Michael Janis serves as the coordinator for the Trans-Pecos Grasslands and Riparian Conservation Initiative. He earned a B.S. in Wildlife Ecology from Texas A&M University in 1993. After 2 years of working seasonal jobs, he returned to school at the University of Tennessee to complete a M.S. in Wildlife Biology. His research there focused on examining the responses of Florida panthers to recreational deer and hog hunting. After graduate school, Mike began a career with Texas Parks and Wildlife as the biologist for DeWitt and Goliad Counties. During 24 years with Texas Parks and Wildlife he worked in various roles, including serving as the Matador Wildlife Management Area biologist, Brewster County biologist, and Trans-Pecos District Leader. Mike has lived and worked in Alpine since 2010. In his current position he works with landowners on cost-share habitat improvement projects focused on Chihuahuan Desert grasslands and riparian areas.