New Springbrook Nature Center Director Has 'Right Combination' of Skills

Mike Maher began his new job May 1, 2013 as director of the City of Fridley's Springbrook Nature Center, replacing the retiring Siah St. Clair. 

Maher is the right guy for the job, his new boss in Fridley told ABC Newspapers:

“I think he had the right combination of being a naturalist and director and administrator,” said Jack Kirk, Fridley’s director of parks and recreation. “We really need somebody who can do both.” ...

Said Kirk about the new director, “He certainly has big shoes to fill with Siah’s leaving. But, we think he’ll do really well.”

Maher told the Star Tribune a bit about his family ties to the area:

“My wife grew up in St. Paul,” Maher said. “We’ve been making the trip across Wisconsin to Minnesota for years. As we’ve gotten older, we just wanted to get close to family. ...

“We’ve got big things in the works,” Maher said. “Our spring project is an overhaul of our interpretive center and creating some outdoor classroom space. There’s a comprehensive plan to reinvent the entrance to the park.”

Maher got well-wishes and plaudits from an official at his previous employer, the Manitowoc County Historical Society in Wisconsin, according to the Manitowoc Herald Times:

“While we are sorry to see Mike leave, we are happy for him and his family to be able to pursue the next step in his career and to be able to be closer to family in Minnesota,” stated Ed Prigge, president of the MCHS board of directors. ...

Prigge stated Maher’s “hard work and dedication to MCHS and the Manitowoc County community will be greatly missed.”

Related:

• Bonding Bill with $5 Million for Springbrook Nature Center Dies in MN House