Before coming to JDCF in 2013, Steve lived and worked in northeastern Illinois nearly his entire life. Steve began his career in conservation in 1986 at the Heller Nature Center, serving first as a teaching naturalist, later as the center’s director. From 1998 to...

Jean Matthiessen joined JDCF in July of 2022 after working for the Galena Historical Society for three and a half-years as an Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director. In her new position as Administrative Assistant for Development, Jean works with Director...

Courtney Abate joined the NISC team in the spring of 2022. She has nearly two years of experience in ecological restoration including a season with NISC member organization the Natural Land Institute. Courtney comes to us with a burning passion for being outdoors as...

Although a volunteer, herself, Ginni has taken on the task of coordinating the many layers of JDCF’s volunteer program, and is a valued member of our staff! JDCF offers many different volunteer opportunities for people of all ages. If you are interested, please...

Nick grew up in Galena, and most recently worked for the Canadian Pacific railway. He ran his own landscape services company for five years. He has also assisted his father in running a successful snow plowing business, Dan and Sons Snow Plowing, for more than a...