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W.K. Kellogg Biological Station

Bird Sanctuary

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You are here: Home / About / Staff

Staff

 

 

Kelly BaltImage of Kelly Baltusis with greenhouse background and natural trailusis joined the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary staff in February of 2025 as the Avian Care Technician. Kelly has a B.S. in Conservation Biology from Michigan State University. She has worked with birds since the summer of 2021 where she became an intern at the Burke Lake Banding station. Kelly spends her free time dancing, hammocking, spending time with family and friends, and of course always looking for birds.

Email: baltusi2@msu.edu

Phone: (269) 671-2510

 

 


Casandra DeBoer joined the Bird Sanctuary staff in December of 2021 as a Resource Center Clerk. She has a B.A. in English Literature and Language Art, and a minor in Elementary Education from Grand Valley State University. She is a nature enthusiast and is here to learn more about the world of birds right along with you.  When she is not at work she can be found spending time with her family, Girl Scouting, crafting or playing with one of the family pets.

 

Email: deboerc6@kbs.msu.edu

Phone: (269) 671-2356

 

 


Lisa Duke and Great Horned OwlLisa Duke joined the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary in May 2012 as the Animal Caretaker and is now the Sanctuary Manager.  Lisa has a B.S. in Zoology from Michigan State University with a concentration in Zoo and Aquarium Science.  Lisa has a love of the outdoors and all animals found in it.  She resides in Battle Creek, MI with her husband, sons, and plethora of pets.

Email: lisaduke@kbs.msu.edu

Phone: (269) 671-2511

 

Brenden Kokx holding Great Horned OwlBrenden Kokx joined the Sanctuary in July of 2020 and is now the Avian Caretaker. He has a B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Management from Michigan State University. He found an affinity for birds while serving as the Joe Johnson Fellowship intern here at the Sanctuary in 2017. He loves all things adventure, but especially birding, hiking, and hammocking. When he’s not at work, he and his wife, CeeJay, spend as much time as they can outside with their dogs.

Email: kokxbren@msu.edu

Phone: 269-671-2181

 

 


Image of Rylee Lorenz

Rylee Lorenz joined the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary for summer 2025 as a Naturalist. She holds a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Chemistry from Grand Valley State University, and brings experience in raptor rehabilitation, farm and exotic animal care, and outdoor science education. At home, she enjoys foraging for morel mushrooms in the spring and spending time with her two adventurous ferrets, Penelope and Pansy.

Email: lorenzry@msu.edu

 

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UPCOMING EVENTS

  • Jun 01 Storybook Walk: Lola Plants a Garden by Anna McQuinn Learn More >
  • Jun 25 Wild Wednesdays: Owls and Hawks Learn More >
  • Jul 09 Birds and Coffee Online Chat: Wading Birds Learn More >
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  • RECENT BLOG POSTS

    Meet the Raptors of Michigan!

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    Welcome Rylee Lorenz to the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary!

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    Field Experiences for Students

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    A legacy of conservation; a commitment to sustainability.

    Kellogg Bird Sanctuary
    12685 East C Avenue
    Augusta, MI 49012
    Phone: (269) 671-2510 birdsanctuary@kbs.msu.edu

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