The Southern Driftless Grasslands welcomes Jenn Simons as the new project manager! Jenn will be taking over for Cindy Becker, who is the new Director of Conservation Programs for the Driftless Area Land Conservancy. We're so thankful for all that Cindy has accomplished during her time coordinating the SDG partnership, and we look forward to continuing the momentum to get grass on the ground with Jenn.
Growing up in rural Nebraska, Jenn's interest in conservation stemmed from an appreciation for working landscapes. She has spent the last decade working on diversified vegetable farms, serving as an AmeriCorps member coordinating a gleaning program, managing invasive species in the oak openings region of northwest Ohio, assisting farmers as an Organic Certification Specialist, collecting seed for a local native seed and plant nursery, and conducting research at Nachusa Grasslands. Jenn recently completed her master’s degree in restoration ecology at UW-Madison. She's excited for this opportunity to merge her background in working lands with her love of conservation. In her words, "The passion of those who care for this region is contagious, and the Driftless Area has completely stolen my heart."
We thank you for your patience during this time of transition and look forward to seeing you in the field!