MAD Scientist Associates, LLC

May 28, 2021

Welcome new MAD Team Members!

We recently celebrated Endangered Species Day and would like to highlight two of our new staff members that will help create and restore Ohio’s native habitat and study-monitor state and federally listed species. Nicholas Smeenk Ph.D., AWB, joins us with a background in wildlife and environmental studies and research in wetland assessment methods. He specializes in herpetology and is Ohio Division of Wildlife Approved Herpetologist for the Eastern Hellbender, Blanding’s Turtle, and Eastern Massasauga in addition to holding a federal recovery permit for the Eastern Massasauga. Jonathan Stechschulte joins us with a background in biology and landscape design. He will lead design efforts for restoration sites and help our clients visualize site goals with his fantastic digital renderings and artwork. Visit our Team and Blog (MAD […]
September 3, 2020

September Photo of the Month

A late-season breeder, the American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) waits for the thistledown to be ready so it can provide a soft nest-lining for its young. This brood was spotted in a Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) shrub at a mitigation wetland in Gallant Woods Park, Delaware County, Ohio.
March 6, 2020

2019 Small Business of the Year!

December 18, 2019 We are very excited to be recognized as the 2019 Small Business of the Year by Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce. Also, we are thankful for a great staff and for our valued clients and partners. On January 27, 2020, MAD was presented by the Chamber with the award and were additionally surprised with recognitions by Rep. Joyce Beatty, Senator Sherrod Brown, Rep. Troy Balderson, and Rep. Mary Lightbody. It is our pleasure to serve the Westerville community. It is a great base of operations for our small, but growing,  
March 6, 2020

Welcoming Lindsay Hanna, Project Scientist

December 18, 2019 In September, we happily added Lindsay Hanna to our team of ecological professionals. She joins us as a Project Scientist and will specialize in managing ecological surveys, overseeing wetland delineations, and NEPA biological and environmental assessments. She has studied in both Ohio and Michigan, and comes to us with six years of experience in ecological consulting.
March 6, 2020

Aquatic Ecologist, Jenna Odegard Certified to Perform Mussel Surveys and Earns Macroinvertebrate QDC Level 3!

December 18, 2019 In May, Jenna Odegard, Aquatic Ecologist, became state certified to perform freshwater mussel surveys in Group 1 and 3 streams. Freshwater mussels are among the most endangered organisms in North America due to their sensitivity to aquatic pollution, especially sedimentation of river systems. Because of their cryptic lifestyle (both camouflaged and benthic), their diversity and distribution in Ohio waterways is poorly defined. If projects include proposed alterations/impacts to streams, a mussel reconnaissance survey should be performed to determine their presence or probable absence from the stream. If necessary, Jenna can relocate mussels as a means to preserve local populations.  This fall, Jenna led her first full mussel survey and relocation (accompanied by Restoration Specialist, Jim Palus and intern, Kate Gorman) in Lake […]
March 6, 2020

Staffers Welcome New Family Additions

December 18, 2019 In August, Jenny Adkins welcomed her second child, Asa James Adkins. Not long after in late September, Jackie Kopechek welcomed her first child, Lewis Michael Kopechek. Both families are doing well. Asa and Lewis have already made appearances at the MAD office, and Asa attended his first Ohio Wetlands Association meeting (resulting in his first wetland excursion)!
March 6, 2020

Breaking Ground on 20+ Acre Mitigation Site

December 18, 2019 This year our largest mitigation site to date began construction in Richland County, Ohio. This site includes over 11 acres of emergent and forested wetlands and over 16 acres of upland buffer. Final grading was completed in August, with planting scheduled for the spring of 2020. This winter, MAD developed (with the assistance of Northpoint Engineering) a formal bid set for planting activities. MAD will oversee the planting of tens of thousands of rooted wetland plugs, bareroot,  and container trees. Our client generously agreed to fund the salvage of native hydric soils, plant material, and wildlife from the proposed wetland impact areas. Salvage efforts may include volunteer opportunities for local K-12 school groups to participate in plant identification, transplanting, and experience with […]