Marcus Johnson’s journey from the Army to Platteville to Madison is a powerful example of resilience, determination, and transformation. Before discovering Operation Fresh Start (OFS), Marcus was working in cable installation and water treatment, but he struggled to find stable work after moving back to Madison. The search was long and discouraging—until he found OFS’s Conservation Academy, something that immediately resonated with him.
“I liked working outside,” Marcus recalled, and with OFS, he was able to turn that passion into a career.
As a part of the Conservation Academy, he embraced hands-on work, including brush cutting, tree felling, invasive species removal, and seed collecting.
“My favorite part is using the chainsaw—especially when the tree finally falls over,” he shared with a smile. But the Conservation Academy wasn’t just about mastering technical skills. It gave Marcus the chance to grow as a leader and a team player.
Cory Rich, Director of OFS Legacy and Conservation, spoke highly of Marcus’s leadership during his time at OFS.
“Marcus retained an equally pleasant disposition, whether it was freezing or burning hot, whether he had prairie smoke in his eyes or bugs biting his skin. His positive attitude pushed the entire crew to do better,” Cory said.
Marcus wasn’t just focused on his own progress. He often helped his fellow crew members, even tutoring them for exams and teaching safety practices. One example of his thoughtfulness was when he purchased fake dragonflies for the crew to help scare off mosquitoes, embodying both his humor and his desire to look out for others.
Marcus’ supervisor, Jake Norman, also praised his drive to continually improve and his curiosity about the work.
“Marcus was never satisfied with just doing the work—he always wanted to know the deeper ‘why’ behind it,” Jake said. “He took it upon himself to help others who may not have his level of experience complete tasks safely and efficiently.”
New Opportunity Arises
At his graduation on October 2, Marcus earned his pre-apprenticeship in conservation and urban forestry along with his OFS Conservation Academy certificate of completion. In addition, he earned his Chainsaw Certification (SAWW Level 1), Pesticide Applicator Certification (6.0 Right-of-Way), and Wildland Fire Certifications (IS 700, IS 100, S130, S190, L180). Additionally, he earned his Public Land Corps Certification, which gives him non-compete status for certain federal agencies.
His growth as a leader and a professional was evident to everyone around him. Even in challenging conditions, Marcus remained a steadying force for his team, and his supervisors often remarked how he could easily step into a leadership role without being asked.
OFS’s Conservation Academy creates a pathway for young people to be competitive in land conservation jobs with people who have a four-year degree. Marcus’ dedication and growth led to an extraordinary opportunity. In a joint effort between Dane County Parks and U.S. Fish and Wildlife, a new Land Restoration Specialist position was created based on the organizations’ needs. Marcus applied and proved to have the ideal skillset they were seeking, recognizing that Conservation Academy completion is competitive with a four-year conservation degree.
On October 7, Marcus embarked on his new role, allowing him to continue conservation work with Dane County Parks while also traveling for specialized projects with U.S. Fish and Wildlife.
Shane Otto, a botanist/naturalist with Dane County Parks, shared, “Marcus is an amazing human being, and we’re excited to welcome him to the Dane County Parks family. He’ll continue to show his talents to collaborators and conservationists across the state.”
This new role is a reflection not only of his hard work, but also of the profound impact he has made on the people and organizations he’s worked with.
