Zachary Branigan
Executive Director
Zachary worked for over a decade as an urban planner and holds a master’s in urban planning from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He also has a bachelor’s degree from Aquinas College in a dual major (art and business) program designed for non-profit management. Zachary created the Pollinator Project in Saginaw, a vacant land management program that has secured more than $1 million in funding over seven years. Zachary has also managed the development of the Janet H. Nash Riverfront Preserve, a riverfront nature preserve in Saginaw, Michigan, on the site of a former parking lot, and Riverbend West, a Bay City nature preserve opened in the spring of 2023 on vacant land owned by the City of Bay City. In addition, under Zachary’s management, the SBLC also developed Michigan Sugar Trails, a rustic trail site on formerly disabused land owned by Michigan Sugar Company. Zachary thoroughly understands the complex issues facing cities suffering from disinvestment. These complex restoration projects have involved substantial budgets, contractors, timeframes, and community engagement. With both the Janet H. Nash Riverfront Preserve and Riverbend West as recent projects, Zachary has a timely and unique mix of experience and training to lead the collaborative project team.
Sarah Dandamudi
Associate Director
Sarah was born and raised in Bay City. She earned a degree in Art History from the University of Michigan, and received a Master’s degree in Arts Administration from New York University. Since returning home, she has volunteered with several local non-profit organizations, including Studio 23, The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Great Lakes Bay Region, and the McLaren Bay Medical Foundation. Sarah joined the Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy in the fall of 2022 as Community Engagement Coordinator. She is enjoying the opportunity to learn more about conservation, and is excited to be able to share the SBLC’s work with others.
Project Manager
Trevor is a Michigan Master Naturalist and certified arborist. Trevor holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental conservation from Northern Michigan University and has served the SBLC for twelve years. Trevor serves as the on-the-ground daily project manager for SBLC capital projects. He has been a key part of the organization’s recent restoration projects over the last decade. As the technical leader of the SBLC’s staff, Trevor works directly with contractors, suppliers, and volunteers to ensure the site is being designed and developed according to the best possible plans and works with our agency regulators from the State of Michigan and the United States government.
Trevor Edmonds
Stewardship Associate
As Stewardship Associate, Hoss spends a great deal of his time out at the various nature preserves under the Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy banner and ensures that they are maintained to the highest level. Hoss has been a part of the SBLC team since 2018 in some capacity or another, and since then has grown into the role he holds now. He holds an associate’s degree from Delta College in fine arts within the art+ design program, as well as a commercial pesticide applicator license that is utilized in invasive species removal.