Greetings Eco Traveler!

I’m glad you found your way to Woods & Water Ecotours!

I welcome you to join us in experiencing the quiet beauty of the Eastern Upper Peninsula. This place is rich with ecological biodiversity and friendly people who appreciate the wildness and unique heritage of this region.

Over 13 years of professional conservation work with organizations like Whitefish Point Bird Observatory, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and The Nature Conservancy, my network of conservationists and science expertise has grown. On many of our trips you will have an opportunity to meet some of these biologists and wildlife experts and experience the places they love to work. Each trip also features a unique cultural and human heritage component where you may get to listen to Native American drummers or story tellers…see traditional craftsmen blow glass and fire earthen pottery…or, sample award-winning maple syrup right at the sugar bush where it is made!

Overall health and well-being for guests and the environment is an important balance to strike with nature-based tourism. One way to achieve this balance is to rely on human energy to get us from place to place. Our primary modes of travel are alternative travel modes like hiking, biking or kayaking. We also apply reduce, reuse, recycle ethics and “leave no trace” techniques to our business practices.

To support and sustain the conservation areas we visit, a percentage from each package or day trip cost will be donated to sustainable community development projects or conservation organizations.

Your participation in a Woods & Water Ecotour will not only give you wonderful new stories to take home, but also an understanding of how your dollars will be helping to sustain natural areas and the people who steward them. I’m thrilled to offer you authentic, unique educational programs and experiences.

I look forward to journeying with you!

Yours in nature,

Jessie A. Hadley
Owner/Operator

Hans Ediger

Born and fleged in Ann Arbor Michigan.  Thus, he is officially described as a troll, since he was born below the Mackinac Bridge.   His has been migrating north each summer to the Les Cheneaux Islands with his family.   The Channels and warm waters have been an attractive destination, since a favorite family past time is sailing Ensigns and collecting boats.  He is now a avid paddler who enjoys sharing his knowledge of working with wind and waves, which he acquired from racing in summer regattas.   Hans also has a tale or two of life in Les Cheneaux, so be sure to listen up!  He is currently pursuing a BFA at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit.

Ania Petryniak
Born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan (also a troll) and recent graduate of the University of Michigan in Economics, which included environmental and natural resources studies. Last summer, she traveled and worked in the UP for the Governor's Office and Northern Initiatives. She has climbed mountains in Poland and Slovakia, hiked Zion Narrows, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Arches National Park, The Rockies, and biked Death Valley. As a hobby and for work, she has found teaching rewarding, particularly piano and tutoring children of all ages in various subjects. She is fluent in Polish!

Tim Gallaway a native of Lewiston, Michigan (again, another troll!) and current student at Lake Superior State University with a major in mechanical engineering.  He is an avid skier, sailor, hiker, biker, and kayaker.   Whether drifting across the water in his kayak or traveling by bike rain or shine, he has an unshakable positive attitude and drive to have fun and learn new things. If you don't know how something may work or if you need your bike repaired ask Tim! Always tinkerer and innovator, he can come up with a quick fix even when there is need for it or not!

Pamela Poley, ACSW has been a psychotherapist working with individuals and couples for over twenty years, the last fourteen in her own private practice.  She leads psychospiritual growth groups, women's self-exploration weekends, and a group called 'Reflections of Our Nature', exploring oneself through interacting with nature. In addition she co-leads women's experiential weekends with the Kalamazoo Nature Center. She is an adjunct faculty at Western Michigan University, having taught in the Graduate Social Work Department and Holistic Health Program.  She has been the last one out of the water since age 8.  

Melissa Middleton

Melissa grew up in northern Michigan with parents who are farmers, naturalists, and educators.  Steeped in an appreciation for the natural world, she created a 13 year career as an environmental educator, aquatic ecologist, and regulatory analyst.  She is now owner and practitioner of “Awakenings, Energetic Touch for Health and Spiritual Transformation” located in Marquette, Michigan.  She was called to this new career by her own spiritual and energetic awakening during the healing of a protracted and disabling illness.  Today, she assists others in resonating with their inner wholeness and health, advancing their own healing journey and spiritual transformation. 

Mya
Mya (aka Ninja) is an unknown mix brought home from the shelter.  However, we believe she may be a Canaan Dog??   At least, she certainly appears to fit the description.   Mya is the company's number one greeter, tracker, swimmer, retriever, puller, hunter, kisser, leaper, and by far has the highest density of fur per square inch. Her athleticism and agility surpasses everybody at the shop.   She rarely passes up a belly rub.