Lauren Jones is an Accelerated Master’s Student at the University of Michigan, studying Ecosystem Science & Management and Environmental Policy & Planning in the School for Environment and Sustainability. While completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan, she worked as the UM Farm Stand Manager, where she led programming to provide organic produce to students. This past summer, she worked with the DNR’s Michigan Civilian Conservation Corps, where she performed field restoration work through invasive species control and the reintroduction of native species. She also has one published scientific study on mite domatia in northern Michigan ecosystems. Her thesis project focuses on implementing urban deer management in southeast Michigan and the environmental and social implications of this program. For years, she has been working, learning, and leading at the intersections of environmental health, ecological restoration, and social systems.

TSN Conference 2026

January 22nd, 2026 (Thursday) // 1:45 pm – 2:10 pm // Room 105 // The Deer Dilemma: Methods of Managing Urban Deer in Southeast Michigan // Managing the impacts of overabundant urban deer populations has become a priority for many municipal governments and land management organizations in Southeast Michigan. This project served to advance current and future urban deer management by producing a standardized guide for new programs and providing technical support for the implementation of the first regional deer management program in Farmington Hills, Farmington, and Southfield. Three pillars of urban deer management were used as a framework for the project: ecological, social, and program development. Project elements included conducting interviews with city employees and land managers, providing recommendations for ecological monitoring programs, and developing a variety of materials to support deer management programs in Southeast Michigan. Moving forward, we offer recommendations for municipalities interested in implementing urban deer management programs.