Michler & Brown, LLC

BEFORE    Swamplovers circa 2000 (photo by G. Goth)

 AFTER  Swamplovers (photo by G. Goth)

Our company officially began in 2000 when it was only Willis (Brown) and Paul (Michler) trudging up and down and across the steep slopes of a property owned by Tom and Kathy Brock outside of Black Earth.  Previously, the property was just another heavily wooded and weeded mess that at first glance, was indistinguishable from any other land in the area.  But closer inspection had revealed the scattered presence of old open grown White and Bur Oaks and remnants of tall and short grass prairies that indicated what the land used to be, and presaged what it could be.  Ten years later, what had just been a gleam in the Brocks' eyes, became the Pleasant Valley Conservancy and is now a State Natural Area (#551).  

Over the past decade, Michler&Brown LLC has grown and been involved in numerous projects throughout Wisconsin. As a result, we believe we have developed some proven techniques that have made our work both efficient, and enduring.  We have become a well known and trusted leader in the restoration efforts in South Central Wisconsin. 

Who We Are

Willis Brown-  M.S. in Land Resources from U.W. Madison.  His thesis looked at the affect of carbon amendments on prairie plantings.  Prior to moving to Madison he was a biochemist which has proven to be of no use whatsoever to his work in ecological restoration.

Paul Michler-  B.S. in Engineering from U.W. Madison.  In addition to repairing equipment, Paul enjoys coming up with innovative ways to increase efficiency and ingenious ways to extirpate his truck when he exceeds its capabilities.

Chris Knief-  B.A. in Political Studies at Bard College (rated #1 Dinner Party School by The Onion).  Completed Natural Resources Certificate at Sacramento City College. 

Rex Sohn-  B.S. in Wildlife Biology at Michigan State University.  He worked at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center in Madison.  He came out of early retirement to work with us in the fall of 2008.