Who we are

Established in 2025, the White Lake Community Garden (a 501c3 non-profit organization) is a place where neighbors gather to cultivate both fresh produce and community connection. We believe everyone brings a unique perspective to the table—and the soil. Come grow with us, this space is open to all.

To read more about what we’ve been working on, check out our 2026 proposal! This includes all of our plans for the garden for this summer and beyond.

Meet Our Board

Having grown up in Michigan, Amber’s favorite core memories are ones spent outside enjoying Michigan’s diverse seasonality. With a background in design and marketing, she is drawn to work that blends creativity with meaningful impact. In 2025 Amber developed the ideas for the community garden, using her skills and passions to create a project that reflects her belief that small, locally driven efforts can create lasting change and help strengthen connections within the community.

Amber Marks - President

An artist and avid gardener, Ann Kraus previously worked in construction management. She used these skills to design the layout of the community garden and also hand painted the entrance sign. Ann sees being part of the community garden as a way to make a positive impact in the community she grew up in.

Ann Kraus - Vice President

Dayton is a transplant from the Holland area that brings engineering and general construction skills to the Garden. He helped build and plant the 2025 garden, organized the salsa making event, modeled the 2026 garden layout, and helped to incorporate the Garden as a non-profit. In the coming years he is most excited to see all the new connections that grow, both interpersonal and with other organizations.

Dayton Pax - Secretary

Kenn Joyce - Treasurer

Kenn asks himself what is important after retiring from business development, medical technology, head track couch and many other hats he’s have worn. And the answer is simple-family, community, and volunteerism. He sees these same values in the White Lake Community Garden. Neighbors helping neighbors. Not only cultivating beans, tomatoes, and lettuce, but building new relationships by using the garden as place to collaborate, learn and grow.

Ian Brennan - Director

Bio here