invasive species are the second leading threat to biodiversity conservation around the world. John Brittenham is looking to change that. Brittenham is a Restoration Biologist wtih Blue Heron Ministries, a Christian land conservation organization in Northern Indiana. But to understand how John got to this position is to understand his professional and academic journey. A student of Huntington University (B.A., Biology &amp; Biblical and Religious Studies), John discovered his passion at Au Sable, taking &#39;Environmental Ethics,&#39; &#39;Conservatin Biology,&#39; &#39;Animal Ecology,&#39; and finally &#39;Restoration Ecology.&#39; He went on to graduate school at Taylor University (M.E.S., Environmental Science) and worked as a Field Steward for The Nature Conservancy and Restoration Biology with Native Connections in Southwest, Michigan. We connected with John to learn more about his current work and the journey that brought him there:</p>
<p>
	<strong>What do you do in your current position?</strong></p>
<p>
	I work on natural land restoration in northeast Indiana, southern Michigan, and northwest Ohio. I&rsquo;m part of a four man crew that works year round to restore both public and private lands, some of which are nature preserves owned by Blue Heron Ministries, back to their unique native ecology. The bulk of this work involves combating invasive species through fire, chemical, and mechanical means. Every fall we also spend a large amount of time collecting seed from and then planting local varieties of native species found throughout our area. I spend almost 100% of the time in the field working on our various projects and properties. Currently I am able to do a few projects a year directly involved with educating others about the importance of stewarding God&rsquo;s creation. This is one area I hope to see my involvement increase in the coming years.</p>
