James R. Skillen, Ph.D

James R. (Jamie) Skillen is Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Director of Calvin Ecosystem Preserve and Native Gardens at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI. He did his undergraduate work in Environmental Science and holds a Ph.D. in Natural Resources from Cornell University. He teaches and writes about federal lands in the American West. In addition to his research expertise, Skillen has diverse experience with federal lands. He worked seasonally for the U.S. Forest Service in Colorado, worked as a back country guide in California, hiked the Colorado Trail and Pacific Crest Trail, and teaches annual field courses in California, Nevada, and Oregon. He writes and speaks on public lands to a wide range of audiences.