The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the second-best time is now.

-Chinese Proverb

MNFGA Board of Directors

Our board of directors is a group of grower‑minded folks who help guide the direction of MNFGA. They keep us focused on our mission, make sure we’re operating responsibly, and support the programs and resources we offer to Michigan fruit and nut growers. They’re here to provide big‑picture guidance and keep the organization rooted in the needs of our community.

mnfga people on field tour of paw paw orchard
Dennis Strahle is the MNFGA president and a long-time fruit and nut groower.
Clay Ottoni is the resident beekeeper for MNFGA
Richard Wolthuis is the MNFGA 2nd Vice President and has been growing nut trees for decades.

President
Dennis Strahle
517-204-8600
MichiganNutGrower@gmail.com
Eagle, MI

1st Vice President
Clay Ottoni
248-454-9800
Waterford, MI

2nd Vice President
Richard Wolthuis
989-885-3633
Ionia, MI

Becky Ladewski is th secretary of MNFGA and the owner of a fruit orchard
Cecelia Fydroski is our treasurer and a long-time fruit and nut tree grower
Dan Guyer is our MSU Faculty Advisor on all things nut and fruit.

Secretary
Becky Ladewski

Treasurer
Cecelia Fydroski
248-360-3933
Commerce Township, MI

MSU Faculty Adviser 
Prof. Daniel Guyer
517-353-4517
Michigan State University

Bill Nash is the owner of Nash Nurseries and the Resident Agent for MNFGA on all things commerical nut and fruit tree growing
Jim Fydroski is the Newsletter editor for MNFGA and a long-time fruit and nut tree grower
Mike Doherty is our immediate past president and a valuable source of fruit and nut tree growing knowledge

Resident Agent
Bill Nash
517-719-7216
Owosso, MI
Home | Nash Nurseries

MNFGA News Editor
Jim Fydroski
248-360-3933
Commerce Township, MI

Immediate Past President 
Mike Dority
734-994-4720
Ann Arbor, MI

Directors- at- Large

Marc Boone is a Director-at-Large and an expert on paw Paw fruit production
PJ Chmiel is a Director-at-Large for MNFGA and an advocate for native species and a long-time fruit and nut tree grower
Levi Clark is a Director-at-Large for MNFGA and a homesteader who is creating an extensive fruit and nut orchard on his property

Marc Boone, Ann Arbor, MI
734-663-7803

PJ Chmiel, Lawton, MI
269-823-8847

Levi Clark, Gregory, MI
levi.b.clark@gmail.com

Dr. Paula Ruffin is a chiropractor and a strong advocate for regenerative living. She incorporates fruit and nut trees in her suburban landscape
Jackie Smith is the resident website manager for MNFGA and a homesteader who incorporates fruit and nut trees in her landscape

Paula Ruffin
248-981-8105
chirodog@gmail.com

Jackie Smith
michfarmgal@gmail.com